FAQs: Puppies
What should I do when I first bring my puppy home? Create a safe space for your puppy, such as a crate or a quiet room. Provide a cozy bed, food, water, and toys. Avoid overwhelming them with too many new experiences and allow them time to adjust.
What vaccinations does my puppy need? Puppies typically need the following vaccines: - DHP: Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), and Parvovirus. - L4: Protects against Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that affects the liver and kidneys. - Kennel Cough (not a core vaccine): Protects against kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection often spread in places like dog parks and boarding facilities.
When does my puppy need their vaccinations? We typically start puppy vaccinations at 8 weeks of age (DHP & L4) and then a second vaccination is given 4 weeks after (DHP & L4). It is then recommended to wait a minimum of one week after their second vaccination, before taking them outside. If you wish to take your puppy outside earlier, you can split it into three vaccinations; DHP & L4 at 8 weeks, DHP 2 weeks later, L4 another 2 weeks later. If you wish to do this, please discuss it with us at the time of your puppy's first vaccination.
Can my puppy go outside after vaccinations? We recommend waiting at least one week after their final vaccination before taking your puppy outside; this gives them time to build protection.
What if my puppy has had their first vaccination elsewhere? If your puppy has had their first vaccination elsewhere, don’t worry! If they received a Virbac Canigen or Nobivac brand of vaccine, we can still give their second vaccination without needing to restart the course.
What brand of vaccines do you use for puppies? We use Virbac Canigen DHP & L4 for puppy vaccinations. These are also compatible with Nobivac vaccines.
Can I socialise my puppy before they’ve completed vaccinations? It’s not advised to fully socialise your puppy before they’ve completed their vaccinations, as they may be more susceptible to infections. However, early socialisation is important for their development. We recommend discussing this at the time of your puppy's first vaccination to ensure safe and appropriate socialisation options.
Should I take my puppy to a puppy socialisation class before their vaccinations are complete? It’s best to wait until your puppy has had at least the first two doses of their vaccinations before taking them to socialisation classes. This minimises the risk of exposure to diseases. Confirm vaccination requirements with the trainer.
Can my puppy still catch diseases after their first vaccine? Yes, while the risk is decreased after the first vaccine, it’s not eliminated. To help protect your puppy, limit their exposure to unvaccinated dogs and high-risk areas until they have completed their full vaccination schedule.
How much will my puppies vaccinations cost?
What should I feed my puppy? Feed your puppy a high-quality puppy lifestage food that supports growth and development. It should have the right balance of protein, fat, and essential nutrients. Follow feeding guidelines based on your puppy’s age, weight, and breed. We recommend Royal Canin or Hill’s
What about neutering my puppy? Unfortunately, we do not have the facilities to spay and castrate dogs; we can discuss options with you at the time of consult.
Should I get my puppy insured? Yes!