MICROCHIPPING

Micro-chipping is a safe, easy, and cheap way to permanently Identify your pet. A small microchip is placed under the skin between the shoulders. Each chip is unique and when you register the chip with HomeAgain this number will follow your pet for life.  For More information on the HomeAgain Chip visit  HomeAgain

VACCINATIONS

When puppies are born they are born helpless and defenseless. They are extremely susceptible to many illnesses and viruses. We, as their new parents, must make sure they are protected. Just as with your children, puppies need vaccinations in order to help prevent illness. Puppies are normally given a series of vaccinations the first few months of their life, beginning at 6-8 weeks of age.

FECAL CHECK

It is almost inevitable that your new puppy will have some kind of intestinal parasite. When you come for your first examination you should bring a poop sample with you. Intestinal parasites are usually very easy to treat and involve a series of deworming medication and/or antibiotics. The sooner your pet is put on medicine the better. Some intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can pass from animals to people. ALWAYS pick up your pet's droppings as they put them down. Many of these intestinal parasites can infest your lawn and your pet can be reinfected. If you pick up droppings right away you reduce the chance of worm eggs infesting your lawn. If you know your puppy is infected, bring him or her in for deworming as soon as possible. In the meantime, restrict yard access to a small area to prevent contamination of the entire yard. For more information on intestinal parasites schedule your appointment today.

HOW DO I GET THE BEST DEAL

To get the best deal for the puppy wellness health plan your puppy should be between 6-8 weeks old. We will still apply the health plan for puppies that are between 9-16weeks, but the total saved value could decrease.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING MY FIRST VISIT

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. During this time we will have you fill out information for your record as well as make copies of the records you have given us. Before entering the exam room we will weigh your puppy and take a picture of your puppy for your record. In the exam room the technician will ask several questions and begin to gather a medical history of your puppy- you should be honest in your answers as some of your answers may be shining light to health problems. Upon the completion of the history, the technician will flea comb your puppy and scan him/her for a microchip. The technician will also let you know what vaccines your puppy will need (typically a distemper combination) and may suggest some testing that would benefit your puppy. The technician will also go over your puppy pack. Once this has been completed the technician will inform the doctor of the medical history as well as gather the necessary tools for the exam. Once the doctor is in the room, a full exam will be conducted and the doctor will inform you of any abnormalities that are found. After the exam is done, the doctor will go over any questions you have as well as giving recommendations for training. You should expect this visit to be around an hour.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY FIRST VISIT

For your puppies first visit you should bring all medical records, breeder records and/or humane society records. These records should have information about de-worming, prior vaccines, health testing or surgical procedures that have been performed. You should bring a fresh (less than 24 hours old) stool sample from your puppy. If your puppy is currently on medications you should bring those along to the first visit as well. We recommend bringing a list of questions to ask the doctor as well as something to take notes on. Bring your puppy hungry and have their favorite treats with you- Dr. Limpach recommends cheese sticks, rotisserie chicken, or hot dogs. If your puppy is from a breeder please make sure to ask your breeder about health testing done for your puppy and/or the puppy's parents. Things to ask for include but are not limited to: Genetic disease testing, eye exam, Hip and elbow testing- your breeder should provide you with a copy of these test results for your record.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE FOLLOWING VISITS

For follow up visits your puppy will be receiving a series of vaccine boosters. You should remember to bring your puppy hungry as well as their favorite treats. The doctor will go over any questions you have and discuss trouble spots in training. These visits will usually be around 30 minutes long.