Puppy Care at Maple Grove Pet Hospital

Puppies require special attention and care during their early months. Our comprehensive puppy care services are designed to ensure your new furry family member gets the best start in life.

Your puppy will undergo a thorough physical examination before receiving vaccinations. Since puppies require a series of vaccinations, they will have multiple physical exams during their initial months. These appointments are not just for vaccinations; they are an excellent opportunity to address any questions or concerns you have about your growing puppy. We can also provide guidance on behavioral and training issues. As your puppy matures into adulthood, annual wellness exams become crucial for detecting age-related diseases early.

Every puppy is unique, and their vaccination needs should reflect that. At Maple Grove Pet Hospital, we work closely with you to create a vaccination program tailored to your puppy’s lifestyle, age, medical history, and potential disease exposure risks. Whether your puppy is attending obedience classes, going to a groomer, traveling with you, or enjoying dog parks, we adopt vaccination guidelines based on the latest recommendations from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) for both core and non-core vaccines.

Studies suggest that for large breed dogs, it may be beneficial to wait until they are closer to 1 year of age before spaying or neutering, despite the possibility of doing so as early as 6 months. Our experienced veterinarians will discuss the best timing for surgery during your puppy’s exams. To ensure a safe procedure, surgery patients should be up-to-date on their annual exam, vaccinations, and parasite testing. We also conduct pre-anesthesia lab work. At Maple Grove Pet Hospital, we utilize advanced laser technology for spaying and neutering, reducing the risk of infection, improving recovery time, and minimizing postoperative pain.

Proper nutrition is essential for your puppy’s growth and development. We recommend meal feeding and measuring each meal to monitor your pet’s intake accurately. This practice not only helps maintain an optimal weight but also aids in house training. Our feeding recommendations for puppies are as follows:

• Puppies under four months: three meals per day.
• Puppies older than four months: at least two meals per day.
• Toy breed or very small puppies: four meals daily until they reach 6 months of age.

Initiating a dental care routine early is vital for your puppy’s long-term health. Teeth brushing not only strengthens your bond with your pet but also plays a crucial role in home health care and can prevent certain diseases later in life. Use toothpaste formulated for pets and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing your pet’s teeth every day is ideal. Additionally, we can recommend other dental products such as chews, dental diets, water additives, sealants, or rinses to complement your brushing routine.

We offer a comprehensive range of puppy care services designed to ensure the best start in life for your new furry family member. Our approach includes thorough physical examinations, tailored vaccination programs, thoughtful guidance on the optimal timing for spaying and neutering, and advice on proper nutrition and meal feeding. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of early dental care to promote lifelong health. Our experienced team is committed to providing personalized care and strategies to foster your puppy’s growth, development, and overall health.