New Pet Information
New Puppy? We’re Here to Help
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.
Vaccination Recommendations
Vaccinations are the most effective way to protect your puppy against life-threatening diseases which can be prevented. The first vaccination, DAPP (Distemper-Adenovirus-Parvovirus-Parainfluenza), will be given at 8 weeks old with a booster following every 3-4 weeks until your puppy reaches 16 weeks of age. Our puppy vaccine protocol also includes a Rabies vaccination as well as parasite treatment and prevention. Based on your puppy’s lifestyle we may also vaccinate for Kennel Cough, a contagious upper respiratory disease.
Wellness Exam: What to Expect
At your puppy’s first visit, they will receive a thorough nose-to-tail physical exam to evaluate your young pet’s overall health. This is a good time to bring up any health, food, behavioral, or housing questions you may have. Our team will also go over a vaccination protocol for your pet, too. We understand every puppy is unique and want to ensure that you and your young pet have the best health care possible through a program designed to meet your pet’s individualized needs.
Spaying & Neutering
Did you know spaying/neutering can contribute to your pet living a longer, healthier life? Spaying/neutering can directly reduce your pet’s desire to roam which can minimize risks of lost pets, injuries, or worse! Spaying/neutering also significantly reduces your pet’s chances of getting certain types of cancer. And, you will be doing your part by not contributing to the massive crisis of pet overpopulation … a win/win! We recommend spaying females after they experience their first heat cycle, and neutering males at approximately one year old. This guideline, however, may be adjusted based on your pet’s breed or circumstances such as behavioral or medical issues that warrant earlier intervention.
Heartworm Prevention
After the First Year
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends annual exams through age seven and bi-annual exams for pets older than seven years old. Regular visits to our hospital allow our veterinary team to evaluate your dog’s health and to detect medical conditions as early as possible. Some vaccinations may also need to be boostered at these annual examinations. We will send email and text reminders to ensure you stay up to date with necessary veterinary care services.
Any pet that can be bitten by a mosquito is at risk of becoming infected by heartworm, which is a serious, life-threatening parasite. Cases of heartworm are regularly reported in Oregon, and in southern Oregon, we have a higher risk of cases. Because of this, we recommend year-round heartworm prevention for the duration of your puppy’s life in addition to annual testing for heartworm. Your team at West Main Animal Hospital can assist you to find the prevention that is right for your pet.