Puppy Care

Puppy Care in Kenockee, MI

Welcome to Cobblestone Veterinary Hospital, where our team helps new puppy families in Kenockee and nearby communities get off to a healthy, happy start.

Understanding Puppy Care

Puppy care is the set of early veterinary visits that lays the foundation for your dog’s lifelong health. In the first months, puppies need a series of vaccines, checks for parasites, and regular exams to make sure they are growing and developing well.

These visits are also the perfect time to ask questions. House training, chewing, nipping, feeding, and when to spay or neuter are all common topics, and no question is too small. Our veterinarians take the time to explain things clearly, so you leave each visit feeling confident.

Dogs are the largest group of patients we see, and our team loves meeting new puppies. Dr. Torres enjoys keeping pets healthy from puppyhood through the senior years, and we follow Fear Free principles so your puppy’s first vet visits are positive ones. Gentle, low-stress visits now can help your puppy grow into a dog who feels comfortable coming to see us for years to come.

What to Expect During Puppy Visits

When you bring your new puppy to Cobblestone Veterinary Hospital, we focus on making each visit friendly, informative, and as calm as possible for both of you.

Gentle Nose-to-Tail Exam

Your veterinarian checks your puppy’s eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, skin, coat, belly, and joints. We use treats, patience, and Fear Free handling to help your puppy feel safe. If your puppy is nervous, we slow down and go at their pace.

Vaccines and Parasite Protection

Puppies receive a series of vaccines spaced a few weeks apart. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your puppy’s age, health, and lifestyle. We may also check a stool sample for intestinal parasites and talk with you about heartworm and parasite prevention.

Growth, Nutrition, and Behavior Check-In

We track your puppy’s weight and growth at each visit and talk about what and how much to feed. We also answer your questions about house training, socialization, chewing, and other everyday puppy behaviors.

A Clear Plan for the Months Ahead

Before you head home, we explain what was done today, what comes next, and when your puppy should come back. You’ll have a clear plan for upcoming boosters, preventives, and the right time to talk about spaying or neutering. Feel free to ask us about costs at any point along the way.

Why Early Veterinary Care Matters for Your Puppy

The puppy months go by quickly, and they shape a lot about the dog your puppy will become. Regular puppy visits help protect against serious illness, catch problems early, and build good habits for both of you.

Protection From Serious Disease

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends core vaccines for all dogs, including distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and rabies. Other vaccines, such as those for Lyme disease, Bordetella, and canine influenza, may be recommended based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk. We’ll explain which vaccines your puppy needs and why.

Parasite Prevention for the Whole Family

Puppies can pick up roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms. Some intestinal parasites can also spread to people, especially children, so stool testing and prevention help protect your whole household. Cleaning up after your puppy and washing your hands are simple ways to lower the risk.

A Key Window for Socialization

According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), the first three months of life are the most important time for puppy socialization. Safe, positive experiences with new people, animals, sounds, and places during this window can lower the risk of fear and behavior problems later in life. AVSAB supports starting socialization, including well-run puppy classes, before puppies are fully vaccinated. Ask us how to do this safely for your puppy.

Tips for New Puppy Owners

A few simple habits at home can make the puppy months easier:

• Puppy-proof your home by keeping cleaning products, antifreeze, harmful plants, and electrical cords out of reach
• Take your puppy outside often, especially after eating, playing, and waking up
• Reward good behavior with treats and praise instead of punishment
• Gently handle your puppy’s paws, ears, and mouth so exams and nail trims feel normal
• Write down your questions before each visit so nothing gets missed

How Often Should Your Puppy See the Veterinarian?

Puppies need more frequent visits than adult dogs. As a general guide, the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that puppies see the veterinarian every 3 to 4 weeks until about 4 months old, and adult dogs at least once a year. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule that fits your puppy’s age, health, and vaccine needs. Ask us about our wellness plan, which can make routine care easier to budget for.

Practice Highlights

• Dog people welcome: dogs are our largest group of patients
• Fear Free principles: calm, positive visits, and Dr. Torres is Fear Free Certified
• Clear explanations: we explain what we recommend and strive to never surprise you with charges
• Flexible payment options: cash, check, debit, credit, CareCredit, Scratchpay, and Sunbit
• In-house bloodwork and digital X-ray if your puppy ever needs a closer look
• Same-day openings: we aim to keep a few each day for sick pets who need to be seen quickly

Sources: 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines (2024 update) (American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)), Routine Health Care of Dogs (Merck Veterinary Manual), AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)), Behavior Problems in Dogs (Merck Veterinary Manual)