New Doodle Owner - Have a few question

[Rick Smith]

Hey guys, I have a few questions about our GoldenDoodle regarding it's health care.

I've read up online about all of this and was surprised at the wide number of answers I found. I'm hoping there is a more general consensus.

Jake was born on 9/1/2012

When I received him from the breeder it said he was "wormed" at 3, 5, and 7 weeks.

He also received 2 Vaccinations. One at 7 weeks ol (10/21/12) and one on 11/9/12 (I just found out I was supposed to get his last vaccination 3 weeks after we got him. So I need to get that asap.) 

The vaccinations that he was given was Distemper, adenoviruis type 2, parainfluenza, and parvo (the sticker they put on his records is brown and says "Nobivac 1-DAPPv."

My question is what else do I need to give him? 

There is a LuvMyPet Clinic in my area today so I thought I'd jump on it since it seemed like a great price, and no office visit! 

I know I need to give him one more round of shots, and some of said to give him the rabies now, others say later.

Also do you think I need to do a fecal and heart worm exam? I believe the breeder already did that before I got him. 

Just trying to wrap my head around what all he needs next. Thanks so much! 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

The plot thickens :) LOL

[Donna Ross]

Chloe had shots similar to what you have indicated, and her follow ups. She is 4.5 months old and has had three rounds of shots. My vet says at 5 months, we will do rabies and flea protection pills. I recd my appt card in mail yesterday for 1/10. She was born 9/9. I too think it depends on area of country you live in. Heart worms are spread by misquitos, I am in TN-so we must do heart worm preventative also.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Ask around for vet recommendations.  Unless money is so tight it is a shot clinic or nothing, go to the shot clinic, take you brown sticker on his records and ask what it means.  Rabies is a must, as are parvo and distemper,  depending on your area and lifestyle you may want other safeguards as well.  Tick and flea preventative, a heartworm preventative, even rattlesnake information - where to get antidote, how soon etc.

A once a year fecal check is worth the cost,  often you don't know your dog has worms until he is really ill.

A good vet is an invaluable friend.  Many vets run specials on the basics, such as shots, neuter and spay and dental.

I am old enought to remember when you bought, adopted, or were given a dog and other than keeping his shots and fecal exams up to date, you did not take your dog to the vet unless your dog was actively ill.  Veterinary medicine has come a long way.  As with many things an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and certainly costs less also, although it may not seem like it at the time.  I live in the suburbs of LA and the first year of a puppy's life costs about $1000 (including a qualtiy food).  Other places may be cheaper, or more expensive.  If you are fortunate enought to live near a veterinary school, ask about their services.

  If money is tight spend it on medicine and make homemade toys.  Nearly every thrift store has old cheap towels, blankets (make great easy to wash dog beds) , tennis balls, and often dog crates.  Run everything except the crate through a hot wash with a little bleach.  Wipe the crate thoroughly with hot water with a little bleach in it.  Knotted white cotton rope makes a good toy just don't leave him alone with it and replace it as it starts to fray. 

For what is now considered adequate veterinary care expect two well puppy visits for vaccinations, one fecal if it comes back clean, and one baseline blood panel at about one year old.

 

May you be blessed with a healthy dog who lives a long life.

 

 

 

[Rick Smith]

Thanks for all the feedback. Money isn't "tight". That wasn't what I was implying in my post. Although I'm always looking to save money, who isn't. :-)



All that to say we are all set. We went to a vet (not the shot clinic) and are having him nutured tomorrow

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Excellent.