Dog and Puppy Visits

Getting a puppy or inquiring about one? It is very hard to resist when we see the cute bundles of joy, but remember there is veterinary expenses, planned ones as well as unplanned ones. Here at Tweed Veterinary Services we do our best to accommodate all canine companions for urgent matters as well as regular health checks. To make things a bit easier to understand and account for, this page will give you a brief on all the regular wellness exams and some protocols that Veterinary Medicine recommends for canines.

General Health or Wellness Examination

General Health exams are done to make sure your canine friend is in top notch health. The Veterinarian doing the exam will observe the general appearance of the dog including;

  • Walks and stand sturdy
  • Bright and alert
  • Appropriate bodyweight and body score
  • Fur is normal and healthy no dandruff or hair loss
  • Skin is in good condition
  • Check eyes
  • Check Ears
  • Breathing is okay
  • Dental check

In Depth Exams are usually in patients that require specific care and treatment but can also be done with a wellness exam, this covers things like;

  • Heart Rate
  • Lungs
  • Pulse Rate
  • Lymph Node Check
  • Nerve Check
  • Abdomen Check

Scheduled Vaccinations

Puppies develop immunity from their mother but around 6-8 weeks of age this wears off and leaves them more vulnerable for diseases. Therefore, puppy vaccines start around this time frame.

At Tweed Veterinary Service we do a series of 3 vaccinations for puppies. The first one is 6-8 weeks of age, the second one 10-12 weeks and the third set is around the 16th week. There after would be an annual vaccination with possible boosters depending on the canine’s life. Like humans’ canines have their own lifestyle so vaccines are tailored towards each individual dog. Puppies are prone to specific diseases so Veterinary Medicine recommends core vaccines to stimulate the immune system against infection before exposure to disease.

These Diseases Include;

  • Canine Distemper is apart of the core vaccine for all canine it can cause loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, seizure and blindness. This can be fatal. Fortunately, the vaccines is very effective if given in accordance with the medical recommendations.
  • Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis) is a viral disease that can also be fatal, causing damage to the dog’s liver. Usually spreads in places where many canines are in proximity. Persistent coughing can be sign of infection. This vaccine is given 6-8 weeks and boosted with the recommended vaccine schedule.
  • Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that affects the digestive system, weakens immune system and damages the heart. This can be lethal and why mother should be vaccinated. This vaccine is also part of the core and recommended to follow the schedule.
  • Rabies required by law rabies is an incurable disease that can be transmitted between most animal species, including humans. This vaccine is given around the 16th week of age vaccination.

ADD ON’s: These are optional vaccines depending on the canine’s lifestyle we could recommend the Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine. A vaccine for Leptospirosis and a vaccine for Lyme. These are optional to the client. Normally started at the 10-12-week vaccine and then boosted at 16th week, then after annually.

Vaccine Reactions at TVS we make sure you know and that means we include on our invoices things to watch for after a puppy or dogs vaccine appointment, it is not common, but it can happen. Some of the most common mild side effects seen after immunization include:

  • Redness, mild swelling, and tenderness at the vaccination site
  • Decreased activity levels (fatigue)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low-grade fever

If any of these signs lasts more than 24 hours or if your pet appears extremely uncomfortable, notify your veterinarian.

"If any of these minor side effects lasts more than 24 hours or if your pet appears extremely uncomfortable, notify your veterinarian."

It is also common for a pet to develop a small, firm nodule at the vaccination site. It should begin to shrink and vanish within 14 days. If the swelling lasts longer than 3 weeks or appears to get larger or more painful, contact your veterinarian.

Parasites can be very common in puppies as worms especially can be passed through the mother. TVS will recommend deworming at the first vaccine appointment and offer a wide variety and information on all other parasites. Please view the parasite page for more information.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Tweed Office

Monday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

October 11th Closed for Holiday

Tuesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Tweed Office

Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm October 11th Closed for Holiday
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

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