ROBSON VETS LTD
Guide to your new puppy
The Robson Veterinary Hospital, Laurencekirk, AB51 1EY
Tel: 01561 377314 Fax: 01561 378083
www.robsonvets.co.uk
Vaccinations
There are many diseases present in the outside world which can infect your puppy. Here at
Robson Vets we recommend every puppy receives routine vaccinations
to try and prevent these significant diseases. The initial vaccination
course can be started from eight weeks of age and consists of two
injections given under the skin two weeks apart. They will be fully
protected a week after their second injection when you can then enjoy
taking them out and about for walks and socialisation!
These vaccinations will protect against Parvovirus, Canine Distemper,
Canine Adenovirus and Leptospirosis, which will cause severe and
sometimes fatal diseases. Your puppy will then require annual boosters throughout their
life to ensure this important protection is maintained.
Kennel Cough Vaccination
This is a highly contagious disease caused by multiple viruses and the bacteria Bordetella
Bronchisepta. It is spread through contact with other dogs including kennel stays, training
classes and even outdoors in the local park. Two to three days after infection you dog may
show a hacking cough, vomiting, fever and profuse nasal discharge. This can become a
serious pneumonia especially in very young or older animals. This nasty disease is
preventable with a nasal vaccination which your puppy can receive from their second
vaccination onwards, protecting them for one full year.
Worming
Worms are commonly found in young animals following maternal
transfer during their development. This is the reason breeding
females need regular worming treatments throughout their
pregnancy. Your breeder should inform you when your puppy was
last wormed and what product they used. The vet can then assess
your puppies individual worming requirements during your
consultations.
Microchipping
Microchipping is a permanent method of identifying your new puppy. This is very important
and allows every vet to identify your puppy should they become lost or stolen. It is also the
first stage in a pet passport allowing your puppy to travel abroad on holiday with you! Both
our vets and our nurses would be happy to perform this procedure for you at all of our
surgeries.
Socialisation
It is essential (and much fun!) to get your new puppy used to the world outside your home
to prevent behavioural problems later on in life. The most important time for this is up to
fourteen weeks of age. During this time period you should regularly touch every part of
your puppy especially their head and feet. This ensures they are happy to be checked over
and that you quickly catch any problems that occur.
Puppies can go outside on the ground in your garden only and should meet as many healthy
older dogs that are fully vaccinated as possible within these boundaries. Puppy parties and
training classes are another good way to socialise your new addition!
Neutering
Unless you are going to breed from your puppy we would recommend that you consider
neutering. For male puppies this will prevent testicular tumours and significantly reduce the
risk of prostate disease later in life. Here at Robson Vets we recommend neutering males
between six to twelve months of age ideally once they have reached puberty and settled
afterwards.
The benefits of neutering female puppies include the prevention of unwanted litters, no
messy discharge or increased male dog interest, a significantly reduced risk of mammary
tumours (when neutered early) and the prevention of fatal womb infections called
pyometras. Females can be neutered prior to their first season at six months old or after
their first season, and our vets can discuss the pros and cons of both options during your
puppy appointments.
Insurance
There are an increasing number of companies providing comprehensive pet
insurance. With the advancement in treatment options for more and more
diseases and conditions we would recommend insuring your puppy with a life long policy.
Free Nurse Clinics!
Our nurses conduct free puppy clinic appointments at our main hospital in Laurencekirk.
These consist of three one to one appointments starting two weeks after
your puppies second vaccination. These are very important in the
socialisation of your puppy in and around our practice as we aim to ensure
they enjoy all their future trips here as much as possible!
They each involve a nurse clinical examination. This ensures your dog
becomes used to every part of our veterinary consultations later on in life. They will also
cover topics including toilet training and socialisation, dental hygiene and grooming and
neutering and microchipping.
Facebook
Please come and like our facebook page at www.facebook.com/RobsonVetsLimited. Feel
free to email us a picture of your new puppy so we can give them their five minutes of fame
in our album ‘new additions’!!
Compiled by Rebecca McPeake BVMS MRCVS 2013