Learning All About Your Puppy with The Animal Hospital of Roxbury
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. At The Animal Hospital of Roxbury, we are committed to helping you navigate every stage of your puppy’s early development with expert veterinary care and guidance.
Our comprehensive puppy care program is designed to support your puppy’s health, growth, and behavioral development during their critical first year. From their first wellness exam to establishing a vaccination schedule and discussing proper nutrition, we’re here to provide the knowledge and care you need to ensure your puppy thrives.
Establishing a strong veterinary relationship early on is one of the best ways to promote long-term health and wellbeing. We invite you to schedule your puppy’s first visit with us, where we will take the time to answer your questions and develop a personalized care plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
At The Animal Hospital of Roxbury, your puppy’s health is our priority—today and for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does caring for a puppy differ from caring for an adult dog?
Puppies are extremely mischievous and require much more supervision and training than adult dogs. They’re naturally curious, full of energy, and often get into trouble as they explore their world. Adult dogs are generally more reliable, with established routines and less need for constant attention. Puppy care involves more time, patience, and guidance to help them grow into well-behaved companions.
When can a puppy be separated from its mother?
Typically, puppies are separated from their mother around 8 or 9 weeks of age and sometimes up until 12 weeks.
When can I bring my puppy around other dogs and people?
I would suggest that your puppy is only exposed to other dogs that you know are healthy, well cared for, and don't have any underlying health issues. Avoid dogs that frequent dog parks or dog daycares where they might be exposed to a lot of different things that they could bring home to your puppy. Socializing with people, however, is highly encouraged. Regular, positive interactions with new people help your puppy grow into a friendly, confident adult dog.
What vaccinations does my puppy need, and when should they be administered?
In the beginning, we will start with doing one new vaccine at a time. We like to separate things out so they're less likely to have an issue. Core puppy vaccines include:
- Distemper (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus): Administered every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old or older, with at least a series of two vaccines 3 weeks apart.
- Bordetella (kennel cough): Administered once a year. Recommended for boarding facilities, grooming salons, training classes, dog parks, and those with exposure to other dogs.
- Rabies: Required by law, can be given to puppies 12 weeks and up. The first rabies vaccine is good for one year and after that, they are good for three years.
Other vaccines could include vaccinating for leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and influenza. Talk to your veterinarian about what is appropriate for your puppy and lifestyle.
How often should I bring my puppy in for checkups?
In the beginning, we'll end up seeing each other quite a bit! After your puppy's initial comprehensive exam, we typically schedule follow-up visits every 3 to 4 weeks for booster vaccinations and brief exams to ensure there are no new health issues. We also will check their weight check to make sure that they're growing properly.
What is the best diet for my puppy, and how much should I feed them?
I recommend continuing the diet that your puppy came on as long as they like it and are doing well with it. Puppies have unique nutritional needs as they grow, so it’s essential to feed them a puppy-specific food that is formulated to support their rapid development. We may make some recommendations based on your puppy's lifestyle, breed, or what your other dogs have eaten in the past.
How do I know if my puppy is at a healthy weight?
Having your puppy weighed on a regular basis as well as felt and looked at by a veterinarian is a good idea. Although it might seem cute, pudgy puppies are at more risk for hurting themselves orthopedically if they get too big too quickly.
When should I start training my puppy, and what methods do you recommend?
Training your puppy starts from the day that you bring them home. Puppies are like little sponges and absorb information very quickly, so all of the things you do, good and bad, are helping to form their behaviors for the rest of their life. I recommend starting with positive reinforcement training, which focuses on rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play. This approach builds trust and encourages your puppy to repeat good behaviors. Early training sets the foundation for a well-behaved dog, so start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come right away. It's never a bad idea to start a training class with your puppy.
What should I do if my puppy has diarrhea or vomiting?
If your puppy has diarrhea or vomiting, I would make sure that they are seen by a veterinarian. Bring a fecal sample with you, as the most common cause for vomiting and diarrhea in young puppies is internal parasites.
How can I prevent fleas, ticks, and other parasites in my puppy?
Preventing fleas and ticks is easy with heartworm, flea, and tick prevention, which we recommend starting at age-appropriate times. It's weight-based, so frequent weight checks are recommended to make sure your puppy is receiving the appropriate dose.
When should I spay or neuter my puppy, and what are the benefits?
Spaying and neutering puppies is age-dependent. For small breed dogs, we recommend spaying and neutering around six months old. For larger breed dogs and medium-sized dogs, we may wait until after a first heat cycle if they're a girl, or wait until about a year to year and a half, depending on their skeletal maturity. Spaying and neutering your puppy not only helps prevent unwanted pregnancies but also offers health benefits. Spaying females reduces the risk of uterine infections and mammary cancer, while neutering males can prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostate issues.
What are some common health issues in puppies, and how can I recognize them?
Common health issues in puppies include vomiting and diarrhea which might indicate either a gastrointestinal parasite or GI bug. Coughing or sneezing could be a sign of an upper respiratory infection. Skin issues and ear infections are also common.
How do I care for my puppy's teeth and gums?
Caring for teeth and gums is very important, and starting at a young age is key. You want to get them used to having their mouth handled and their teeth looked at. All of those little teeth that they come with are going to change over to adult teeth between four and six months old, which is great news because they're super sharp! Getting them used to having their mouth handled, introducing toothpaste, and using either a toothbrush, a gauze pad, or a finger brush is a great start.
What are the signs of allergies in puppies, and how can they be treated?
Allergies in puppies are not as common as we think, but just like with any type of allergy-sneezing, scratching, or licking too much might be a symptom of an allergy.
How much exercise does my puppy need, and what kind is best?
Exercise in puppies is typically self-regulated. I am usually fine with them exercising as much as they want to until they tucker out and want to take a good long nap. Exercise is essential for healthy growth, but it’s important to avoid forcing your puppy into activities like long runs or extended walks especially if they seem tired or want to rest.
For large breed puppies, be mindful of exercise on hard surfaces, as it can put extra stress on their developing joints. Low-impact activities, like gentle fetch or playtime in a safe, soft area, are ideal. Always watch for signs of fatigue and give your puppy plenty of rest.
What should I do if my puppy is exhibiting aggressive behavior?
If your puppy is showing signs of aggression, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. Aggressive behavior in puppies is relatively uncommon and may indicate an underlying issue, such as discomfort, fear, or a behavioral concern. Your vet can help determine if there’s a medical cause and may recommend a trainer who is a good fit for your family and your puppy’s specific needs.
How can I socialize my puppy with other dogs and people?
Socializing your puppy with other dogs and people is an important step in helping them grow into a well-adjusted adult dog. Start with calm, well-mannered dogs that you know are comfortable with puppies. This helps your puppy learn appropriate behavior in a safe environment. Keep in mind that puppies vary—some may be timid, while others are more energetic and may jump on older dogs. It's important for older dogs to tolerate this behavior but also communicate when they've had enough, ideally in a controlled and safe way. Positive, gradual exposure to new experiences, people, and other pets helps your puppy become confident and well-behaved in various social settings.
What are the symptoms of parvo virus and how can I protect my puppy from it?
Parvo virus is a common and unfortunate disease of the GI tract that is most noted by vomiting and very bad watery diarrhea. Usually, those puppies become very lethargic and don't want to eat. Keeping your puppy away from animals that are sick is important. I would avoid dog parks, animal shelters, or other places where there might be ill dogs until they're fully vaccinated.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (973) 691-1771, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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