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As breeders, we take on the role of caretakers for young lives, a duty that extends beyond the moment of birth. Our commitment is to produce puppies that are thriving in every sense.
Puppies, like all young animals, are particularly susceptible to a range of potential health risks, from internal parasites to infectious diseases. To mitigate these risks, we have developed a comprehensive deworming and vaccination protocol that is implemented diligently for each and every one of our puppies.
This article provides an in-depth look into our protocol, the reasoning behind our choices, and the benefits it confers upon our puppies, their new owners, and our breeding program as a whole.
Our puppy parasite prevention and vaccination protocol
Rows highlighted in yellow indicate treatments that may be the responsibility of the new puppy owner if the puppy leaves our custody at eight weeks of age.
Puppy Age (weeks) | Product Type | Treatment Type | Notes |
1 | Toltrazuril | Deworming | Coccidiosis prevention |
2 | Fenbendazole | Deworming | Initial deworming |
4 | Fenbendazole | Deworming | Ongoing parasite prevention |
5 | Toltrazuril | Deworming | Coccidiosis prevention |
5 | NeoPar | Vaccine | Protection against parvovirus |
6 | NeoVac | Vaccine | Protection against canine distemper virus and adenovirus type 2 |
6 | Fenbendazole | Deworming | Ongoing parasite prevention |
6 | Microchips | Permanent identification | Implanted at home by Rebecca Creek Retrievers, confirmed at wellness exam |
6 | Wellness Exam | Checking for overall wellness and health | Done by our local primary care veterinarian |
7 | NeoPar | Vaccine | Protection against parvovirus |
8 | NeoVac | Vaccine | Protection against canine distemper virus and adenovirus type 2 |
8 | Fenbendazole | Deworming | Ongoing parasite prevention |
10 | DA2PP | Vaccine | Protection against distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus |
12-14 | DA2PP | Vaccine | Protection against distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus |
12-14 | Rabies | Vaccine | Protection against rabies, legally required in most states |
12-14 | Heartworm prevention | Deworming | We do not recommend combo medications |
What is deworming?
Deworming is the process of administering medications or treatments to eliminate parasitic worms from an animal.
Parasitic infections can be a common threat to young puppies, as they are particularly vulnerable to these microscopic invaders. Internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can hinder the growth and development of puppies, leading to a range of health issues if left untreated. These parasites not only compromise a puppy's overall health but can also pose risks to human members of the household.
In recent years we have transitioned to using fenbendazole, a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, as the exclusive deworming treatment for our dogs and puppies.
Pyrantel pamoate is no longer effective in managing internal parasites in puppies in Central Texas. Fenbendazole is known for its safety and efficacy, making it a reliable choice for ensuring the health and well-being of our puppies. It is also an effective preventative or treatment option for giardia.
How can puppies contract worms in a clean environment?
Even in a clean space, puppies can get parasites because parasite eggs or larvae can linger, other animals might bring in parasites, puppies can be born with some parasites from their mother, and they can accidentally eat things that carry parasites. Young puppies also have weaker defenses against parasites, so being outside or using shared items can increase the risk.
To keep puppies healthy, it's important to use deworming and vaccinations and take preventive measures, even in clean surroundings.
Our puppy deworming schedule
We commence deworming at two weeks of age to target parasites that may have been transmitted from the mother. Puppies continue to be dewormed at regular intervals (every two weeks), allowing us to address any new infestations that may arise as they explore their environment. By the time they reach eight weeks, our puppies are equipped to start life in their new homes with a significantly reduced risk of parasitic infection.
Click here to view the table that outlines our specific deworming schedule.
The transition into new homes
Puppies can easily get reinfected with parasites in their new homes due to factors like exposure to different parasites, dormant parasites becoming active, contact with other pets, potential environmental contamination, incomplete immunity, and stress weakening their immune system. To prevent this, new owners must continue deworming and vaccinations, maintain hygiene, and limit outdoor exposure. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for monitoring and addressing any reinfections.
Our puppies leave us in a parasite-free condition, thanks to our rigorous deworming and vaccination protocols. However, it's not uncommon for parasites to appear during future wellness checks in their new homes. This can happen due to the factors mentioned earlier, like exposure to new environments, dormant parasites becoming active, contact with other pets, environmental contamination, and the stress of transitioning to a new home, making ongoing parasite prevention and monitoring crucial for their continued health.
We administer a high-quality probiotic whenever we deworm our puppies. We recommend administering a probiotic during the transition from our home to yours.
Our personal recommendation is Purina's Fortiflora, however, there are many high-quality probiotics on the market today.
External parasite control
External parasites include pests like fleas, ticks, and lice.
When it comes to external parasite control, we have adopted a thoughtful and minimalistic approach, ensuring that chemicals are employed as a last resort, rather than as a routine preventative measure.
Young puppies, with their developing immune systems and delicate skin, can be especially sensitive to the chemicals commonly found in topical treatments and environment sprays. Using such products on them can potentially lead to adverse reactions or discomfort.
Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is a critical aspect of external parasite control. Regular cleaning and upkeep can minimize the risk of infestations in the first place, reducing the need for chemical interventions. This includes regular inspections of your puppies for any signs of external parasites, such as fleas or ticks.
Most of the time we do not have a need to use any products at all to keep our puppies free from external parasites. If we begin to see external parasites on our puppies, but an active infestation is not present, we will treat them with baths and all-natural products as a first line of defense.
Puppy vaccination protocol
Vaccinations play a pivotal role in safeguarding the health of our puppies. Just as deworming addresses internal parasites, vaccinations are designed to protect puppies from a range of infectious diseases.
Puppies, like human infants, have immature immune systems, making them susceptible to potentially life-threatening illnesses. Our vaccination protocol is designed to bolster their immunity against these diseases.
We take responsibility for administering vaccinations to our puppies at home. We have the knowledge and expertise to purchase, store, and safely and effectively administer these vaccines. Our decision to do so is fully supported by our primary care veterinarian. This approach serves to minimize the risk of our puppies being exposed to harmful pathogens in a clinical setting and helps avoid unnecessary stress at a young age in a potentially bustling vet clinic.
Certain veterinarians may be reluctant to recognize the vaccinations we, as responsible breeders, have administered to your puppy. They may express concerns about the proper storage and administration of these vaccines, leading to the suggestion of restarting the vaccination series. However, it's crucial to be aware that such a practice can be risky and result in over-vaccination.
It's important to understand that as a consumer and a responsible pet owner, you have the ultimate say in your puppy's medical care. While you entrusted us as breeders to provide you with a healthy family member, we also want you to have confidence in the medical care we've already provided to your puppy before bringing them home.
In the event that a veterinarian questions the vaccinations we've administered, particularly when it comes to non-core vaccines, please feel empowered to stand your ground. In most states, the only legally required vaccination is rabies. It's your right to make informed decisions about your puppy's health, in consultation with a trusted veterinarian, without feeling compelled to repeat vaccinations unnecessarily.
Advanced vaccine protocol for healthier puppies
We adopted NEOTECH's vaccination protocol and could not be happier with the safety of these vaccines as well as the additional peace of mind that we are doing our very best to build healthy immune systems in our pups.
NEOTECH's vaccines provide rapid, long-lasting protection with fewer doses, especially beneficial for young puppies with underdeveloped immune systems. These single-antigen vaccines are safer, reduce the risk of vaccine reactions, and prioritize essential core diseases while avoiding over-vaccination.
Moreover, NEOPAR®, a canine parvovirus vaccine by NEOTECH, has been shown to effectively override maternal antibodies in young puppies. A study involving 3-week-old puppies with existing canine parvovirus maternal antibodies demonstrated that a single dose of NEOPAR® stimulated a strong vaccine-induced response in 90% of the puppies, even in the presence of these maternal antibodies.
Click here to view the table that outlines our specific vaccination schedule.
Maintaining detailed health records
Keeping meticulous health records is an integral aspect of our commitment to puppy well-being. These records serve as a vital resource, offering transparency, accountability, and a means of tracking each puppy's health history.
Our records encompass the complete health history of each puppy, from birth to the moment they leave our care.
Our puppy medical records include:
Medical records include a puppy weight chart to show the puppy's growth progress.
We document when deworming occurred, which medication was used, and the dosage administered.
Each vaccination is meticulously recorded, including the type of vaccine, date of administration, and any booster shots. We also include the sticker from the vaccine bottle as this contains vital information about the vaccine including lot number and expiration date.
If a puppy exhibits any health concerns or clinical signs, these are noted in their records.
You should bring these complete records with you the first time you bring your new puppy to your vet.
Conclusion
If you have any questions or require further information about our deworming and vaccination protocol or any other aspect of our breeding program, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your puppy's well-being is our shared responsibility, and we are here to support you on this wonderful journey of companionship and care.