Getting a new puppy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming

Our recommendations

Depending on your puppy’s breed, size and lifestyle, our vaccine recommendations may vary, but generally we recommend all puppies receive vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and rabies. For more information on specific vaccines, you can visit our vaccine Information page HERE.

During the first few months, your puppy will have several visits to our office. We stagger the vaccines over several visits, introducing only 1 new vaccine at a time to help reduce the risk and complications of vaccine reactions. Our visit breakdown is as follows:

1st visit (often done with breeder)

Puppy will be 6-8 weeks old

Vaccines: Initial DAPPv (includes Distemper and Parvovirus)

  • General wellness exam (eyes, ears, mouth)

  • Check for heart murmur or hernia

  • Nail trim (if requested/required)

  • Deworming (as required)

  • Provide puppy book/health record

2nd visit - 3 to 4 weeks after 1st visit

Puppy will be 11-12 weeks old

Vaccines: DAPPv (1st booster), initial Lepto, Bordetella (kennel cough)

  • General wellness exam

  • Update health record

  • Discuss progress or difficulties with training

  • Discuss Bordetella (kennel cough)

  • Discuss flea/tick and heartworm testing and prevention measures

3rd visit - 3 to 4 weeks after 2nd visit

Puppy will be 15-16 weeks old

Vaccines: DAPPv(2nd booster), Lepto (booster), initial Lyme ·        

  • General wellness exam

  • Update health record

  • Discuss Lyme vaccine, testing, and prevention measures

  • Discuss progress or difficulties with training

4th visit (Final Boosters)- 3 to 4 weeks after 3rd visit

Puppy will be 19-20 weeks old

Vaccines: Rabies, Lyme (booster)

  • General wellness exam

  • Update health record

  • Discuss progress or difficulties with training

  • Discuss plans for spay/neuter

Spay or Neuter

Puppy will be >6 months

  • Recommended pre-surgical bloodwork

  • Microchip implant

  • Hernia repair, dewclaw removal, removal of retained teeth (if required)

  • Discuss transition from puppy food to adult food

But don’t worry; we’re here to help! We can help guide you through what veterinary care is recommended for your puppy, help identify behavioral issues and answer any questions you might have.