Rau Animal Hospital:
2135 Jenkintown Road
Glenside, PA 19038
215-515-5542
Fax: 215-884-8851
Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 9:30pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: 8am - 3pm
 
 
 
Here at Rau Animal Hospital, it is our passion and privilege to be the guardian of your pet’s healthcare. As your trusted advisor, it is also our responsibility to keep you appraised of any potential threats to your animal’s welfare.
Please visit Prevent the Spread of Dog Flu to learn about how to protect your pets and to get the latest information about dog flu outbreaks. Our latest COVID-19 update can be found HERE.

Puppy Care


local vets

Make The Most Of Your First Visit To The Vet

During your puppy’s first veterinary visit, we will perform a thorough physical exam and gather information from you to help get a complete picture of your puppy's health. This is also your opportunity to gather all of the important puppy care information you need to be an informed, responsible and loving guardian. Below are some of the topics we will address at the first visit:

Our veterinarians will take into account factors such as breed, age, your lifestyle, and any current health or behavioral issues to make recommendations that will be tailored to your puppy's needs.

Puppy Vaccinations

Puppy vaccinations should take place every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age during the first several months of life, and continue with booster immunizations throughout adulthood. There are core and non-core vaccinations  and your veterinarian can help you decide which vaccinations are right for your canine companion. 

It is important to stay current with your puppy vaccinations. Puppy vaccinations have been medically proven to combat many preventable diseases and illnesses that will occur without proper immunizations. Puppy vaccinations are a huge part of responsible puppy care, and your puppy deserves no less than every chance to be healthy and happy for life.

Signs Of Illness In Puppies

Young puppies are susceptible to illnesses and diseases that can be very serious. This is why puppy vaccinations are so important. However, puppy vaccinations alone will not prevent all illnesses. The key to preventing illness is being diligent in monitoring your puppy's behavior for symptoms. If you observe any of the following symptoms in your puppy, contact your vet immediately:

  • Lack of appetite
  • Poor weight gain
  • Vomiting
  • Swollen or painful abdomen
  • Lethargy (tiredness)
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing or coughing
  • Pale gums
  • Swollen, red eyes or eye discharge
  • Nasal discharge
  • Inability to pass urine or stool
     

Intestinal Parasites, Fleas And Heartworm

All puppies need a regular deworming program which includes medication to kill most intestinal parasites. In addition, we will want to check your puppy’s stool for uncommon but potentially serious parasites. Dogs can also contract heartworm disease. Therefore we recommend heartworm prevention for all of our patients.

One of the most common and annoying parasitic dangers is fleas. A discussion about your pet’s lifestyle and proper flea and tick control is an indispensable component of puppy care. We do not recommend over-the-counter sprays, powders and collars. They are less effective and more toxic to your pet. Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss an effective flea/tick and overall parasite prevention program.

Feeding Your Puppy

Understanding puppy food is a huge part of responsible puppy care. After all, your puppy's body is growing in ways that will directly impact his or her quality of life for many years to come. It is important that you choose a quality puppy food that has been specifically formulated for young and growing dogs. Always look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that ensures the puppy food you choose meets or exceeds nutritional requirements for growing canine bodies.

Make sure your puppy has fresh and abundant water early in the day to help break down the puppy food, as well as to keep them hydrated. Having a regular feeding and walking schedule will be a tremendous help with potty training. Puppies will begin to learn, understand and enjoy a scheduled routine.

When Should You Spay Or Neuter Your Dog

We recommend spaying or neutering at approximately 6 months of age. However, among certain breeds, some studies have proven that waiting even longer may be the most optimal to avoid certain cancers. Our veterinarians will review this information with you and discuss which breeds may want to consider an alternate plan.

The American Veterinary Medical Association supports early spaying and neutering. In general, puppies recover faster than adult dogs. Therefore, it is an easier surgery for them and one that reduces the rate of disease later in life.

Delaying this procedure past sexual maturity can lead to increased incidences of mammary tumors in females, and testicular cancer in males.

Contact Us Today To Schedule Your Puppy Care Appointment!