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GENERAL PUPPY VISIT INFORMATION:
Examination and Consultation: Initial Puppy Visit
A full physical examination will be performed to evaluate your puppy and help identify congenital (born-with) problems as well as symptoms of infectious disease. We examine our puppy patients from head to toe for issues such as heart murmurs, hernias, abnormal bones and joints, evidence of fleas, ticks, ear mites and skin mites (mange).
In addition, with new puppy owners we begin discussions about general healthcare topics such as (1) proper nutrition and feeding – making specific diet recommendations when we feel it is appropriate to advise our clients of a need to change brands, (2) Infectious disease prevention – avoiding areas where contagious diseases may be most likely to be present (3) Heartworm, intestinal, flea and tick parasite prevention and often discuss (4) techniques for house breaking, discipline (nipping / biting) and overall training.
Juvenile Progress Exam: Follow-up Puppy Visits
After your puppy’s initial visit with a full physical examination, their scheduled visits occur at 4 week intervals (8, 12, & 16 weeks of age) and will be conducted as Medical Progress Exam appointments. These visits focus on the progress of your puppy’s normal physical development, as well as to administer critical booster vaccines and to afford you the opportunity to ask additional questions of our qualified staff. They are designed to be relatively brief appointments (fifteen to twenty minutes) and are billed at a significantly reduced examination fee.
However, if you suspect your puppy has a problem or is otherwise ill – it is vital to mention these concerns when you make an appointment so that we may schedule an appropriate amount of time to address problems. This is the difference between normal routine Wellness Care and Illness / Injury visits.
Fecal Floatation - Intestinal Parasite Detection:
We will obtain a sample of your puppy’s stool (feces) and process it in a special Ova-float solution for microscopic evaluation. During the microscopic examination, we identify the ‘Ova’ or eggs shed by some of the adult parasites that may already be living within your puppy. If we find evidence of a specific type of parasitic egg in the fecal floatation, we will prescribe an appropriate pharmaceutical product to help eliminate them. For more information on Puppy Parasites
Strongid Deworming Paste:
In the event we do not identify any ‘Ova’ in the sample, we will administer a general de-worming paste as a precautionary step. However if we identify certain forms of intestinal parasites during the microscopic fecal examination, we will prescribe additional medications. Some of the intestinal parasites affecting dogs can be also be carried or transferred by humans.
Heartworm and Flea and Tick Prevention:
Generally, we recommend all puppies start heartworm parasite prevention at eight weeks of age. In most cases, the first dose is distributed complimentary. For smaller breeds with expected adult weights of less than 25 pounds, we recommend owners pick up a full year’s supply of prevention (12 tablet pack) at this visit – to insure your puppy remains on heartworm prevention every month. Heartworms are a substantial problem in North Carolina and likely kill thousands of dogs in our state every year.
We also recommend owners begin using a flea and tick parasite control at this age as well. Fleas and ticks can potentially spread several different types of illnesses, some of which are also a risk to you and your family. Currently, we recommend ‘Frontline Plus’ monthly applications for this purpose. For more information on Puppy Parasites
PUPPY VISIT SCHEDULE:
8 Weeks: 30 Minute Appointment
Complete Physical Examination
Fecal Flotation: Intestinal Parasite Screen
De-Worming Paste Administered
Vaccine: DHPPCvk # 1 - Distemper / Hepatitis / Parvovirus / Parainfluenza / Coronavirus
Vaccine: Bordetella Bronchiseptica - Kennel Cough
Start Heartworm Prevention, Single Dose
Start Flea / Tick Prevention, Single Dose
12 Weeks: 15 Minute Appointment
Juvenile Progress Exam
Fecal Floatation: Intestinal Parasite Screen
De-Worming Paste Administered
Vaccine: DHPPCvk # 2 - Distemper / Hepatitis / Parvovirus / Parainfluenza / Coronavirus
Vaccine: Bordetella Bronchiseptica - Kennel Cough, if not previously given
Continue Heartworm Prevention, Single Dose
Continue Flea / Tick Prevention, Single Dose
16 Weeks: 15 Minute Appointment
Juvenile Progress Exam
Fecal Floatation: Intestinal Parasite Screen – if previously positive samples occurred
De-Worming Paste Administered – if previously positive samples
Vaccine: DHPPCvk # 3 - Distemper / Hepatitis / Parvovirus / Parainfluenza / Coronavirus
Vaccine: Rabies - 1 Year Tag and Certificate
Continue Heartworm Prevention, Single Dose
Continue Flea / Tick Prevention, Single Dose
20 – 24 Weeks: Surgical Appointment Package
Surgical Procedure: Find details under Spay or Neuter Surgical Procedure section
Pre-Anesthetic Physical Examination
Blood Profile Testing Performed: Liver, Kidney and other organ function evaluated
Intravenous catheter (IV) placed and IV fluid support during entire procedure
Pre-Procedure Sedation, Tranquilization and Pre-emptive Pain Medications
Post-Procedure Pain Relief Provided to all surgical procedure patients.
Complete Physical Examination
Heartworm Test: Blood Parasite Screen
Fecal Floatation: Intestinal Parasite Screen
Vaccine: DHPPCvk 1 Year Booster Distemper / Hepatitis / Parvovirus / Parainfluenza / Coronavirus
Vaccine: Bordetella Bronchiseptica - Kennel Cough
Vaccine: Rabies 3 Year - Tag and Certificate
Continue Heartworm Prevention and Flea / Tick Prevention
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