Puppy Care

Veterinary Care & Tips for Your New Puppy

Congrats on your new puppy! Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting adventure filled with love, joy, and endless cuddles. Whether you're a first-time puppy parent or a seasoned dog lover, our team at Rockdale Animal Hospital is here to support you every step of the way. 

First Puppy Vaccinations & Vet Visit 

We are excited to welcome your new puppy to our animal hospital! From their first puppy vaccines to establishing a lifelong wellness plan, we're here to ensure your puppy has a happy, healthy life. 

Schedule a comprehensive health check-up for your puppy as soon as possible after bringing them home. During your initial vet appointment, we will: 

• Conduct a thorough physical examination  
• Discuss and possibly administer the first round of vaccinations  
• Discuss parasite prevention, including fleas, ticks, and heartworms  
• Offer nutritional guidance for proper growth and development  
• Address any questions you have about behavior, training, and general care 

Vaccinations 
Vaccinations protect your puppy from serious diseases. We will discuss the recommended vaccination schedule to ensure your puppy is fully protected as they grow.   

Parasite Prevention
Our vet will discuss parasite prevention options for your puppy, including flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. We may also recommend deworming treatment to eliminate intestinal parasites. 

Spaying and Neutering
Spaying or neutering your puppy not only helps control the pet population but also offers significant health benefits. We can advise you on the best time to schedule this procedure.  

Nutritional & Growth
We will provide recommendations on the best diet for your puppy's age, breed, and size. We may also discuss feeding schedules and portion sizes to ensure your puppy gets the nutrition they need to thrive. 

Behavior and Training
This is an opportunity to discuss any behavioral concerns or training questions you may have. We can offer guidance on basic obedience training, socialization, and addressing common puppy behaviors. 

Health Education
Your vet will educate you about common health issues that affect puppies, such as dental care, teething, and signs of illness or injury to watch for. 

Future Care Planning
Your vet will establish a customized wellness plan for your puppy, including a vaccination schedule, parasite prevention regimen, and future veterinary appointments. 

New Puppy Tips 

We’ve listed just a few tips to help get you started on puppyhood. Be sure to ask us questions or share concerns during your visit—we are happy to help! 

• Establish a Routine: Puppies thrive on routine! Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and sleep to help them feel secure and know what to expect each day. 
• Socialization: Early socialization is crucial for puppies to develop into well-adjusted adult dogs. Introduce your puppy to different people, animals, sounds, and environments in a positive and controlled manner to build their confidence and adaptability. 
• Potty Training: Be patient and consistent. Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after eating, drinking, sleeping, or playing, and reward them for going potty outside. 
• Chew Training: Puppies love to chew! Provide your puppy with plenty of appropriate chew toys and encourage them to chew on their toys rather than your furniture or belongings. 
• Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and rewards to encourage good behavior.  
• Play Time: Provide your puppy with daily opportunities to run, play, and explore to promote physical and mental well-being. 
• Dental Care: Introduce tooth brushing early to prevent dental disease and get your puppy accustomed to proper care. Be sure to use dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. 
• Grooming: Get your puppy accustomed to regular grooming sessions to keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding; check and clean ears regularly to prevent infections; and trim puppy’s nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Ask us about our nail trimming services! 

Why Choose Rockdale Animal Hospital?  

Our experienced veterinarians and compassionate staff go above and beyond to ensure your puppy has the right start. We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each puppy, treating them with the same love and attention as if they were our own. With state-of-the-art facilities, advanced medical technology, and a genuine passion for animal welfare, we're here to be your trusted partner in keeping your growing puppy healthy, happy, and thriving into their senior years. We can’t wait to meet you and your puppy! 

Schedule a comprehensive health check-up for your puppy today! Call us at (770) 922-8600 or request an appointment online.