Guiding You Through the Wonderful First Year with Expert Care and Friendly Advice
Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Bringing home a tiny, playful, wagging puppy is one of life’s greatest joys. The world seems full of wonder as they chase toys, explore every new smell, and curl up for a nap right next to you. These first few months are a magical time, and they’re also a critical window for laying the foundation for a long, healthy, and happy life.
At San Marcos Veterinary Clinic, we adore puppies, and we’re here to be your trusted partners on this exciting journey. We’ve developed a comprehensive puppy care program to take the guesswork out of these early stages, providing you with friendly advice and your new companion with the highest standard of veterinary care.
Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit: A Gentle Welcome
We recommend scheduling your puppy’s first visit with us as soon as they’ve settled into your home. This initial appointment is much more than just a check-up; it’s a warm welcome to our practice. We’ll perform a gentle physical exam, listen to all your questions (there are no silly ones!), and create a personalized plan for the months ahead.
What’s Included in Your Puppy Care Plan?
Our program is designed as a series of visits to ensure your puppy gets everything they need to thrive. Each step is carefully timed to provide maximum protection and support as they grow. Our comprehensive plan offers essential services, including:
- A Full Series of Vaccinations: Just like human babies, puppies require a series of immunizations to build up their defenses against common and serious canine diseases. Our program includes the core DHLPP vaccine (to protect against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza), the Rabies vaccine, and the Bordetella vaccine, crucial for puppies with potential exposure to other dogs (e.g., dog parks, boarding).
- Comprehensive Parasite Control: Puppies are very susceptible to intestinal parasites (worms), which can cause serious illness. Our program includes routine deworming. We will also get your puppy started on a safe, effective monthly preventative to protect them from fleas and heartworm disease, with a dose of flea prevention included.
- Initial Fecal Exam: Our plan includes a fecal exam to check for common intestinal parasites.
- Microchipping: A microchip is a permanent form of identification, no bigger than a grain of rice. It’s a simple, safe procedure that gives you the best possible chance of being reunited with your dog if they ever get lost—a true ticket home. Our plan includes microchipping.
- Three Office Visits for Wellness Exams: Your puppy will receive 3 comprehensive wellness exams, ensuring their healthy development.
Convenient Payment Options: Choose from a one-time payment or three convenient monthly payments for our puppy care program.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of our Puppy Care Plan:
| Services | Visit 1 | Visit 2 | Visit 3 |
| Health Exam
(A thorough exam by one of our friendly, knowledgeable doctors!) |
✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Vaccinations
|
✅ |
✅
✅ ✅ |
✅
✅ ✅ |
Testing
|
✅ | ||
Parasite Prevention/Control
|
✅ ✅ |
||
| Nail trim | ✅ |
Guidance for a Happy Life Together
Our support goes beyond medical care. We are your go-to resource for all your questions about raising a happy, well-adjusted dog. We love discussing:
- Nutrition: We can help you select the right food to fuel your puppy’s incredible growth spurts and support their development.
- Spaying & Neutering: We will discuss the ideal time to schedule this important procedure, which offers significant health benefits, prevents unwanted litters, and can reduce undesirable behaviors.
- Training & Socialization: Early training and positive socialization are critical for developing a confident, well-behaved dog. We can offer tips for everything from house-training to safely introducing your puppy to new people, dogs, and environments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Puppy Care Plan
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, and it’s natural to have a lot of questions! Here are some common queries pet owners have about caring for their newest family member:
How soon after I bring my puppy home should I schedule their first vet visit?
We recommend scheduling their first visit as soon as they’ve settled into your home, ideally within the first few days or week. This allows us to perform an initial health check, discuss their immediate needs, and start their personalized care plan.
Why are so many vaccinations necessary for puppies?
Puppies are highly vulnerable to common and serious canine diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper. A series of vaccinations, given at specific intervals, is crucial to build up their immune system and provide robust protection as they grow and explore their world. These boosters ensure long-lasting immunity.
What vaccinations are included in your puppy care program?
Our comprehensive program includes the core DHLPP vaccine (for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza), the Rabies vaccine, and the Bordetella vaccine. We will discuss additional lifestyle-dependent vaccines, such as Canine Influenza, based on your puppy’s anticipated exposure and needs.
How often will my puppy need deworming and parasite prevention?
Puppies are very susceptible to intestinal parasites. Our puppy care program includes routine deworming during their initial visits. We’ll also get them started on a monthly preventative that protects against fleas and heartworm, which typically includes protection against common intestinal worms, ensuring continuous protection.
When should I consider spaying or neutering my puppy?
The ideal timing for spaying or neutering can vary based on your puppy’s breed, size, and individual development. We typically discuss this important procedure between 5 and 6 months of age, but we will provide a personalized recommendation for your puppy during their wellness exams, considering all the health and behavioral benefits.
Get Started with a Trusted Partner at Our San Marcos Veterinary Clinic
Your puppy’s health journey is a partnership, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way. At San Marcos Veterinary Clinic, we are passionate about giving every puppy the best possible start in life. Ready to give your new best friend the expert care they deserve?
Contact the dedicated team at San Marcos Veterinary Clinic today to schedule their first wellness exam or to enroll them in our comprehensive puppy care program. Call us at (760) 744-5400 or connect with us through our online contact form. We can’t wait to meet the newest member of your family!
