Puppy Vet Care

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Congratulations on your new puppy!

There’s a lot of joy - and probably some nerves - to be had. Read on to get vet-approved guidance on making sure that your new puppy has a strong start in life.

A heartwarming cartoon illustration of a kitten and a puppy sitting together, highlighting the value of preventive care for pets.
Open 8am-8pm, 365 days a year... same day appointments and urgent drop-offs welcome!
Primary and urgent care, under one roof.
Easily book online or text us.
Modern, warm clinics with unlimited free treats.
Open 8am-8pm, 365 days a year... same day appointments and urgent drop-offs welcome!
Primary and urgent care, under one roof.
Easily book online or text us.
Modern, warm clinics with unlimited free treats.

WHY PUPPIES NEED PREVENTIVE CARE

As a new puppy owner, one of the best things you can do for your furry friend is to start preventive care early. This approach is key to helping your pup enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life.

From the get-go, it's important to focus on puppy-specific health needs. This includes bringing your little one in for their first health check-up, keeping up with their vaccination schedule, and talking to your vet about the right time for spaying or neutering. Each of these steps is crucial in laying the groundwork for your puppy's lifelong health.
A devoted veterinarian holding a cat, maintaining eye contact with the camera, emphasizing the significance of preventive care for feline well-being

WHY SPLOOT VETS?

All Under
One Roof

From wellness exams to emergency care, all your pet’s needs in one place.

Next-Level
Vet Care

Sploot offers state-of-the-art care and innovative practices—vet care of tomorrow, today.

Vet Care
When You Need It

Same or next day appointments, open 8am - 8pm, Every. Single. Day.

Exceptional Pet &
Parent Experience

Book your way & text with vets for personalized care, plus enjoy transparent pricing & concierge support.

Step by step guidance for your first few months as a new puppy parent!

STEP 01

Learn the Pet Parenting Fundamentals

There are a few things a new pet parent should know to provide the best care possible for their new puppy. A few of the fundamentals include:

Home preparation for your new pet

Training best practices

Socialization tips

All of the above (and more) are covered in our FREE, comprehensive puppy guide.
The Ultimate Pet Parent’s Guide to Puppies

STEP 02

Schedule Your Very First Puppy Visit

Give your new puppy the strongest start possible with early preventive care. Puppy exams help to monitor your pet’s growth and development while ensuring overall good health.
A lovable puppy wearing our sploot bandana, adding a touch of charm to a playful puppy exam.

What’s Included in a Puppy Exam

Puppy wellness exams last around 30 minutes and include the following:

A Comprehensive Snout-to-Tail Examination

Our veterinarians will examine your puppy ears, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, gums, posture, and more. Veterinarians also ask pet parents about the puppy's feeding habits, elimination patterns, behavior, and other details.

Vaccination Recommendations

Our veterinarians will recommend a schedule for core vaccinations as well as other needed vaccinations based on location and lifestyle.

Time for All Your Questions

Curious about your puppy's behavior, training, nutritional needs, spaying/neutering, early signs of allergies, and so on? Whatever questions you may have about your new furry family member, one-on-one time with our vets is always a meaningful learning experience.

When to Schedule Your First Puppy Exam

It is recommended to schedule your puppy’s first wellness exam as soon as possible after bringing them home.

However, if you notice anything concerning your puppy — whether it’s unusual lethargy, loss of appetite, being underweight, vomiting, diarrhea, and so on — we recommend setting up an urgent appointment. We accept same-day appointments and urgent drop-offs.

STEP 03

Boost Your Young Furry Friend’s Immunity

Vaccinations strengthen your pet’s immunity against transmissible disease. Because puppies are more prone to acquiring diseases and tend to have more serious symptoms than adult dogs, early vaccination is strongly recommended.
A cute dog illustration in the splooting position

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Core Vaccines
DHPP
The DHPP vaccine, is a combination vaccine for dogs that provides protection against several infectious diseases: Distemper, Adenovirus (hepatitis), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. These 4 highly contagious diseases are classified as either generally fatal or known to cause serious illness.
Recommended*
Bordetella
Also known as the kennel cough vaccine, the Bordetella vaccine protects dogs and cats against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that causes a highly contagious respiratory disease.
Core
Rabies
The rabies vaccine for dogs is a crucial preventive measure against the deadly rabies virus which targets the central nervous systems of mammals.
Recommended*
Leptospirosis
The leptospirosis vaccine builds up a dog's immunity against leptospirosis, a disease caused by Leptospira bacteria — which can be carried by backyard wildlife or present in infected soil, puddles, and stagnant water.
Recommended*
Canine Influenza Vaccine
The canine influenza vaccine protects dogs from the highly contagious canine influenza virus. The canine influenza vaccine helps reduce the severity of the disease and minimizes the risk of transmission to other dogs in communal settings, such as dog parks, kennels, and daycare facilities.
*The schedule for administering the first dose of the rabies vaccine may vary depending on region.
*Generally recommended for dogs in Denver & Chicago.

Want to get on top of puppy vaccinations?

STEP 04

Keep Parasites Away

Keep your puppy parasite-free with preventive deworming. Puppies are particularly susceptible to getting intestinal worms (and some may even have them at birth). And while breeders and rescues may deworm puppies, there are several common parasites that a general deworming does NOT cover.

Fecal testing and thorough deworming is highly recommended. Our veterinarians will recommend the safest and most effective deworming medication.
 A cartoon illustration of a dachshund caught in a playful stretch

Deworming Schedule for Puppies

Starts At
2 weeks old
Repeats At
4 weeks old
6 weeks old
8 weeks old
6 months old
1 year old

STEP 05

Plan Ahead for Spaying and Neutering

Rachel planning ahead for her dog (kevin's) spay and neuter
Spaying and neutering offer numerous health and behavioral benefits for puppies, leading to a longer, more fulfilling life. While research shows these procedures can prevent certain health issues in cats, they are equally important for dogs.

Not only do spaying and neutering help in avoiding accidental breeding, but they also contribute significantly to tackling the pet overpopulation problem. Both procedures are required by some municipalities in the USA and are endorsed by organizations like Humane Society International and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

When to Schedule Spaying or Neutering

We recommend that female dogs get spayed at 6 months of age. Meanwhile, male dogs can be neutered between the ages of 6 and 12 months.

Ready to ace preventive care?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I prevent my puppy from getting sick?

Puppies, with their developing immune system, are generally more susceptible to getting sick than adult dogs. This is why it’s important to do the following measures to keep your puppy in good health:

  • Maintain good hygiene
  • Provide a nutritious diet that supports their development
  • Avoid exposing young pets to other animals until critical vaccinations are complete (i.e no dog parks, pet stores, or any place where strange animals could have stayed in.)
  • Get vaccinations as soon as it's recommended by the veterinarian
  • Have regular veterinary check-ups for complete preventive care
What health problems should I look out for in my puppy

Some of the most common health problems for puppies include digestive problems, respiratory infections, parasites, and injuries. Regular checkups, vaccinations, and diligent preventive care practices help in reducing the risk of developing these health issues.

When should I bring my new puppy to the vet?

It is recommended to bring your new puppy to the vet as soon as possible for their first wellness exam. This allows the veterinarian to monitor their growth, screen for health issues, and administer vaccinations as soon as it’s needed.

How often should I bring my puppy in for check-ups?

Puppies typically require more frequent check-ups than adult dogs to ensure their healthy growth and development. Our veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your pet's specific needs.

What vaccinations does my puppy need?

Our veterinarians can help you create an individualized vaccination schedule for your puppy, which may include core vaccinations (e.g. for rabies, distemper) and recommended vaccinations (e.g. for bordetella, leptospirosis, canine influenza, and Lyme disease).

What is the difference between core and non-core vaccines?

Vaccines are either core or recommended (non-core). Core vaccines are routinely recommended because they address common diseases for all pets. Non-core vaccines are recommended by veterinarians based on specific needs.

For puppies, initial vaccinations are spaced apart depending on the veterinarian’s recommendation because shots typically cannot be given all at once.

Why do puppies need to be vaccinated early?

Puppies are not only more susceptible to contracting various diseases than older dogs, they also tend to show more serious symptoms. This is because their immunity is still under development.

The best time to vaccinate your puppy is during the earliest recommended time or as otherwise advised by the veterinarian.

Do I need to follow vaccination schedules?

Yes. Each vaccine has a specific schedule of when the initial shot can be given and when the following shots need to be administered. Following the vaccine schedule diligently is necessary for effectively boosting your puppy's immunity to diseases.

How do I prevent and treat fleas and ticks?

Fleas and ticks cause discomfort for puppies and, if left untreated, a flea or tick infestation can lead to serious health complications. Our veterinarians will recommend the best prevention and treatment options for your pup.

When should I start training my dog?

Early training and socialization paves the way for puppies to grow up to be well-behaved adults. Puppy training can begin as soon as you bring them home — which is at around 8 weeks of age. This is the optimum age to start training puppies.

How do I train my puppy?

Once it’s time to train your dog, use positive reinforcement to reinforce desired behavior. Reward your pet with treats and praise. Patience and consistency is key. It is also recommended to start with basic commands.

For more information about training young puppy, refer to our puppy guide!

How can I socialize my puppy?

Socializing your puppy is essential for their wellbeing. Though it is advisable to start early, it is recommended to wait a few weeks before introducing a new puppy to other pets so they can first get used to their environment. It is also recommended to only introduce puppies to other fully vaccinated, healthy pets.

When it’s time to introduce a puppy to other pets, keep them separate until they get used to each other’s scent. Make sure to do this in a calm and controlled environment and make sure to supervise the entire introduction.

For more information about socializing young pets, refer to our puppy guide!

Can veterinarians help with training or behavioral issues in puppies?

Yes! You can discuss any training or behavioral problems during your puppy’s wellness exams.

How often should I feed my puppy?

It is recommended to feed puppies three to four times a day until they are around six months old. After that, puppies can transition to being fed twice a day.

What kind of food should I feed my new dog?

Nutritional needs vary depending on the size, breed, and unique needs of your puppy. Our veterinarians provide nutritional consultations to ensure that your young furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need for optimum growth and development.

What type of toys are safe and appropriate for my puppy?

In our puppy guide, we give recommendations on toys to get for your young furry companion. As a general tip, look for toys that are safe,  non-toxic, and intended for puppies. Avoid toys with small parts that could be a choking hazard.

If you suspect that your puppy has ingested a part of a toy, reach out to us for an urgent appointment.

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

Generally, spaying or neutering is recommended for puppies that are at least 6 months old. However, the ideal timing can vary depending on your dog's breed and size. During your puppy's veterinary visits, your vet will discuss the most suitable time for this procedure for your specific dog. Spaying or neutering too early can have negative impacts on their growth and development, so it's crucial to get a professional opinion from a vet who is familiar with your dog's health and breed.

Are all puppies safe to spay or neuter?

A pre-surgical examination is done for all pets to ensure utmost safety for spaying or neutering. This pre-surgical exam, which includes a blood test, determines if and when a pet can undergo spaying or neutering.

Should I get pet insurance?

Pet insurance can be a great way to help avoid unexpected veterinary expenses. When choosing pet insurance, make sure to get coverage that is suited for your pet’s needs.

Does Sploot Veterinary Care accept pet insurance?

Pet parents can be reimbursed by their pet’s insurance, as long as the treatment falls within the scope of the plan.

Different pet insurance plans and wellness plans offer different types of coverage. Please contact your provider for questions or clarifications about your puppy’s insurance or wellness plan.

When can I schedule my puppy appointment at Sploot Vets?

You can schedule your puppy visit hours, days, or weeks in advance. If you need an urgent appointment, our doors are also open for same-day appointments and urgent drop-offs!

What payment options are available in Sploot Vets?

We accept cashless payments only; this is to ensure the safety of our clinics and clients. We are pleased to accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as CareCredit and ScratchPay.

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Got More Questions?

Feel free to call or text us with any questions you might have about caring for your dog.

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We accept scheduled, same day, and urgent drop-off appointments at ALL of our clinics.

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