Adding a new puppy to the household is an exciting time for both you and your pet.  There is a lot to learn and we know that you have many questions.  At Animal Medical Clinic we are here to help.  We want to answer all your questions and give you an idea of what to expect.  Please call us at (479) 521-5220 if we have not addressed all of your concerns.

What to Bring to Your First Puppy Exam

You need to bring two things with your puppy to the first exam. The first is whatever health information the seller or shelter provided to you, such as records of vaccinations and wormings. The second is a fresh stool, which is examined for the presence of parasites.

What to Expect at Your First Puppy Exam

Here’s what you can expect at your puppy’s first appointment with us:

• An individualized orientation with one of our veterinarians at Animal Medical Clinic
• A full physical examination of your puppy
• A thorough and safe vaccination schedule based on your puppy’s medical history and age
• A fecal test to check for any intestinal parasites
• Guidance on how to feed and potty train your new puppy

Your puppy’s first visit to the veterinarian in Fayetteville, AR  is often as much about educating you and answering your questions as it is about examining your puppy.  We will provide you with information regarding heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, house training, obedience training, socialization, diet, dental hygiene, and insurance options.

Your Puppy’s Physical Exam

Our veterinarian will do a comprehensive, nose-to-tail physical exam of your pet both during puppy visit(s) and at routine annual health visits to Animal Medical Clinic in Fayetteville, AR.  The goal of the physical is to alert the doctor to any possible congenital defects or concerns. During the exam, our doctor will:

•  Thoroughly inspect your pet’s ears, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, gums, trunk, legs and paws.
•  Weigh your puppy and check his temperature — 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit is normal — as well as his pulse and breathing rate.
•  Listen for heart and lung abnormalities and examine other internal organs by palpating, or feeling them.
•  Check the skin and perianal area for any sign of disease or parasites
•  Check the puppy’s genitals to ensure two testicles are present in males and there’s no sign of discharge or infection in females.
•  Open the puppy’s mouth to see that teeth and gums look as they should.

One way to make you and your puppy’s visit to the vet more pleasant is to train him ahead of time. Play with your pet’s paws, ears and mouth on a regular basis. This will accustom your pet to being touched and examined, and it will help him ultimately be more comfortable when examined by our vet.

Vaccinations

Your new puppy  needs a series of vaccinations in the first year of life to protect him from many dangerous diseases as his  immune system develops.  Since it takes some time for your puppy’s immune system to mature, your puppy should receive a series of vaccinations beginning around 8 weeks of age, and finishing around 16 weeks of age. Your pet will also require boosters a year later.

Vaccinations we recommend are:

DA2PP – (Distemper, Adenovirus Types 1&2, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus Vaccine) This is a combination vaccine given 3-4 times at three-week intervals for puppies. (The first of the series is given at 8–10 weeks old.) A booster is given at one year from the last puppy vaccine, at which point the vaccine will only be required every three years.

Distemper – An extremely contagious, airborne viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system.

Adenovirus – A highly infectious airborne virus affecting the respiratory system. It is one of the causes of tracheobronchitis–also known as kennel cough. The vaccine also protects against the hepatitis virus type 1 and 2.

Parainfluenza – A contagious airborne virus, parainfluenza produces a respiratory tract infection. It is also one of the causes of tracheobronchitis.

Parvovirus – A virus affecting the intestines and white blood cells, which is spread by ingesting contaminated fecal material.  This virus is highly infectious.

• Rabies Vaccine – required by Arkansas State Law  The first rabies vaccine is given between 12-16 weeks old, usually at the same time or soon after the last DA2PP vaccine.  A booster is given one year later, and again every three years thereafter to maintain immunity. Rabies: This deadly virus is most commonly transmitted through the saliva of a rabies vector species, such as a bat, raccoon, or skunk.  In Fayetteville, it is legally required to keep your pet up to date on its rabies vaccinations. Under new Arkansas law your pet can receive a 3 year Rabies vaccine after the age of one.  Ask one of our veterinarians if your pet qualifies.
• Bordetella vaccine - In Fayetteville,  it is often required that your dog have the bordetella vaccine every 6 months if he/she will be attending a doggie day care,  pet groomer or visiting a boarding facility.  Otherwise,  this can be given annually to maintain your pet’s immunity.  It is first administered around 11 weeks of age. Bordetella: This is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract, and the main component of tracheobronchitis. The main symptom of tracheobronchitis, also known as “kennel cough,” is a dry hacking cough.

We look forward to a long relationship with you and your pets.

(479) 521-5220

Visit our website:  animalmedicalclinicfayar.com/

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