Your Puppy's First Visit to the Vet
Your puppy will require a series of vaccinations before they are fully protected against deadly diseases like Parvo and distemper.
Your puppy has received its first DAPPV vaccination. This vaccination protects against 2 deadly puppy diseases, Parvo and Distemper. Your puppy MUST receive at least 3 more of these vaccinations to be protected against these deadly diseases.
Puppies normally receive one of these shots every 3 weeks from your veterinarian.
Parvo and Distemper are deadly diseases that are transmitted from dog to dog or in fecal material.
Unquestionably you should NOT take your puppy anywhere that they could come in contact with an unvaccinated dog or fecal material from an unvaccinated dog like parks, dog parks, grassy areas around stores, etc… where an unvaccinated dog may have been.
It is critical that you do not allow your puppy to be around other dogs unless they have been fully vaccinated too. This also includes the vet clinic.
Your puppy will NOT be full vaccinated when you get it therefore it will NOT be fully protected against the deadly diseases of Parvo and Distemper.
Your puppy must receive a series of vaccinations or boosters before they are fully vaccinated.
So, what do you need to know as a new owner?
1. Set up a vet visit for a wellness exam and next vaccinations
Set up a visit with your veterinarian within 3 days of receiving your puppy (this is a stipulation in your contract). I guarantee that your puppy is received healthy that is why this visit must be performed quickly after receiving your puppy.
Even though my vet performed a vet check at 6 weeks of age, I want your vet to perform a check to just double check that no problems are found with your puppy.
Your puppy received its DAPPV vaccination about 3 weeks ago and will be ready for that second vaccination at this point too.
Make sure to take your vaccination booklet with you to the vet visit.
2. Vaccination & worming schedule
Expect to return to the veterinarian every 3 weeks for your puppy to receive its’ puppy vaccinations. Most vets will vaccinate on the following schedule however there may be some variation.
6 weeks – DAPPV
9 weeks – DAPPV
12 weeks – DAPPV
15 weeks – DAPPV or DAPPV with Lepto + Rabies vaccination
A word of caution! Dogs may have a reaction to a vaccination just like people. It is rare for a dog to have a severe reaction. More than likely, they will just have a sore neck and may not feel good and be grouchy. It is best to let them rest and limit play after a vet visit. Lepto can really affect some dogs. Expect a very sore neck and achiness. Do not let children play or roughly play with puppies after they are vaccinated to prevent being bitten.
Your puppy has been dewormed approximately every 2 weeks with varying dewormers that are safe for puppies. Your veterinarian will set you up on a deworming schedule and flea/tick control if these external parasites are a problem in your area.
3. Yearly vaccinations
Once your puppy has received its series of puppy shots and rabies shot, they will need a yearly booster. This is a good time for your veterinarian to check out your dog and do a general examination.
4. Spaying or neutering
Most of our puppies are sold with limited registration which requires mandatory spaying or neutering. I have discussed the appropriate age for spaying and neutering Corgis with multiple vets and most agree that it should be performed before the dog is 9 months of age. If your vet would like for you to wait and spay or neuter at on older age, just let me know.
Once your puppy has been spayed or neutered, just send me some form of documentation (it can be as easy as a picture of a receipt) from your vet and I will get you marked off the list.
What to take with you to the vet
Your puppy will come with a vaccination booklet showing all the vaccinations and deworming’s that they received before leaving our care. Make sure that you take this with you to your first vet appointment.
It is your responsibility to complete your puppies’ vaccinations. This will include at least 3 more DAPPV vaccinations and a rabies vaccination. They will be able to contract these deadly diseases if you do not complete their vaccinations on schedule.
NOTE: When taking your puppy to the vet, carry them in and hold them in your lap while waiting. Do NOT allow them to walk or sit on the floor where sick dogs may have walked. Do not allow them to come in contact with other dogs that could possibly be sick either. NEVER take them to the bathroom in the grass outside the vet clinic. You do not know what other dogs have been there.
