New Pet Information
New Puppy Care in Medford, OR
West Main Animal Hospital
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is exciting—but it also comes with important responsibilities. At West Main Animal Hospital in Medford, OR, we provide complete new puppy care to support your pet’s health, development, and long-term well-being from day one.
URGENT cARE
If your pet has an urgent medical need, please call us for faster service. We offer limited same-day appointments and urgent care services.
Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit
Your puppy’s first veterinary visit is one of the most important steps in setting them up for a healthy life. We recommend scheduling this appointment as soon as possible after bringing your puppy home.
During your visit, we will:
– Perform a complete nose-to-tail physical exam
– Check for congenital or early health concerns
– Review vaccination and deworming history
– Discuss diet, feeding schedules, and growth expectations
– Answer questions about behavior, training, and socialization
Every puppy receives a personalized care plan based on breed, age, and lifestyle.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations are essential to protect your puppy from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Puppies are especially vulnerable during their first few months, making timely vaccines critical.
Core puppy vaccines include:
- DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- Starts at 6–8 weeks
- Boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks
- Rabies vaccine
- Typically given after 12–16 weeks (per Oregon law)
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Recommended for social or high-exposure pets
We tailor your puppy’s vaccination schedule based on their lifestyle and risk factors.
Parasite Prevention for Puppies
Parasites are common in young dogs and can impact both pet and human health. Early prevention is key.
We recommend protection against:
- Roundworms and hookworms
- Fleas and ticks
- Heartworm disease
Your puppy will receive routine deworming and a customized prevention plan to keep them protected year-round.
Heartworm Prevention in Southern Oregon
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Even in Southern Oregon, where risk may seem lower, prevention is essential.
We recommend:
- Monthly heartworm prevention
- Annual testing as your puppy matures
Our team will help you choose safe, effective prevention tailored to your puppy’s needs.
Nutrition & Growth Guidance
Proper nutrition plays a major role in your puppy’s development. Feeding the right diet supports:
- Healthy bone and joint growth
- Brain development
- Immune system strength
- Long-term weight management
We’ll help you choose the best food, portion sizes, and feeding schedule based on your puppy’s breed and expected adult size.
Behavior & Training Support
Early training and socialization are critical for raising a well-adjusted dog.
During wellness visits, we can help with:
- Potty training guidance
- Crate training recommendations
- Socialization tips
- Managing common puppy behaviors (chewing, biting, barking)
Addressing behavior early helps prevent long-term issues and strengthens your bond with your puppy.
Spaying & Neutering Your Puppy
Spaying or neutering plays an important role in your dog’s long-term health and behavior.
Benefits may include:
- Reduced risk of certain cancers
- Prevention of unwanted litters
- Improved behavior in some pets
General guidelines:
- Female dogs: often after the first heat cycle
- Male dogs: around one year of age
Timing can vary based on breed and size, and we’ll help you determine what’s best for your puppy.
What Happens After the First Year?
Your puppy will grow quickly into adulthood, but preventive care remains just as important.
The AVMA recommends:
- Annual wellness exams for adult dogs
- Twice-yearly exams for senior pets
These visits ensure your dog stays on track with vaccinations, parasite prevention, and overall health monitoring.
Why Choose West Main Animal Hospital for Puppy Care?
At West Main Animal Hospital, we focus on building long-term relationships with pets and their families.
Pet owners choose us because we offer:
- Compassionate, experienced veterinary care
- Personalized wellness plans
- Clear, practical guidance for new pet owners
- A proactive approach to prevention
- Convenient scheduling and online booking
We’re proud to support new puppy owners throughout Medford, OR, and surrounding communities.
Schedule Your Puppy’s First Appointment
Starting veterinary care early gives your puppy the best chance at a long, healthy life.
If you’ve recently brought home a new puppy—or are preparing to—our team is here to help.
