Puppy Care

Preventative medicine begins very early for puppies, as their environment and naive immune systems place them at higher risk for many transmissible diseases. Our doctor and technician team at Christensen Animal Hospital in Wilmette will assess your new family member’s overall health, and make recommendations based on his or her individual needs.

Nutritional and Diet Advice

Nutrition is extremely important and nutritional counseling will be made based on your animal’s body condition and environmental demands.  The first year has specific demands on the body, and proper nutrition is vital to your pet’s muscle, bone, joint, coat, organ, and teeth development.  With each exam, we will track your pet’s weight, growth, and response to current diet, so that we might assure that metabolic demands are being met.

Parasite Screening

Many parasites are passed onto puppies through the mother’s placenta and milk supply, making infection rates high among these youngsters.  We will screen your animal for harmful parasites, and educate you on how to reduce risk for your puppy, and how to prevent and control disease throughout all life stages.

Vaccinations and Immunizations

Immunizations ares essential for puppies as maternal antibodies only provide protection against a number of fatal disease for a limited period.  Our staff will explain your pet’s overall risk, and whenever possible we adhere to the guidelines set forth by the American Animal Hospital Association’s protocol for vaccination of dogs.

Behavioral Training and Medication

It is quite possible that behavioral problems have been the demise of more puppies in the United States than infectious disease.  It is for this reason that we will discuss home training, and socialization including puppy classes with you.  The period of socialization is relatively brief and it is imperative that we seize this opportunity to make a positive impact on the life of each young patient.  Our staff will help you to identify problem areas early on, and more importantly prevent them in the first place.

At Christensen Animal Hospital in Wilmette we will provide you with a comprehensive care package for your puppy that will outline in detail how to care for your pet early on.  And of course, as questions arise, we are always available to help! Call us today at 847-251-2600.