New Puppy

A Healthy Start for Your Little Pet
New Puppy - The Berwick Village Vet

New Puppy

A Healthy Start for Your Little Pet

Congratulations On Your Newest Family Member

Practical advice and veterinary care to help your new puppy grow, thrive and settle confidently into their new home.

New Puppy - The Berwick Village Vet

Thinking of buying a puppy?

Here are a few questions you might have already:

  • What breed to buy?
  • Where should I buy it from?
  • How do I know if it is from a puppy farm?
  • What signs do I look for to know the puppy is healthy?
  • Should I buy my puppy from a pet shop or breeder?

Give us a call, or better still, pop down to see us. We know lots of breeders in the area and might just be able to help (if a litter has just been born!). We can help clarify your thoughts on a new puppy, but in the end the decision is entirely your own. Once you have bought a puppy make sure you bring it down to us for a FREE check-up.

New Puppy - The Berwick Village Vet

Protecting Your Puppy’s Health

Give your puppy the best start with essential preventative care, including vaccinations, worming, heartworm protection and flea prevention.

Vaccinations

Vaccination is essential especially in puppies as they have a developing immune system that is often not protective against deadly viruses such as canine hepatitis, parvovirus and distemper. We think it is essential that every puppy is vaccinated.  Most puppies should have had a vaccination before they were re-homed. The first vaccination is normally given at 6-8 weeks and is normally a 3 or 4 component vaccine. At 12 weeks they receive a full 5 component vaccine and at 16 weeks they receive a final vaccination.  With every vaccination we discuss your puppies development (physically and socially), give them a health check, advise on feeding, worming, fleas, heartworm, further vaccinations, desexing, puppy school and how to have so much fun with your puppy!

Worming

The general rule is that you should worm your new puppy every 2 weeks until it is 12 weeks old, then worm monthly until they are 6 months old and then every three months for the rest of their lives – and that’s just for intestinal worms! There are roundworms, hookworms and whipworms, as well as tape worm. Tape worm is not generally a problem in puppies but the others are a concern as they take protein and blood from the puppies compromising their health (in some cases severely) and provide a small risk of infection in children. So following a program such as the above is essential. We can help you with advice on what worming tablets to give and when.

Heartworm

Offering digital radiography for immediate X-ray imaging, with specialist interpretation available to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning for your pet.

Fleas

All cats and dogs over three months in Victoria must be registered and microchipped, enabling vets to quickly identify, contact owners, and reunite injured pets.

Give Your Puppy The Best Start

You have many years of fun and companionship ahead, and we’re here to help your new puppy get the best possible start.

Bring your puppy in for a FREE health check (vaccinations not included), plus 4 weeks of FREE pet insurance (conditions apply). Our team will provide a thorough health assessment and help you understand everything your puppy needs, including vaccinations, worming, flea and heartworm prevention, nutrition, training and puppy school.

Already have a puppy at home?

Bring them along – no voucher is required. We’ll work with you to create a simple preventative care plan tailored to your puppy’s needs.

Have a pet shop voucher offering a discount at another veterinary clinic? Bring it with you and ask our team if we can match the offer.

We love puppies and are here to make those first few months as easy as possible, helping your new best friend grow into a happy, healthy companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I bring my new puppy to the vet?

Ideally, you should arrange your puppy’s first veterinary check-up soon after bringing them home. This gives your vet an opportunity to assess their overall health and discuss vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutrition and ongoing care.

What vaccinations does my puppy need?

Puppies require a series of vaccinations to protect them against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Your vet will recommend a vaccination schedule based on your puppy’s age, lifestyle and individual needs.

How often does my puppy need worming and flea treatment?

Puppies need regular parasite prevention from an early age. The appropriate worming, flea and heartworm treatments will depend on your puppy’s age, weight and lifestyle, so our team can recommend a suitable preventative care plan.

When can my puppy start going outside and meeting other dogs?

Your puppy’s vaccination status should be considered before they visit public areas or interact with unknown dogs. Your vet can advise when it is safe for your puppy to explore the world, attend puppy school and socialise with other dogs.

What should I expect at my puppy’s first vet visit?
Your puppy’s first visit will generally include a comprehensive health check and an opportunity to discuss vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutrition, training, desexing and other aspects of their ongoing care. It’s also a great time to ask any questions you may have about caring for your new puppy.

Book an Appointment Today

If you're looking for a trusted local vet in Berwick, contact Berwick Village Vet today.
Our experienced team is ready to provide the professional care, advice and support your pet deserves.