Ask Dr Claire
We just bought a 6 weeks puppy. He is a mix golden retriever, husky and border collie. As this is our 1st furry pet, we would like to get further advice regarding vacs, worm treatment, microchipping, diet, etc.
In general:
- Vaccination: Recommendations depend on your location, the type of vaccine used by your Vet, the breed, and the prevalence of disease in the area. Typically they have 3 x vaccination course, the first at 6-8 weeks age, 2nd at 12 weeks and 3rd puppy vaccine at 16 weeks age, which is then repeated a year after that.
- Worming: Gastrointestinal worms can be treated with an all-wormer every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months and 3 monthly after that (some continue with monthly products for life).
- Heartworm: In Australia this is always recommended as preventative products are so effective and safe, but treatment of heartworm infection which is spread by mosquitos is very hard. Age to start depends on the prevention used by usually start by 12 weeks of age.
- Fleas: Prevention of fleas is essential, many products are safe from 6 weeks of age.
- Diet: Must be balanced for a puppy, good quality and easily digestible, individuals will also have individual requirements.
- Microchipping: is mandatory in Australia, and puppies usually come to you microchipped, you need to make sure the details are in your name and that the contact details are correct.
If you’d like to chat in person, you can get a vet on a live video call or start a chat to discuss in more detail.
We’re on stand-by to help!
Chat soon,
Dr Claire