Your puppy is a wide-eyed, curious, and adorable bundle of energy and enthusiasm. But, despite their boldness, puppies are vulnerable to numerous diseases and illnesses that can seriously compromise their health as youngsters and in the future. Ensure your puppy has nothing to fear by providing preventive care at Bayview Animal Hospital. 

What is preventive care for puppies?

Preventive care services, also known as wellness care, protect your puppy against certain illnesses and address preexisting or inherited conditions as soon as possible to minimize future complications. Like the adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” the seemingly small protective measures your puppy receives will pay lifelong dividends. The care will not only prevent your puppy from suffering unnecessarily but will also catch a problem when treatment is more economical and less invasive than reactionary care (i.e., waiting until a problem arises to seek treatment). 

Here are five key preventive care measures that will protect your puppy.

#1: Your puppy’s physical exam

The cornerstone of your puppy’s health is their first comprehensive, nose-to-tail physical examination when your Bayview Animal Hospital veterinarian evaluates your puppy’s overall health and body condition. They will also take the time to screen your puppy for inherited abnormalities that may impair their quality of life, such as:

  • Cleft palate and malocclusion (i.e., dental misalignment)
  • Eye abnormalities
  • Orthopedic problems (e.g., hip laxity or looseness, luxating patellas, limb deformity)
  • Heart murmurs
  • Umbilical hernias
  • Cryptorchidism

Ideally, your puppy will receive a clean bill of health. If not, your veterinarian will present you with treatment options to address or manage your puppy’s condition and they likely still will enjoy a long and healthy life because of the early detection and treatment.

#2: Your puppy’s vaccines

Vaccines train your puppy’s developing immune system to recognize specific highly contagious and often deadly viruses, such as:

  • Parvovirus
  • Distemper virus
  • Parainfluenza
  • Adenovirus (i.e., canine hepatitis)
  • Rabies virus

Because nursing puppies inherit from their mothers a temporary immunity that can override vaccine-induced protection, puppies should be vaccinated every three to four weeks between 6 and 16 weeks of age. Your veterinarian will recommend a specific vaccination schedule for your puppy based on their age, health, and medical history (e.g., your puppy received vaccines while with the breeder or at the adoption center). They may also recommend additional vaccines based on your puppy’s anticipated  lifestyle, activities (e.g., boarding, daycare, grooming), and exposure risk that may include:

  • Bordetella (i.e., kennel  cough)
  • Canine influenza virus
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lyme disease

#3: Your puppy’s parasite prevention plan

Puppies are vulnerable to internal and external parasites and, because they are small, can develop infections and infestations that lead to serious illness. Some parasitic infections can also be transmitted to humans. Your veterinarian will screen your puppy for any current parasites (e.g., fleas or ticks on their skin or hair) and any intestinal parasites (e.g., roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, or coccidia) in their stool, and provide treatment, if necessary. Fortunately, you can prevent future parasitic problems with prescription prevention medications. A prevention plan also includes a monthly medication to protect against heartworm disease, a deadly condition transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

#4: Your puppy’s spay or neuter surgery

Spaying (i.e., ovariohysterectomy) and neutering (i.e., castration) are surgical procedures in female and male pets, respectively, in which the reproductive organs are removed. Spaying or neutering is strongly recommended as the best way to manage your puppy’s health and quality of life. Reasons include:

  • Preventing unwanted litters
  • Eliminating heat cycles (i.e., estrus) in female puppies
  • Eliminating uterine and testicular cancer risk
  • Reducing mammary (i.e., breast) cancer risk
  • Virtually eliminating reproductive emergencies 
  • Reducing hormone-related behavior problems (e.g., urine marking, humping, roaming, territorial behavior, and aggression)

The best time to have your puppy spayed or neutered will depend on several factors, including their age, breed, and estimated adult size. Your Bayview Animal Hospital veterinarian will make a personalized recommendation during your puppy’s appointment.

#5: Your puppy’s nutrition

Proper nutrition doesn’t merely fuel your puppy’s daily adventures—their diet ensures appropriate brain and body development and steady but controlled growth. Puppies require specific nutritional elements, including:

  • Support for their rapid metabolism and ongoing physical development, including steady energy to nourish their body’s systems
  • Nutrient-rich ingredients that are gentle on their developing digestive tract
  • An appetizing taste that promotes good eating habits.

Large- and giant-breed puppies have strict dietary requirements that ensure they don’t grow too quickly, which can lead to painful orthopedic problems. 

If you have questions about your puppy’s diet or how much to feed them, your Bayview Animal Hospital veterinarian can recommend a complete, balanced diet that matches their unique needs. Our team can also advise you on how much your puppy should eat per meal and per day, but remember—this will change as your puppy grows.

Your puppy’s preventive care creates a foundation for their lifelong good health. And, when paired with ongoing education, support, and advice from the Bayview Animal Hospital team, you’ll feel confident knowing that your puppy has everything they need to thrive. Contact us to schedule your puppy’s next wellness visit or request an appointment online.