Microchipping

In NSW, it is a legal requirement that dogs are microchipped and registered. A microchip is an implant, about the size of a grain of rice, that is placed under the skin of your pet, usually when they are quite young. Microchippping is the best way to identify your pet if they are ever lost. Vet clinics and pounds have microchip scanners, which can read your pet’s chip, and access your contact information that is attached to it. It is important that if any of your details, such as home address or contact numbers change after you get your puppy, that you update your details immediately with your local council.

Grooming

Puppies may be bathed at home every 2 weeks if necessary to maintain cleanliness. The nurses at The Ark will be able to recommend the best shampoo to use for your new pup. Depending on the breed of your dog, a slicker brush, or comb, or both, may be needed to keep your pet’s coat in top condition. If you have a long-haired, or curly-coated puppy, we recommend that you get them used to being brushed on a daily basis. This helps keep the fur un-matted, and improves their coat condition. If you own a puppy that will require clipping later in life, bring them in for a regular groom with Julie from 14 weeks of age. This grooming will get your puppy used to the clippers, scissors, bath, and blow-dryer we use, so it becomes a pleasant experience as they grow up.

Trimming your puppy’s nails can seem like a daunting task. Similarly to brushing, it will become a more pleasant experience for all involved if your puppy views it as a normal and regular occurrence. Play with your puppy’s feet, and touch their toenails regularly. If you are unsure of how to trim their nails, make an appointment with one of our nurses to show you how!

Dog Food

It is important that you feed your puppy proper food while it is growing. They are best fed three times a day for the first 4-6 months of life. After this time, they can be fed once or twice a day without any problems.

Our nurses are experts in developing a nutrition plan for your new furry friend. Book an appointment to receive advice on a range of premium foods.

An abundant source of fresh water is essential, and separate food and water dishes that are difficult to tip over are recommended.

Preventative care 

Ticks

Paralysis ticks are a significant health risk to your puppy. They are most active during the warmer months of the year (October to March), but we can sometimes see cases year-round. There are a number of preventative products that can be used from 8 weeks of age. Chewable tablets, are simple to use and also cover fleas. There are a variety of spot-on treatments on the market as well if you are unable to give your dog a tablet. No prevention is 100% effective, so it is vital that you check your puppy daily for ticks. At The Ark we have a wide variety of tick and flea prevention. Our experienced nurses can advice you which one is the best treatment for your pet.

If you think your puppy has a tick, take them to a vet immediately for treatment.

Heartworm

These are parasites that live in the blood of the dog’s heart and adjacent blood vessels, and can be fatal if not prevented. They are transmitted by mosquitos, so consistent prevention is key. For the first 3 months of your puppy’s life, heartworm is prevented by giving a tablet very 2 weeks. Once your puppy is 3 months old it can be given a heartworm-preventing injection. This injection requires a booster 3 months later (usually done at the time of desexing at 6 months of age), and then a booster 9 months after that, which will coincide with your puppy’s first adult vaccination. This injection can then be administered every 12 months to coincide with the annual vaccinations.

Fleas

Fleas are an annoying parasite that cause itchiness, skin irritations, and spread tapeworm. Our nurses at The Ark Vet can advise you on the right product to use for the prevention of fleas for your puppy, how to use the products correctly and when to apply them. There are a range of products on the market for flea prevention, including chewable tablets, spot-on treatments, sprays and environmental treatments. We will help you choose the best product for your puppy and household.

Read more about our preventative care.

Desexing

Desexing is an irreversible surgical procedure that involves removing the testicles from male dogs, and the uterus and ovaries from female dogs. It is a routine operation that is performed regularly at The Ark Vet. There are lots of reasons to spey or neuter your pet, including:

• Costs – no additional food or medical bills for offspring
• Stops pet overpopulation in shelters and on the streets
• Reduces or eliminates territorial behaviour
• Less likely to suffer from anti-social behaviours
• Dogs are less prone to wander in search for a mate
• Reduced risk of cancer of the reproductive organs
• Pets generally live longer and healthier lives

Your puppy should be desexed at 5-6 months of age. There is no benefit in waiting, or with females, letting them produce a litter prior to being desexed.

Read more about desexing.

Bedding and chew toys for your puppy

A soft towel or blanket will be sufficient for the beginning, however there are dog beds available. It is best to teach your puppy from the day it arrives home where it is to sleep. Don’t be tempted to let your puppy sleep in your own bed, unless you intend for this to be where it will always sleep. Bad habits are hard to break!

A soft or ticking clock (simulating the heartbeat of its mother or siblings) will often help to settle your new puppy down to sleep more quickly.

Puppies have active minds and can easily become bored and lonely when you’re out. A good way to keep them entertained is to hide food in Kongs and Treat Balls, or provide a range of chew toys. Kongs that are filled with your puppy’s dinner can also be used to make your dog work for their food in the evening.

We have a lot of toys at the Ark. Just drop by and let one of our friendly nurses advice you what is the best toy for your pup.