Welcome to Eagle Animal Hospital, your trusted veterinarian in Chester Springs, PA for new puppy care. From your new puppy vet visit to building a complete puppy vaccination schedule, our team is here to guide you through every step of your puppy’s first year and beyond.
A fecal test is recommended at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, then at their yearly wellness exam.
After the 1st year of age, Dappv and Rabies vaccines are given every 3 years. Lyme, Lepto, Bordetella, and Influenza are given yearly.
A 4dx test (a blood test that screens for Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis) and a Fecal Test (which tests for intestinal parasites) are recommended yearly starting at 1 year of age.
DAPPV, Bordetella
DAPPv w/ Leptospirosis, Rabies 1 year (per Pennsylvania state law), Lyme
DAPPv w/ Leptospirosis Booster, Lyme Booster, Influenza
Influenza Booster
Some puppies experience no side effects at all after their puppy vaccination schedule appointments. Some may experience mild side effects such as decreased physical activity or pain at the injection site. These side effects should subside in 1 to 2 days. More severe side effects (uncommon reactions) include vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the muzzle or face, and hives. If any of these side effects occur, call our office as soon as you notice them.
Females should be spayed at 6 months of age. We recommend spaying before the first heat cycle, which typically happens around 7 to 8 months. Males should be neutered between 6 and 12 months. Pre-anesthetic blood work is performed 1 to 8 weeks before surgery is scheduled. Your veterinarian at Eagle Animal Hospital, your trusted veterinarian in Chester Springs, PA, will discuss the best timing for your puppy at their wellness visit.
A microchip is a permanent ID that links your pet to you. A Home Again microchip is placed between your pet's shoulder blades, typically at the time of spay or neuter, and is often added during your new puppy vet visit schedule. Once your pet receives a microchip, you are eligible to apply for a lifetime dog license through your county.
Feeding instructions differ by brand and can be found on the bag.
It is imperative that your pet’s specific nutritional needs be discussed with their vet, but if you would like to do more research, we recommend articles from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine – Nutrition.
At home, practice opening your pet’s mouth and lifting their lips on a daily basis. Once your puppy is comfortable, begin gently rubbing your fingers on their gums and teeth every day. You can use toothpaste made specifically for pets (Petsmile), along with dental treats and dental diets, to support oral health from an early age.
Appropriate chew toys can also help maintain dental health. These can be found on the VOHC website (Veterinary Oral Health Council). Toys should be made from material that you can indent with your thumbnail—if the toy is too hard, it may risk fracturing your puppy’s teeth.
Appropriate chew toys can also help maintain your pet’s oral health. These can be found on the VOHC website (Veterinary Oral Health Council). Toys should be made from material that you can indent with your thumbnail. If the toy is too hard, your pet could be at risk for fracturing teeth.
Credelio is an oral flea and tick prevention administered to your dog monthly. Used for dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older.
Bravecto is an oral flea and tick prevention administered to your dog every 3 months. Used for dogs and puppies 6 months and older.
Interceptor Plus is an oral heartworm prevention administered to your dog monthly. This also treats and controls intestinal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Used for dogs and puppies 6 weeks and older.
Simparica Trio is an oral flea/tick and heartworm prevention administered to your dog monthly. Used for dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older.
It is important to keep your puppy on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention year-round, and our team at Eagle Animal Hospital can help you choose the right plan during your new puppy vet visit.
Begin grooming early so your puppy becomes accustomed to being handled by you and other people, including veterinarians and groomers. Using a soft bristle brush, gently stroke their back a few times. Try brushing while the puppy is drowsy in your lap.
To desensitize your puppy for nail trimming, start by picking up one of your dog’s paws and gently holding it for a few seconds, touching their toes and nails. Gradually, try trimming a nail or two while giving treats.
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Here are answers to questions pet owners often ask about wellness visits, what to expect, and how often your pet should see the vet.
A new puppy vet visit at Eagle Animal Hospital includes a complete physical exam, weight check, parasite screening, deworming if needed, and the start of your puppy's vaccination series. Our veterinarians will also review feeding, training, socialization, and what to expect during each stage of your puppy's first year.
Your first vet visit puppy appointment should happen within the first week of bringing your puppy home, ideally around 6 to 8 weeks of age. This visit allows our team to perform a full health check, start the vaccination series, discuss nutrition, and answer any questions you have about caring for your new puppy.
A standard puppy vaccination schedule begins at 8 weeks with DAPPV and the bordetella puppy vaccine, followed by boosters at 12, 16, and 20 weeks that include Leptospirosis, Rabies, Lyme, and Canine Influenza. We tailor the schedule based on your puppy's lifestyle, exposure to other dogs, and Pennsylvania state requirements.
If you are searching for a dog rabies vaccine near me, Eagle Animal Hospital provides rabies vaccinations as part of every puppy's protocol, with the first dose given at 12 weeks of age per Pennsylvania state law. Call (610) 458-8789 or request an appointment online to schedule your puppy's visit.
We recommend spaying females at 6 months of age, ideally before their first heat cycle, which typically happens around 7 to 8 months. Males should be neutered between 6 and 12 months. Pre-anesthetic blood work is performed 1 to 8 weeks before surgery to ensure your puppy is healthy and ready.
Eagle Animal Hospital is a family owned veterinary hospital in Chester Springs, PA, caring for dogs, cats, and small animals across Chester County since 2008.
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