Your puppy has arrived and you’re ready to get started on a great life together. You’ve got the crate, the food, the toys, and a seemingly endless supply of puppy pads. Now it’s time to start thinking about your pup’s health.

Vaccinations are essential for your dog’s overall wellbeing. In this article, we will cover when to get your puppy vaccinated and why.

How do puppy vaccinations work?

Vaccines work by exposing the body to a weakened or inactive form of a disease-causing virus or bacteria. This forces the immune system to respond and build antibodies that protect against future exposures to disease. Puppies are more susceptible than adult dogs because they have not yet built up their own immunity; they rely on maternal immunity until about 14 weeks of age.

Maternal immunity is immunity passed from mother to puppy during gestation and through breast milk after birth. But after about 14 weeks, maternal antibodies wane and puppies are no longer protected from infectious diseases.

When is the best time to get your puppy vaccinated?

The timing of these vaccinations is critical in protecting your puppy’s health. It may seem like a lot of shots at once, but your puppy’s body will build protective immunity within days after receiving the first shot and before the next one is due.

The first vaccination should be for parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis, and is usually given between 8 weeks of age. This vaccine should be followed by two more vaccines, one at 12 weeks and the other at 16 weeks.

Leptospirosis and coronavirus can be added to this vaccine if the puppy is considered at risk of contracting these diseases, either because they are in a high-risk environment or because they come from an area where these diseases are prevalent.

Why should you get your puppy vaccinated?

Puppies less than 4 months old have immature immune systems and do not receive immunity from their mothers against certain diseases, so they are susceptible. You can protect your puppy from some serious illnesses that might affect their health for years to come by getting them vaccinated properly.

It is important to follow a vaccination schedule designed specifically for puppies. This way, your puppy will receive multiple shots in a timely manner while avoiding the risk of over-vaccinating your pet with regular vaccines designed for adult animals.

Vaccinations are a mainstay of pet healthcare, helping to prevent a wide range of infectious diseases. They’ve been proven safe, effective, and highly recommended by veterinarians. The risk of disease, the severity of illness, and the likelihood of complications are significantly reduced by appropriate vaccination. So, make sure you get your puppy vaccinated as recommended by your veterinarian, so you can avoid any unnecessary delays or problems down the road.

Here at Langley Animal Clinic, we know that keeping up with your puppy’s vaccinations is an important part of caring for your dog, and it is a responsibility you don’t want to just ignore or neglect. Make sure to reach out to us about the best times for your puppy to be vaccinated.

You’re a responsible pet owner, right? You did your homework on breeds, you have the right equipment and supplies, and you’ve selected a top-notch veterinarian. Trouble is your new dog or puppy doesn’t know any of that. Read on to learn how to make sure everything goes smoothly for both of you.

House Training.

House training your dog is one of the most fundamental training skills you can teach your pet. Putting on their leash and regularly taking them outside to relieve themselves is a crucial routine that will help you build a trusting bond with your pet.

Chewing.

As with any new puppy, you will need to provide a lot of things for them to chew on during their teething period. Chew toys should be always readily available for your puppy. They need something to help relieve the pain and pressure from their growing teeth, as well as give them something fun to do while you are not available for playtime!

Puppy proofing.

Puppies are like babies – they’ll test every boundary you set for them, so it’s important to “puppy-proof” your home before bringing your new dog home for the first time. Make sure all wires are out of reach, all toilet lids are down, and all sharp objects are out of sight and reach to prevent any accidents or injuries.

Feeding.

Dogs and puppies will get used to eating at the same time every day. This will also help you predict when they need to go outside.

Walking.

You should walk your dog or puppy for about 30 minutes each day. Walking will help them to relieve themselves, as well as get them some exercise. It’s important that you keep track of how often you walk your dog so you can make sure they are getting enough exercise each week.

Brushing your dog or puppy’s teeth.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is a very important part of caring for them! Brushing their teeth helps remove plaque buildup and can help prevent gum disease in the later years of their life. You should also floss their teeth once a week to keep them nice and clean!

Obedience training.

Enroll in obedience classes as soon as possible to help promote proper behaviours for your new dog or puppy. The experience of going to class together can also be very bonding for both of you.

Vet visits.

You should bring your new puppy or dog to see the vet within the first week of ownership. This will allow the vet to see if there are any major issues that need immediate attention. This will also allow them to do a full checkup and make sure everything is in working order.

Make sure to bring your puppy or dog back within the first few months for another checkup as well, even if there isn’t anything wrong at the time of your initial visit. By doing this, you will be aware of any issues that might arise.

Taking care of your new dog or puppy can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner. However, it’s quite easy if you have the right information.

For all the best pet-care tips for your new dog or puppy, reach out to Langley Animal Clinic.

Due to COVID-19, many of us are spending most of the day with our pets. As wonderful as it is to devote so much extra time to our furry friends, it is also important to prepare for life beyond the pandemic. If you are patient and properly train your pets, they can adapt to their new routine much more easily. Our animal health experts have rounded up seven tips on how to help ease the transition back to work and school for you and your pets.

1. Practice leaving.

Before leaving your house, go through everything you normally do. Grab your keys, slip on your shoes, and make your way to the door. Take a quick stroll outside. Once you have returned inside, continue with your day. Build up the length of time you leave the house by leaving for just a few minutes, an hour, then two, then four. Consistency is important, so make sure to practice this routine for several days.

2. Provide your pets with something to see and hear.

If possible, let your pets have access to areas where they can view the street, people, or other animals. You might also consider keeping the TV or music on while you are away.

3. Keep them occupied so they don’t get bored.

Mental stimulation will keep your pet engaged while you are away. Before you leave your home, make sure your pet has plenty of toys to play with. Dogs enjoy puzzle toys that are filled with food. If you have cats, include comfy window perches and scratching posts.

4. Remain calm when leaving or returning home.

When you leave or return home, try to keep it as low-key as possible. While it may be difficult to ignore your pet during these times, giving them too much attention increases their anxiety.

5. Keep your pet’s routine in mind.

While at home, pay attention to your pet’s eating and playing routine. Do your best to maintain these routines when you are gone. To do this, you may need to enlist a neighbour, a pet sitter, or a pet daycare to lend a helping hand.

6. Increase physical activity before leaving.

Before you leave, be sure to tire out your pet. Pets with excessive energy are more likely to develop separation anxiety as a result of nervous energy. Take your dog on a brisk walk or run before going to work. Dogs and cats can also be mentally stimulated and tired out with energetic play sessions.

7. Connect with technology.

With the right technology, you can stay in touch with your dog or cat wherever you are. With a security camera or smart home device, you can keep a watchful eye over your pet while you are away. What’s more, you can even talk to them!

Your pets have provided you with much needed support throughout these unprecedented times. It is now your turn to ensure that they are comfortable and prepared for life after the pandemic.

For more advice on how to keep your furry loved one calm, reach out to Langley Animal Clinic.

If you are considering adopting a cat or dog, spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important health decisions you can make.

In spaying, the female pet’s ovaries and uterus are removed so that she cannot become pregnant. Neutering involves removing the male animal’s testicles so that your dog or cat will not reproduce. While both are routine procedures, some owners may feel hesitant about them. The health and behavioural advantages of spaying and neutering, however, are considerable. In addition, you will also help prevent pet homelessness.

Spaying or neutering your cat or dog is vital to their long-term health. Not only does it reduce overpopulation and save countless lives, but it also offers a host of other benefits for your pet.

Not convinced yet? Read on to learn how you, your pet, and even the entire community can benefit from this procedure.

Spaying and neutering helps manage pet behaviour

Did you know that taking your pets to a spay and neuter clinic can greatly improve their behaviour? Pets who have undergone this procedure are also more likely to behave properly. Previously troubling behaviors, such as urinating in the house or showing aggressive behavior to people or other pets, can become significantly better or disappear entirely.

Female pets will live longer, healthier lives

Having your female dog spayed can prevent her from developing serious health issues, including uterine infections and breast cancer. In dogs, about 50% of breast cancer cases result in death. Spaying your dog before her first heat is the best way for you to protect her from this serious disease.

Neutering will also benefit your male pet

There are health benefits for your male dog, too. Getting your dog neutered will help prevent testicular cancer and prostate infections. The sooner you complete the procedure, the better the chances of preventing these health issues. Consult with your veterinarian for the appropriate age to neuter your pet.

Spayed females won’t go into heat

During the breeding season, female cats usually experience heat cycles four to five days every three weeks. Female dogs tend to go into heat every six months. The cycle can last for around three weeks, and that could result in attracting male dogs to your home.

Male dogs won’t want to wander away from home

When unneutered, dogs will do almost anything to find a mate, including digging under fences and escaping from their homes. After going free, he may run the risk of becoming injured in traffic or getting into fights with other dogs.

Homeless dogs and cats are less likely to be euthanized

Every year, millions of homeless animals are euthanized. Spaying and neutering have decreased the number, but it remains far too high. By bringing your cat or dog to a spay and neuter clinic, you can avoid adding to the homeless pet population problem.

The procedure is safe and common

This routine procedure is safe, with numerous benefits that far outweigh the minimal risks involved. When your pet needs to be spayed or neutered, anesthesia is used. You can trust that your dog or cat will be well taken care of and closely monitored by professionals during the entire procedure.

You will save money

Although a spay and neuter clinic comes with its own costs, ultimately you will save money on veterinary bills. Think about what would happen if your pet became pregnant. Fees for veterinarian visits and caring for the young can be quite expensive. Having fewer illnesses means fewer vet bills and fewer trips to the clinic. Your pet will also appreciate it, as no animal enjoys going to the vet.

It is a win-win for the entire community

Getting your cat or dog spayed or neutered will reduce the number of pets on the streets and the number of animals that need to be euthanized. Stray animals present a greater risk. They can cause property damage, car accidents, and may even scare or bite people. These kinds of problems can negatively impact entire communities’ perceptions of dogs, even when just a few strays are to blame.

If you haven’t had your pet spayed or neutered yet, what are you waiting for?

For healthier and happier pets, reach out to the spay and neuter specialists at Langley Animal Clinic.