Getting a New Puppy?
How exciting! Welcoming a new puppy into your home is very exciting but also a big responsibility and commitment. It’s crucial to think and plan this through before you choose your ‘furever’ friend.
Researching your chosen breed is so important. Do you want a couch potato (rescued Greyhound) or a high energy dog that can go on runs with you (Border Collie)? Do you have the lifestyle block for a Husky or an apartment for a Chihuahua? Whatever you decide, it’s important you choose correctly for your lifestyle and provide them with what they need.
It’s also important to be aware of any common medical conditions that are associated with the breed;
For example, Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome in Pugs and Frenchies, allergic skin disease in West Highland White Terriers, and Gastrointestinal Disorders in German Shepherds. And remember a young puppy is active and inquisitive – a bit like a toddler, they are prone to accidents and mishaps, and they will test anything in their mouth to see if it’s edible!
For these reasons alone we cannot stress enough the importance of being financially prepared for both the expected and unexpected conditions they may suffer with. Having pet insurance can be a literal life saver and can lessen the financial aspect of decision-making during times of difficulty for your pet.
The first 16 weeks of your puppy’s life are pivotal in getting them set up for a quality life for both you and them. This socialisation window is the crucial timeframe for them to meet new people and experience new sights and sounds so they are a stable outgoing dog. We are happy to have in-depth discussions with you around all your pet’s health care needs at their first health check.
Some of the services available at Marshall and Pringle for getting your new fur friend all set up and ready for a healthy life include:
Puppy vaccinations – Canine distemper virus, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough) from 8 weeks of age to 16 weeks of age.
Microchipping – usually performed at the second vaccination, and a legal requirement for council registration. Microchip registration on the NZ Companion Animal Database is strongly advised. A one-off fee puts your pet on the national database so you can be reunited if your pet is lost anywhere in New Zealand.
Worming and flea treatments – worm every 2 weeks from 6 weeks of age to 12 weeks of age, and then worm monthly until 6 months of age. Then every 3 months thereafter.
A range of life stage diets and nutrition advice – Puppy small, medium, and large breed diets until skeletal maturity.
Desexing – castration and spay timing varies depending on breed and sex, a vet will discuss all the pro’s, cons, and up-to-date advice.
Insurance – get 3 weeks free insurance in-clinic; a variety of different ongoing policies are available, ask a team member for advice.
Puppy Classes
Getting the basics of training and establishing some good behaviours is so important to set your puppy up for a fun filled life. Karen De Witt, a vet and behavioural trainer, runs weekly puppy classes on a Wednesday evening to allow your puppy to socialise, and teaches you to work as a team learning tips and tricks! Many of our puppy school ‘graduates’ have no fear coming into our clinic as adults because it is so strongly associated with the fun of puppy school for years afterwards.
Please contact Karen De Witt at Goodogz training by text 021 124 0174 or at goodogznz@gmail.com
www.goodogz.co.nz FOUR PAWS TO BE PROUD OF!