Getting a Puppy

It is now a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped. This should be done before the puppy leaves its breeder. Please remember to change the database details from the breeder’s to your own. If, for any reason, your puppy hasn’t been chipped we can do this at the same time as the vaccinations. If you are having a full course of puppy vaccinations we do not make a charge for the microchip. 

Even though your puppy is chipped it is still a legal requirement for them to wear a collar and identity tag in a public place.

All puppies are born with roundworm and they can also be infected from their mother’s milk. You will not always see them in the faeces. Worms can cause loss of condition, diarrhoea and a round belly and can be transmitted to children. It is vital to worm your puppy regularly from birth. 

Fleas are better prevented than treated as they can breed in your house and cause an infestation. 

• We recommend Nexgard Spectra a tablet given as a treat once a month. This treats roundworms, fleas and ticks 
• Starting at about 6 months (or earlier if you walk in areas with a lot of livestock) your puppy should also have a three monthly treatment for tapeworm 
• As your puppy grows the strength of tablet will need to increase. If you come in for monthly weighing this gives your puppy a chance to have a fun relaxed encounter with receptionists and nurses and you can ask about anything that is worrying you 

If you prefer not to use oral flea preparations please discuss this with a vet, nurse or receptionist.

We recommend a good quality complete puppy food; these do not need added supplements as they are complete. If you are planning to feed a different diet from your puppy’s breeder then it is important to make any changes gradually. Large breed puppies should be fed a diet specifically for large breeds. 

In accordance with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines we do not recommend the feeding of raw meat to any pet. 

Puppy parties are a great start to your puppy’s socialisation. Held in our Pershore practice, they are for puppies less than 14 weeks of age that have had at least one vaccination. They allow puppies to mix and learn that the vets is a fun place to be. Our nurses and a vet are able to give advice on raising your new puppy. 

We limit the numbers at each party so booking is essential, call now!

It is important to gently introduce your puppy, without overwhelming them, to a variety of people and experiences in the first weeks of life and to continue this throughout your time together. Hopefully, you will have your dog for many years and time spent now will often reward you with a good mannered relaxed dog that will be less likely to exhibit anxious behaviour. 
Aim to make encounters positive and fun (carry plenty of treats for rewarding positive behaviour) 

Experiences you should arrange include: 

• Meeting different people a variety of ages including those that are loud or shy those wearing glasses or hats, people on bikes and people running. Supervise your puppy with children to ensure that everyone is learning the right thing. 
• This helps them develop confidence that they can cope without continual company. It is also a good idea to sometimes ignore your puppy and to leave him in a room alone if you are in another part of the house again for short periods at first
• Trips in the car. Lots of short trips, ideally on a daily basis to teach your puppy that the car is not at all scary or too exciting. 
• Passing traffic, motorbikes and buses, crowds and countryside. Wrap your puppy up and carry him around so that once your puppy is fully vaccinated he is already used to the world outside.  
• Introduce sounds like the vacuum cleaner, washing machine and grooming clippers. If your puppy seems worried by the noises then re-introduce them at a distance and very gradually move closer 
• It is very important to do all these gradually at your individual puppies pace and not to frighten them. Also to remember that if they appear scared you should distract them rather than comfort them as you must avoid rewarding the anxious behaviour
• Gentle handling of your puppy’s head, ears, mouth, paws and tail by all members of the family 
• Arrange meetings with friendly vaccinated adult dogs 
• Leave your puppy home alone, daily, just for a short period at first