Vaccination is essential to protect your puppy from serious infectious diseases.

Vaccines given before 7 weeks of age do not provide reliable long-term immunity due to maternal antibodies.

Your puppy must complete the full vaccine series to be fully protected.

Avoid public parks until the vaccine series is complete (~5 months of age).

Limit exposure to unknown dogs until after rabies vaccination at ~4 months (puppy classes are acceptable).

Annual booster vaccines are required after the initial series.

Puppies commonly acquire intestinal parasites from their mother.

A fecal sample should be tested early to check for parasites.

If your puppy was recently dewormed, wait 3 weeks before testing to ensure accurate results.

Some parasites can be transmitted to people, especially children.

Routine fecal testing and/or deworming at least once per year is recommended.

Tick Prevention is recommended year-round.

Heartworm is a mosquito-transmitted parasite that can cause heart failure if untreated.

Prevention is given monthly June–November in Ontario.

Dogs alive during a previous mosquito season require a blood test before starting prevention.

Annual testing is recommended annually before starting prevention each year.

Feed a high-quality puppy-specific diet only.

Use a combination of canned and dry food in an approximate ratio of 1:3 (canned:dry).

Avoid table scraps and access to garbage.

Do not feed adult dog food until your puppy is close to one year of age.

Large breed puppies should be fed a large-breed puppy formula.

Avoid overfeeding; puppies should be kept lean.

Unless breeding is planned, we strongly recommend spaying or neutering your puppy.

Female dogs: 5½–6 months of age (prior to first heat).

Male dogs: typically 6–12 months depending on breed, behaviour, and growth rate.

This helps prevent behavioural issues and reduces risk of certain medical conditions.

Puppy obedience classes are strongly recommended.

Handle your puppy daily to examine the mouth, ears, eyes, and feet.

Practice opening the mouth and lifting lips to prepare for dental care.

Early training helps with nail trims, medications, and overall behaviour.

Microchipping is a safe and permanent method of identification.

It significantly increases the chance of being reunited if your pet is lost.

Often performed at the time of spay/neuter.

Decreased appetite

Vomiting or diarrhea

Lethargy or weakness

Coughing or breathing concerns

Any sudden change in behaviour