Vaccination:
The three main diseases that your puppy should be vaccinated against are Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper and Canine Hepatitis. Vaccination is usally commenced at 6 weeks, with a booster at 10 weeks than yearly.
Depending on your puppy's environment and your lifestyle, we may recommend vaccination against other diseases such as Canine Cough and Tetanus. 

Worming:
Puppies require to be wormed at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age and thereafter every 3 months. 

Heartworm:
In our local area we are at medium risk for infection with this nasty tropical parasite. The Queensland flooding of 2011 has increased the risk for heartworm in northern NSW. Heartworm can be prevented by an annual injection, monthly tablet, monthly spot-ons (Advocate and Revolution which are also your flea products) or daily tablets. We recommend the annual injection, given at the same time as vaccination.

Microchipping:
Before you purchase your puppy it should already be microchipped or should be done by 12 weeks of age according to the NSW State Law. Registration is then required by the age of six months with your local Council. It is also required by law, when in a public place, to have a collar and tag attached that shows the dog's name and contact details. We do have a range of Red Dingo tags available for purchase at the Clinic.  

Desexing:
Your dog can be neutered from 4-6 months of age and only requires day surgery where your dog will be admitted in the morning (between 8:30am and 9:00am) with the owner withholding food and water from at least midnight the night before. After admittance, all animals are examined for general health, and specifically to assess anaesthetic risks. Animals are discharged after 4pm unless prior arrangements are made. Your dog will then need to return 7-10 days after surgery to remove stitches.

Dogs can be desexed at any age from 4 months. There is no need to allow bitches to have a season first, or a litter of pups. 

Flea products:
Fleas are always a big issue in the warm months and can be managed by using a suitable product for your puppy, such as Frontline, Revolution, Advocate, Advantage or Comfortis. See our Products page for more information on these products or feel free to contact us via phone, email or even visiting us at 98 Barber street Gunnedah (next to the fire station). 

Training:
Training your puppy is very important and can be achieved by using positive reinforcement. Local obedience classes are available or visit our Dog Training or visit http:///www.pawclub.com.au/Behaviour/Default.aspx for some direction in educating your puppy. 

Grooming:
Depending on the type of coat your puppy has will depend on the amount of grooming you will need to do. Start as early as possible to get your puppy use to it. If your dog has a short coat, a comb suitable will be a short soft bristle or a grooming mitt with short soft rubber bristle-like teeth. If your dog had a long coat a brush or comb with longer teeth is required to be able to get through the fur.

Insurance:
Insurance is a great idea to have for you and your puppy. For more information visit http://www.prosure.com.au