Your Guide to New Puppy Care

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and joyful experience — and it comes with plenty of questions. At Audubon Family Veterinary Center, we’re honored to be part of your healthcare team and to help you navigate your puppy’s first months. This guide outlines the key elements of preventive care, vaccines, and wellness topics to ensure your puppy starts life healthy and happy.

Preventive Medications: Protecting Your Puppy from Parasites

Heartworm and Intestinal Parasite Prevention

Heartworms are serious and potentially life-threatening parasites transmitted to dogs through mosquito bites. While they are more common in dogs than cats, all pets benefit from protection. We recommend a year-round, monthly preventative to safeguard your puppy against heartworm and intestinal parasites. Most heartworm preventatives also protect against several intestinal parasites that are common in puppies. Because these preventatives are dosed by weight, we’ll help you adjust the dosage as your puppy grows to maintain consistent protection.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks are common in our area and can transmit infectious diseases to your puppy. Fleas are also a leading cause of itching and skin irritation. Both fleas and ticks can survive winter temperatures, becoming active during warmer days, so year-round prevention is essential. There are multiple options for flea and tick prevention, including topical, oral, and collar-based products. Oral preventatives tend to provide the most consistent protection. As with heartworm medication, flea and tick preventatives are dosed by weight and adjusted as your puppy grows. Regular prevention is far easier and safer than treating an infestation or illness later on.

Vaccinations: Building a Foundation for Lifelong Health

Vaccines help your puppy develop immunity against dangerous and sometimes fatal diseases. Puppies typically begin their vaccination series around 8 weeks of age, receiving boosters every 3–4 weeks until approximately 16–20 weeks of age. Following the recommended schedule ensures your puppy develops strong protection during this critical growth period.

Typical Puppy Vaccination Schedule

• Rabies: Provides protection against the rabies virus, which is fatal and required by law in New Jersey. Puppies receive one dose between 12 and 16 weeks of age, then boosters as required.

• DHPP: A combination vaccine that protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Puppies begin this series at 6–8 weeks of age with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks, followed by routine adult boosters.

• Bordetella: Protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza viruses, two major causes of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (commonly called “kennel cough”). Recommended for all puppies, especially those who attend daycare, grooming, or boarding facilities.

• Leptospirosis: Protects against a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected wildlife or contaminated water. Leptospirosis can cause severe illness in dogs and is transmissible to humans. Puppies receive two doses spaced 3–4 weeks apart, then yearly boosters.

• Lyme Disease: Protects against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria transmitted by ticks that causes Lyme disease. This disease is common in the northeastern United States. Puppies receive two doses spaced 3–4 weeks apart, then annual boosters.

• Canine Influenza: Protects against two strains of canine influenza virus (H3N8 and H3N2), both of which can cause respiratory illness. Recommended for most dogs, especially those who interact with other dogs in public settings.

Fecal Exams: Checking for Hidden Parasites

Even healthy puppies can carry intestinal parasites that may not be visible in their stool. These parasites are often transmitted from the mother during pregnancy or nursing. We recommend bringing a fecal sample to each puppy visit so we can check for parasites and ensure prompt treatment if needed. Adult dogs should continue to have a fecal exam once per year.

Topics to Discuss with Your Veterinarian

• Socialization: Introduce your puppy gradually to new people, pets, and environments to promote confidence and prevent fear-based behaviors later in life.

• Training: Establish basic manners early and use positive reinforcement. We can recommend local trainers to help guide you through the process.

• Diet: Feed a diet labeled for puppy growth that meets AAFCO or WSAVA standards. Monitor your puppy’s weight regularly to ensure healthy development.

• Spay and Neuter: Discuss the appropriate timing for your puppy’s spay or neuter surgery, typically between 6 and 12 months of age, depending on breed and health status.

• Pet Insurance: Unexpected illnesses or injuries can happen at any time. We recommend pet insurance to help ease the stress of these moments and ensure you can confidently choose the best care for your pet without the added worry of financial strain.

• Handling and Desensitization: Regularly handling your puppy’s paws, ears, and mouth at home helps them feel comfortable during grooming and veterinary visits. Normalizing gentle handling from an early age reduces stress later in life and builds trust between you and your pet.

We’re Here to Support You

At Audubon Family Veterinary Center, we believe preventive care is the cornerstone of lifelong wellness. Our team is here to answer your questions, tailor a care plan for your puppy, and provide support at every stage of their development.