How To Choose the Perfect Vet for Your New Puppy
Everything you need to know about vaccinations and more
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Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve.
Sally the Havanese goes for a check-up. (Credit: Lauren McDevitt)
Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve.
Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve.
Puppies do not have fully developed immune systems and will need to have several veterinary visits for vaccines.
Vaccine schedules may vary, but the first vaccine is typically given when the puppy is six to eight weeks old. Follow-up vaccines are then usually administered every two to four weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. Your breeder will send you a record of vaccinations, deworming and any other treatments they provided the pup while in their care, so make sure you bring these to your puppy's first vet appointment.
Your veterinarian will recommend products to control intestinal parasites (e.g. worms), fleas and ticks, and to prevent heartworm disease. Work with your veterinarian to determine what’s best for your puppy’s age, lifestyle, and the area you live in.
Expert Tip: Your veterinarian will take care of your dog’s behavioral and physical health throughout their entire life, so it's important to choose one you trust. When selecting a veterinarian, look for a clinic that has accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and a Fear-Free certification.
Did you Know? Recent research has found an association between early spay/neuter and increased risk for orthopedic problems, some cancers, and behavior problems. To learn more about the pros and cons of spay/neuter here.
Further Reading
For help on choosing a veterinarian:
Questions about vaccinations, answered:
- AVMA Vaccinations FAQ
- AVMA Vaccination Recommendations for Dogs
- 2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines
For information on common parasites see:
Download Good Dog's Puppy Vaccination Card to keep track of your pup's vaccinations!
Rae Paoletta is a staff writer at Good Dog. She is a science journalist and editor who has worked at Gizmodo, Inverse, NBC News and National Geographic. She's the proud mom of a pup named Queso.