Thinking of getting a new dog?
Consult us before you obtain a new puppy!
We can help recommend the right breed(s) for you to chose from – advise you about breed specific characteristics and common breed related health problems. We can also help you to avoid the pitfall of purchasing from a “puppy mill” – too often our unsuspecting clients have been mislead into purchasing one without knowing. These dogs are frequently reared in substandard conditions and consequently have related health issues genetic or otherwise. Don’t be fooled into thinking you have “saved” a puppy – you are just creating a market for mill owners to breed and sell more dogs at inflated prices.
Let us help you work with a reliable breeder or rescue organisation. With their permission they should be pleased to have their veterinarian talk to us. Reputable breeders are very particular about who buys their puppies and should be screening you as thoroughly as you are screening them! Your puppy is a long term investment – choose wisely! Don’t buy on impulse! We are pleased to offer 50% off your puppy’s first examination if you obtain your dog from ‘Ottawa Humane Society’.
After you obtain your puppy schedule a post purchase examination and consultation.
Bring your new puppy to us within a few days of obtaining him or her. We will perform a complete nose to tail examination to ensure that your new family member is healthy. We ensure we book our new puppies in for 1 hour appointments so we can discuss any issues you may having with your puppy, including behaviour, house training, nutrition, etc. We will submit a fecal sample for parasite evaluation. We will review the puppy’s paperwork that you have and discuss the implementation of our puppy wellness program.
Our puppy wellness program
This is designed to offer your new puppy all the benefits of veterinary services available to him or her:
Included in this service is a series of examinations and vaccinations including the core Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus vaccines generally given three times at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Rabies is the only vaccine that is required by law and is usually administered at 16 weeks of age. We consider vaccinations for Leptospirosis & Lyme disease core vaccines as these diseases are becoming more prevalent in our area. Kennel cough (non-core vaccine) is optional and is recommended based on the lifestyle and environment of your puppy.
In addition, your puppy will be tested for worms and be treated for the most common intestinal worm of puppies – roundworms. Roundworms can cause gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and / or diarrhea. There are other parasites that can cause similar symptoms and can even cause your puppy to become anemic (low red blood cells). Performing a fecal test will allow us to treat your puppy accordingly. Although some worms are visible to the naked eye, most worm burdens are diagnosed by examining the stool of your puppy microscopically for worm eggs. Note that some are zoonotic – infectious to people!
Nutritional recommendations will be reviewed to ensure that you are feeding your puppy appropriately for it’s age, breed and body condition score – obesity is a serious health issue for dogs now too! See our Body Condition Score Chart for Dog to know what is normal.
Behavioural problems still rank as one of the most common reasons that pets are euthanized. We can help you with behavioural and training advice – it is never too early to start!
Preventative health care issues including oral health care, grooming, parasite treatment and prevention, spaying and neutering advice will also be discussed.
We strongly advocate for pet insurance. Each puppy will be sent home with a pet insurance trial for 6 weeks if not already signed up. Please visit our Insurance page for more information.
