PUPPIES
We are delighted you have chosen us to look after your new puppy
it’s an exciting time for everyone and we hope they are settling in well and becoming part of your family. You may have some questions about the best way to care for your puppy and we’ve tried to answer them here but please don’t hesitate to get in touch via Petsapp or by phone if we can help at all.
VACCINATIONS
We recommend puppies begin their vaccinations at 8 weeks of age, unless there are other dogs in the house when it can be done from 6 weeks. The course consists of 2 injections given 2-4 weeks apart. The second injection must be given when the puppy is 10 weeks of age or over. Ideally puppies should not be in contact with other dogs or allowed on the ground in public places where other dogs may have been until 10 days after their second vaccination, although you can let them into your garden if no other dogs have been there
Puppies are vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis. Canine vaccines require an annual booster which also gives your dog the chance to have a complete health check at least once per year.
NEUTERING (FEMALE DOGS)
We advise all bitches not intended for breeding be spayed
This can be done from 6 months old of age before she comes into season. It can also be done later on so long as it is at least 2 months postseason.
Benefits
+ No chance of unplanned mating.
+ No seasons and a reduction in the urge to wander for mating.
+ No false pregnancies.
+ Removes the risk of Pyometra (a very common life threatening uterine infection which can require emergency surgery)
+ Reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer.
Risks
+ Anesthetic risk.
+ Potential reduction in metabolic rate which can mean they are more prone to weight gain. If this does occur it can be effectively managed through diet
+ Small risk of urinary incontinence although this can occur in unspayed dogs too.
+ Post-op complications e.g. infection, wound breakdown (but these are uncommon)
NEUTERING (MALE DOGS)
Male dogs can be castrated from 6 months of age
Benefits
+ Reduction in an urge to roam.
+ Less chance of hormonal related aggression.
+ Removes the risk of testicular cancer entirely.
+ Less chance of prostatic disease.
+ Reduces the urge to mount.
Risks
+ Anesthetic risk.
+ Potential reduction in metabolic rate which can mean they are more prone to weight gain. If this does occur it can be effectively managed through diet.
+ Post-op complications e.g. infection, wound breakdown (but these are uncommon)
WORMING
Worming should be started from a very young age
We recommend worming be started at a very young age and we advise that this is done monthly throughout your dog’s life.
MICROCHIPPING
It is a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks to be microchipped. It is a dog breeder’s responsibility to ensure puppies are microchipped before selling as they cannot be sold until they are 8 weeks old and they must be microchipped before you can buy them.
If your dog doesn’t have a microchip it is a simple procedure that can be done at any age by your vet. A microchip will be placed under the skin between the shoulder blades. Should your dog get lost and be taken to the police, the SSPCA or any veterinary surgery being microchipped will allow them to be traced back to you and returned safely.
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend you consider pet insurance to give you peace of mind. Look around for a policy that suits you – lifelong policies may cover long term disease/illness e.g. diabetes, heart disease, chronic skin disease.
BREEDERS
Where a puppy is born and raised has a huge impact on their future
health and happiness. Always make sure you see mum and her pups
together, and never buy a puppy if you have doubts about the breeder or situation. We would always recommend that you buy from a registered breeder to ensure your puppy has the best start in life.
REAL PETS HEALTH CLUB
Give Your Puppy the Best Start with our Freedom Plan
As a member of our Freedom health plan, your puppy will receive the gold standard of care from day one. Designed for total peace of mind, it includes unlimited vet and nurse consultations—giving you complete freedom to pop in whenever you have a question about your new companion's health, training, or growth.
Your simple monthly membership also includes:
Essential vaccinations to protect them as they grow.
Regular flea, tick, and worming treatments delivered straight to your door.
Routine health checks and annual boosters.
Exclusive member discounts on other services and treatments.
It’s the easiest way to save money and spread the cost of premier healthcare into predictable monthly payments. (Looking for the basics? We also offer a Care plan which covers preventative essentials only, without the unlimited consultations).
To find out more, visit our Real Pets Health Club page. If you have any questions, just message us on PetsApp or give us a call.
We’re always here to help—and please do pop in to see us whenever you are passing by! It's a wonderful way for your puppy to get used to the practice, and our team absolutely loves a puppy cuddle.
