Preventative Care for Canines

Normal Vital Signs
Temperature: 99.5-102.5* F
                        Small breeds tend to have higher normal temperatures than large breeds.
Heart Rate: Puppies: 120-140 beats per minute
                     Adult/Large Breed: 60-160 beats per minute
Respiration Rate: 15-30 breaths per minute

Note: Temperatures will normally fluctuate over the course of the day. The following may increase body temperature: time of day (pm), food intake, muscular activity, approaching estrus, during gestation, and high external temperatures. The following may decrease temperature: intake of large quantities of cool fluids, time of day (am), and low atmospheric temperature.

Reproduction
First Estrus Cycle: between 7-9 months of age, lasts approximately 3 weeks, generally have 2 per year
Gestation Period: Range: 58-71 days    Average: 63 days
Number of Young: Small breeds: 2-4     Medium breeds: 6-10       Large breeds: 8-12
Suckling Period: 3-6 weeks


Recommended Vaccination Schedule
6-8 weeks: DAPP: (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
                      Deworming: depending on parasitic infestation
8-10 weeks: DAPP: (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
                      Deworming
                      Start on Heartworm Preventative*
10-12 weeks: DAPP: (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) *DHLPP should be given in the dog is exposed to cattle, ponds, and/or lakes.
                       Rabies Vaccination
BOOSTERS: DAPP or DHLPP (contact us for more information) and Rabies: Yearly

**A heartworm test is required for puppies/dogs over 6 months of age that have not been on a heartworm preventative.

Neutering or spaying your pet is recommended at 6 months of age unless you are planning to breed. If at all possible, it is best to have this surgery done BEFORE your pet becomes reproductively active- before the first heat cycle.

Heartworm preventative should be continued year round in Texas. We will check for heartworms at yearly check-ups to that you may safely continue to give heartworm preventative to your dog.

The information on this page serves as a general guideline. If at any time you have any questions concerning your dog or puppy, please contact us.