Frequently asked health questions when bringing new Pomeranain puppy home.

What vaccinations has my puppy had?

Before leaving all puppies will receive at least the first two sets of 5-way puppy vaccinations and intra-nasal Bordetella
Depending on the age at which they leave us they may have received additional vaccinations.

Each puppy is sent home with a detailed health record including the dates and types of vaccines and wormers that have been administered to your puppy. Please take a copy of this record to your vet at your first puppy check so they can recommend a future vaccination and worming schedule.

Why does my puppy need more vaccinations after it comes home?

Puppies are babies with an immature immune system. Multiple vaccinations at regular intervals are required to build the necessary immunity to deadly diseases. Puppies are not considered fully vaccinated until they have received ALL of their puppy vaccination boosters. Generally this is after their 16 week old vaccination boosters. Check with your veterinarian to see what future vaccinations they recommend for your area.

There are many puppy diseases and parasites out in the world that a young puppy is susceptible to. They can be picked up anywhere. Many of which such as deadly parvo can even be brought in on the soles of your shoes! Until your puppy has received ALL booster vaccinations at 16 weeks old, NEVER set a young puppy down on the ground or on a counter top in public especially places such as dog parks, rest areas or pet stores. Avoid those all together. Your own back yard is fine as long as strange and/or unvaccinated dogs do not have access to it. Your own or your friends vaccinated dogs are also fine. Never let strangers handle your puppy. Do not let your puppy have contact with strangers dogs.
Once all vaccination boosters have been completed at 16 weeks old you are relatively safe to enjoy exploring the country with your puppy. But remember, even vaccinated dogs are susceptible to certain diseases and parasites, make sure to follow your vet’s recommendations to limit their risk.

Has my puppy had the rabies vaccine?

Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccine. If your puppy is older than 12 weeks when you pick it up it will have received the rabies vaccine.

Has my puppy been treated for worms?

We follow our vets recommendations and preventively treat all our puppies for internal parasites “worms” on a very regular basis approximately every two weeks. Internal parasites are everywhere in the environment and are picked up on the grass, dirt and anywhere you or your puppy walks.
It is very important to consult with your veterinarian to set up a schedule for a preventative worming program for your puppy.
Once your puppy is old enough they also need to start a preventive treatment program for heartworms which are transmitted by mosquitos. Heartworm prevention treatments are only available through your veterinarian.

What should I use for fleas and ticks?

Fleas, ticks and mosquito’s are everywhere. They are especially troublesome to dogs. Their bites are not only uncomfortable but can harbor disease. Mosquito’s are especially problematic because they transmit deadly heartworms. There are many products available to control external parasites. Any product that controls heartworms is only available from your vet or online with a prescription from your vet. Over the counter flea and tick products are generally not as effective as the prescription versions. There are topical and pill versions available. Consult with your vet for their recommendations for your area.

Here are a few of the most popular products currently available. Your vet may have other products they prefer.

Revolution-Heartworm and fleas-topical

Bravecto-Fleas and Ticks-chews

NexGard Plus-Fleas, Ticks, Heartworm, Roundworms, Hookworms- chewable

Simparica Trio-Fleas, Ticks, Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms-chew

What products should I use for dental care?

Pomeranians like all toy breed dogs tend to be very susceptible to dental disease. Regular dental care and teeth cleaning from your vet is essential. In between cleanings make sure to feed only dry dog food which helps scrape the sides of the teeth.
Dental chews can also be helpful. Our dogs love the Purina Dentalife chews.

Daily tooth brushing is the “gold standard” most dogs will tolerate this if started when they are puppies. You can make it a game and a “treat” to get some beef flavored toothpaste and a treat for letting you brush their teeth.
There are many options available and many toothpaste flavors dogs love. Start early and help prevent dental disease.
Never use human toothpaste for dogs. It often contains xylitol which is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs, even in small amounts. Fluoride is also toxic to dogs.

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