Vaccinations and Vet Checks

Intestinal worming

Heavy infestations with intestinal worms (roundworm, hookworm and whipworm) in puppies can be life threatening, so worming is an absolute must. Due to their smaller size and novel immune system, puppies are particularly sensitive to parasite infestations. 

Your pup's intestinal worming program is started by us.   We worm the pups for the first time at 2 weeks of age and then every 2 weeks until they leave at 8 weeks if age.  We recommend going to monthly at 12 weeks of age and ongoing.

Deworming schedule recommendations past 6 months of age do vary depending on who you speak to, and the risk factors in your dog's specific location and lifestyle. 

Our Vet recommends monthly intestinal deworming against roundworms, hookworms and whipworms for dogs from 12 weeks of age onwards - this is the current gold standard of care for deworming protocols 1,2,3.

Deworming at least every 3 months against tapeworm is recommended for all dogs from 12 weeks of age onwards.

Which wormer is best for my puppy?

When choosing a worming treatment for your puppy, check with your veterinarian regarding their best recommendations. Some areas of Australia have documented resistance in hookworm species to the active ingredient pyrantel, when used on its own. Intestinal wormers such as Drontal or Cazitel which combine pyrantel and febantel or which use alternative active ingredients such as milbemycin oxime (Milbemax) are a safer choice in some circumstances. 

Flea and tick treatment

Depending on the product, flea and tick prevention can be started around 6-9 weeks of age. You can combine flea and tick protection with worming, or you might like to give two separate products.  Here we love Simparica Trio, click here for info on Simparica Trio

Ask your vet about whether there are ticks, particularly paralysis ticks, in your area. Paralysis ticks are present along most of the east coast of Australia.

We recommend that flea prevention is used year round to prevent flea eggs, larvae and pupae building up in the environment. This helps to avoid the sudden 'explosion' in flea numbers that can be seen with the onset of spring.  Nexgard, Bravecto and Simparica combine flea and tick prevention and are safe for puppies from 8 weeks of age.