Puppy Information
Everything you need to give your new puppy the best start, from vaccinations and wellness care to nutrition, training, and socialization.
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting adventure!
Here you’ll find helpful information to guide you through those important first days, weeks, and months with your new furry family member.
From vaccination schedules and wellness care to feeding recommendations, training tips, socialization, and more, we’re here to help you give your puppy the best start possible.
Selecting Pet Food
Pet food labels contain important information to help pet owners and veterinary teams make informed nutritional choices. However, some labels also include marketing images and terms, such as “holistic” or “premium,” that may not provide meaningful nutritional information. Our veterinary team is here to help you understand pet food labels and choose the most appropriate diet to support your dog's health and well-being.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Puppies need a series of core and lifestyle vaccinations to help protect them against common diseases. Below is our recommended vaccination schedule for your new puppy.
Canine Viruses and Your Dog
There are several common canine diseases that vaccines can help prevent. Your veterinarian will create the best vaccination plan for your puppy based on your geographic location, travel plans, lifestyle, and other important factors.
Training Tips for Your Puppy
Positive reinforcement, consistency, and short, engaging sessions are key to successful puppy training. Starting early helps your puppy develop good habits, build confidence, and learn essential skills as they grow.
Toxins and Poisons: Keeping Your Puppy Safe
Many everyday items in your home and outdoor environment can be toxic or harmful to your puppy. Knowing which substances to avoid can help keep your puppy safe and healthy. Below is a list of common hazards to be aware of.
Identification for Your Puppy
Proper identification is one of the most important ways to help ensure your puppy can be reunited with you if they ever become lost. Without identification, dogs are much less likely to be claimed by their guardians at shelters. Visible identification, such as an ID tag, can greatly improve the chances of a safe return.
Microchipping Your Puppy
A microchip is a tiny capsule, approximately the size of a grain of rice, that contains a computer chip with a unique identification number. Your veterinarian can implant it under your puppy’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, using a quick injection.
The unique number is registered in a North American and, in some cases, international database with your contact information. If your puppy is found, a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or humane society can scan the microchip to access the number and help reunite you with your pet.
Microchips are designed to last your puppy’s lifetime and cannot fall off like a collar or ID tag. Keeping your contact information up to date in the database is essential to ensure you can be reached if your puppy goes missing. Additional information, such as relevant health concerns, may also be recorded in the database.
Tattoos can also be used for identification, but they may be difficult to see on pets with dark-coloured skin or fur.
Pet Insurance for Your Puppy
Pet insurance can help you prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses and make informed decisions about your puppy’s healthcare. With many insurance providers and plans available, it’s important to compare coverage options and consider which plan best suits your puppy’s needs and your budget.
We partner with Trupanion, which offers a complimentary four-week pet insurance trial following your puppy’s first visit. This gives you an opportunity to explore the benefits of pet insurance as you begin your puppy’s healthcare journey.
Dog Licence
A dog licence helps protect your pet by providing an easy-to-identify dog tag and registration with the Delta Community Animal Shelter.
In many cases, if your dog is wearing the licence the dog can be returned home instead of having to come to the shelter. If your pet is lost anywhere in the world, the fastest way to be reunited with your dog is through this dog tag and the licence!