Complete Puppy Care | Experienced & Friendly Staff

Complete Puppy Care

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Puppy care at the Ark

Puppies mean snuggles, playtime, and a cuteness overload. They also come with a lot of responsibility and a lot of things to learn. At the Ark we understand that there is so much to know about raising a puppy and so many decisions to make.

You’ll want to be assured your pup is growing properly. You also want to know when they need vaccinations or treatments, as well as when and how to change from feeding formulation and care for emerging adult teeth. You’ll probably also have endless questions about behaviour and training. We are here to help!

All this can seem a bit overwhelming when all you want to do is enjoy the good times with the new family addition. The Ark Veterinary Hospital is taking the worry out of owning a puppy with our specialised puppy care. Designed to give your pup comprehensive veterinary care for the first 12 months; saving you stress, time, and money.

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Individual consults and year long packages

We offer individual consults and a year long care package.

It is so exciting to be a new puppy owner and we understand how stressful that can also be. That is why we’ve made sure that all new customer consults are extended consults (at least 45 minutes). Our experienced veterinarians have more than 25 years of experience and will go through everything with you including: worming, flea prevention, desexing, diet, pet insurance and more! This gives us a chance to bond with your new puppy and to answer any questions that you may have.

Our year-long package is tailored to care for your puppy at all stages of their first year of life. Ensuring that they receive the right puppy vaccinations, parasite prevention measures, and regular check-ups on their growth and development. Read more about our package below or talk to our nurses about whether the package is right for you.

We also offer an automation service. This means that we send you messages by email or phone when a vaccination, treatment or an appointment is coming up.

Testimonials from our customers:

Simon Tam

Professional and keep customer well informed.
I have to say I thank you for your service. I visited Ark as the first timer, and noticed that doctor Kirby was examined my dog thoroughly, paid attention to every details. Most important of all, be able to explain to me so that I understand.

Alex Martyn

Joe and his team at Ark Vet are professional, friendly and kind. Our dog has received excellent care every time he has visited – he loves going there, and they have always taken time to make sure we understand the options and what is recommended. I happily recommend this practice.

Year-long health Package

At the Ark we developed a comprehensive year long care package. It takes the stress out of setting up your puppy for a healthy adult life. So you can make the most of the time getting to know and training the new addition to your family!

The package is tailored to care for your puppy at all stages of their first year of life. Ensuring that they receive the right vaccinations, parasite prevention measures, and regular check-ups on their growth and development. for more information call with one of our friendly staff members at 02-9416-1300. or make a booking online.

Our nursing and veterinarian team can tell you everything you need to know about your growing puppy: what foods to give them and how to care for their teeth. Together we create strategies to encourage good behaviour and how to set up your house to keep your puppy safe. The package is valued at $990, but we are offering it for $735 a massive 25% discount!

What does our year-long package include?

10 weeks
1th health examination, Vaccination, and intestinal worming

12 weeks
Heartworm injection, intestinal worming, flea and tick prevention

14 weeks
Health examination, Vaccination, intestinal worming and flea/tick prevention

5 months
Growth check; including skin & coat, weight and dental examination, Intestinal worming, flea/tick treatment

6 months
Heartworm injection, intestinal worming, 3 month flea/tick treatment

9 months
Growth check by veterinary nurse including dental exam, weight check, skin and coat check, nail clip, intestinal worm, 3 month flea/tick treatment

12 months
Weight check and nutrition consult with veterinary nurse

Puppy school

Puppy socialising

The best way socialise your pup is by participating in a puppy course. During the course your puppy will be able to socialise and play with other puppies in a safe, controlled environment

The Ark Puppy School

We run a 4-week course for puppies aged 8-16 weeks. The course is every Tuesday from 7pm under direct supervision of experienced, qualified instructors from Confident Canines.

How to Enrol:

Call us on 02 9416 1300 and one of our friendly nurses will schedule your first puppy class or give you more information.

Microchipping your puppy

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.

Puppy vaccinations

Vaccinations (or immunisations) are an integral part of your puppy’s life. They play an important role in protecting your pup from a variety of diseases, as well as ensuring they are regularly checked by the veterinarian.

Here at the Ark, we have a vaccination schedule for each species to ensure full and ongoing protection!

Vaccination schedule for Dogs

Puppies receive 3 sets of vaccinations:

6-8 weeks of age: C3 vaccination
10-12 weeks of age: C5 vaccination
14-16 weeks of age: C5 vaccination

Once the puppy vaccinations are completed, a booster shot is not given for another 12 months (when the dog in roughly 1y 4m old). They then receive what is called a triennial C5, meaning the C3 part of the vaccination is only given every 3 years, but the Kennel Cough must be given every 12 months.

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.

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.

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.