Recommended Health Care for Puppies and Dogs

Age	Recommended Vaccinations
6-8 weeks	Initial Physical Exam Distemper/Parvo Vaccine De-worm
12 weeks	Progress Physical Exam Distemper/Parvo/Corona Fecal Exam Bordatella Lyme Disease (recommended)
16 weeks	Progress Physical Exam Distemper/Parvo/Corona Rabies (1 year) Lyme Disease (recommended)
Annual	Complete Physical Exam Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning as Indicated Distemper/Parvo/Corona (booster necessary) Heartworm Exam (prior to prevention refill) Fecal Exam (with deworming if necessary) Bordatella (booster necessary) Lyme Disease (booster recommended) *Rabies (every 3 years)

Ask the veterinarian for specific recommendations for the procedures that will ensure your pet's health.

Ovariohysterectomy (spaying) is the complete removal of the ovaries and uterus in the female. It is recommended at *2 - 6 months of age to prevent pregnancy, heat periods, infections and reduces the risk of cancer later in life by up to 400%.

Castration (neutering) is the complete removal of the testicles in males. It is performed at *2-6 months of age to help reduce aggressiveness and roaming as well as prostate disease later in life.

* (A concept that is gaining popularity with veterinarians across the country is performing spays and neuters on pets as young as 8 weeks of age. Historically the standard recommendation was at 6 months of age. Recent studies have shown that the surgery can be safely performed in the younger pets without any adverse effects on growth rate, urinary tract development, and behavior. In fact several studies have found that early neutering affects puppies and kittens in much the same manner as more traditionally timed surgery. Younger pets appear to heal more quickly with less discomfort. The largest veterinary organization in the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), supports the concept of early spaying and neutering in an effort to prevent animal overpopulation. Most Peninsula area veterinarians are performing these surgeries at 2 months of age for the Peninsula SPCA in an effort to insure that all adopted pets have been surgically sterilized in a timely manner. Based on our experience with this SPCA program over the past year we are comfortable in recommending and performing spays and neuters in these young animals. Our doctors and staff will be able to help you choose the best time to have your pet spayed or neutered. )

Vaccinations are an important part of your dog’s health care program, but even more important is the complete physical examination that we perform at the same time.  It is important that we know that your dog is in good health before we vaccinate. Our doctors will discuss any findings with you and make recommendations for your puppy’s health care needs.  You will also be able to ask any questions that you may have at this time.  

Canine Distemper Virus: a viral disease that affects the respiratory system, brain & intestines.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis: a viral disease affecting the liver, kidneys & eyes.
Leptospirosis: a bacterial disease that affects the kidneys, liver & eyes.
Parainfluenza: a viral disease that affects the respiratory tract.
Parvovirus: a viral disease affecting the intestine, bone marrow, lymph tissues & heart muscle.
Coronavirus: a viral disease affecting the intestinal tract.
Bordatella: a bacterial disease that affects the upper respiratory system.
Rabies: a virus affecting the brain of all warm-blooded animals that is fatal. All local cities & counties require a rabies vaccination.

 Heartworm Disease is transmitted to dogs through a bite from an infected mosquito. The larvae are deposited under the dog’s skin and travels through the bloodstream to the heart where the larvae mature into adult worms. The adults reproduce and release microfilariae into the dog’s circulation, which become adult worms in 6 months. Testing puppies less than 6 months of age is unnecessary, but dogs over 6 months of age should be tested at least once a year. If untreated, most infected dogs die from heartworm disease.  A yearly check and year round medication to prevent heartworm infection is necessary to avoid this serious infection 

You should choose the form of Heartworm medication that best suits your pet’s needs:
Heartgard: once a month chewable tablet
Interceptor: once a month tablet (also protects against hookworms, whipworms & roundworms)
Sentinel: once a month tablet that combines Interceptor with Program (flea control medication)

Please ask any staff member for assistance in choosing the correct heartworm preventive for your dog.

Intestinal Parasites are very common in puppies. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans. Puppies should be checked and de-wormed for intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. This is achieved by microscopic examination of a fresh stool sample.

Flea control is important for all dogs living in this area.  We recommend Front Line Top Spot for all dogs over 12 weeks of age.  There are imitation flea control products available in stores that do not compare to Front Line for flea control. Please ask any staff member for information about flea control.

Tick control is also important for all dogs living in this area. Ticks can transmit serious disease such as Lyme Disease. Monthly applications of Front Line Top Spot will also help prevent ticks on your dog.

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Todds Lane Veterinary Hospital
1309 Todds Lane
Hampton, VA 23666-1930
Phone: 757.826.7602
Fax: 757.838.5714

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