Starting Your Journey at Santaluz
At Santaluz Animal Care, we love puppies, and we’re here to help yours grow into a healthy, happy adult dog! Your puppy’s first visits set the foundation for a lifetime of wellness, and our Fear-Free approach ensures these early experiences are positive ones.
Your puppy’s health journey begins with that first adorable visit around 8-10 weeks of age. We’ll perform a nose-to-tail wellness exam, checking everything from those puppy teeth to that waggy tail. This comprehensive examination helps us catch any concerns early and gives you peace of mind that your new family member is starting life healthy and strong.
First Visit Essentials
- Complete wellness examination: We check growth, development, and screen for any breed-specific concerns.
- Core vaccinations: Starting protection against serious diseases like parvovirus and distemper.
- Parasite prevention: Deworming protocols and monthly flea/tick prevention to keep your puppy pest-free.
- Nutritional counseling: Personalized feeding guidelines based on your puppy’s breed and expected adult size.
- Behavior basics: House training tips, appropriate chew toys, and early socialization guidance.
- Microchipping discussion: Planning permanent identification for your puppy’s safety.
Your Puppy’s Health Timeline
- 8-10 weeks: First DHPP vaccine, parasite screening, and new puppy education
- 11-13 weeks: Second DHPP, possible Bordetella, continued deworming
- 14-16 weeks: Final puppy vaccines including Rabies, lifestyle vaccine discussion
- 6 months: Spay/neuter consultation and adolescent behavior guidance
- Monthly: Heartworm and flea/tick prevention to protect against parasites
Setting Up for Success
Between visits, focus on short training sessions, safe socialization after vaccines, consistent routines for meals and potty breaks, and lots of positive experiences. Remember, what happens in puppyhood shapes your dog’s entire life, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Schedule Your Puppy’s First Visit
At Santaluz Animal Care, we make puppy visits fun, educational, and Fear-Free. Ready to begin your puppy’s wellness journey? Call us at (858) 258-5590 to schedule your first puppy visit and start on the right paw.