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Puppy Care

All of us at Alberta Veterinary Care are excited to meet your new puppy and welcome them into our family. Having a puppy can be a joyous experience, but it’s also a big responsibility. Our staff will make sure that your puppy receives the care they need to grow up healthy and strong.

It’s important to bring your new puppy in for an exam as soon as possible to establish good health. Premature and young puppies are more likely to experience medical issues as their immune system is not yet fully developed and may be more susceptible to illness. Puppies that have not had adequate medical care prior to adoption or acquisition may have pre-existing conditions that need to be addressed.

Your Puppy’s First Visit

We ask that you bring the health information provided to you by the seller or shelter on your first visit with us, which should include a previous history of vaccines and deworming, as well as a fresh stool sample. We ask that you please bring your puppy on a leash or in a dog carrier.

During your puppy’s initial visit, we will perform a comprehensive examination and check your puppy for intestinal parasites. Puppies need a series of vaccinations in their first year of life to protect them from various dangerous but preventable diseases. We will develop a vaccination schedule specifically for your puppy. We will address any questions you have concerning care for your pet, such as diet and nutrition, behavioral issues, integrating the new puppy into your home, and house training.

Your puppy’s first exam will include: 

• A comprehensive physical exam
• Intestinal parasite screening
• A tailored vaccination program
• Flea, heartworm, and tick prevention
• Behavior and housetraining advice
• Nutritional counseling

Vaccines and Your Puppy

We believe in designing a personalized vaccine protocol for each puppy to maximize the protection against any diseases your puppy is likely to be exposed to. There are many diseases that are preventable through the judicious use of vaccines, so it is important to vaccinate your puppy against the diseases to which he or she may be exposed.

Dental Care for Your Puppy

At your puppy’s annual wellness visit, we will discuss at-home dental care and show you how to brush your puppy’s teeth. Over time, they will get used to the process and even look forward to having their teeth brushed at home!

Signs That Your Puppy Needs Immediate Medical Attention

Please be alert to the following symptoms, which may be signs that your puppy needs immediate care:

• Signs of pain including panting, labored breathing, increased body temperature, lethargy, hiding, restlessness, loss of appetite, reacting aggressively when touched or approached, crying
• Respiratory problems such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or labored breathing
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• A wound or laceration that's open or bleeding
• Animal bites
• Allergic reactions, swelling around the face, hives, or severe itching
• An eye injury
• Seizures
• Fainting or collapse, difficulty standing or getting up
• Blank stare, disorientation
• Exposure to extreme cold or heat
• Trauma such as getting hit by a vehicle or falling
• Suspected poisoning or ingestion of a foreign substance

Please contact us immediately if your puppy is experiencing any of these symptoms.