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Comprehensive Care for Your New Best Friend
Welcoming a puppy into your home is an exciting journey, and at Lakewood Animal Hospital, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our Puppy Care services are designed to give your new pet the best start in life, ensuring their growth, health, and happiness. From vaccinations to socialization, we provide the comprehensive care your puppy needs to thrive.
Puppy Wellness Exams
Puppies need regular health check-ups to ensure they are growing strong and healthy. Our wellness exams help us track your puppy’s development, check for congenital issues, and ensure they are on the right track. During these visits, we’ll also discuss your puppy’s nutrition, behavior, and overall well-being, and provide you with tips for raising a happy, healthy dog.
Additionally, we perform a thorough physical examination, including:
- Weight and growth monitoring: To ensure your puppy is growing at a healthy rate.
- Fecal examination: To check for intestinal parasites, which are common in puppies.
- Blood tests: These may include a heartworm test or complete blood count to evaluate your puppy’s overall health and immune function.
- Skin and coat check: To detect any signs of allergies, skin infections, or parasites like fleas and ticks.
- Ear, eye, and dental check: To monitor for early signs of infections or abnormalities that could lead to future health issues.
Vaccinations for Puppies
Vaccinations are a crucial part of puppy care to prevent serious and contagious diseases. We provide a Puppy Vaccination Schedule that ensures your puppy receives the proper vaccinations at the right time. Core vaccines for puppies include:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus
In addition to these core vaccines, we also offer non-core vaccines based on your puppy’s lifestyle, such as Bordetella and Leptospirosis. We’ll help guide you through the vaccination schedule to keep your puppy protected as they grow.
Parasite Prevention
Puppies are particularly susceptible to parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. We provide parasite prevention to protect your puppy from these harmful invaders. Regular deworming is recommended, as well as flea and tick prevention to ensure your puppy remains healthy and comfortable.
Puppy Nutrition and Growth
Proper nutrition is vital during your puppy’s formative months. We’ll guide you in choosing the best diet for your puppy’s breed, size, and health needs. Our team will discuss feeding schedules, portion sizes, and tips for healthy growth. Nutrition plays a key role in supporting your puppy’s energy, development, and immune system.
Socialization and Training
The first few months of your puppy’s life are critical for their socialization and learning. We provide advice on proper puppy training and socialization, including introducing your puppy to new people, pets, and environments. Early training helps your puppy develop good behavior habits and ensures they grow up to be well-adjusted and confident.
Spaying/Neutering
At the appropriate time, we recommend spaying or neutering your puppy to help prevent certain health problems and unwanted behavior. Spaying and neutering can also contribute to reducing the number of unwanted pets in our community. Our team will guide you in making the best decision for your puppy’s long-term health.
Microchipping for Your Puppy
Microchipping is an important part of ensuring your puppy’s safety. A microchip is a small, permanent identifier that can help reunite you with your puppy if they ever get lost. The procedure is quick and easy, and it’s one of the best ways to keep your puppy safe for life.