You’ve just brought home the most adorable ball of fluff with four tiny paws and a wagging tail that seems to have a mind of its own. Your new puppy is exploring every corner of your home with the enthusiasm of a tiny explorer discovering a new continent. While you’re busy puppy-proofing your house and wondering how something so small can create such delightful chaos, there’s something equally important to consider—your puppy’s health and wellness journey.
At Murieta Pet Hospital, we understand that welcoming a puppy into your family is both thrilling and a little overwhelming. Our general wellness programs are designed to give your furry family member the best possible start in life, right here in the heart of Rancho Murieta. We believe that preventive care during those crucial puppy months sets the foundation for a lifetime of tail wags, playful antics, and unconditional love.
Your puppy’s first year is like watching a fast-forward movie of growth and development. One day, they’re stumbling over their own paws, and the next, they’re confidently bounding across your yard with surprising coordination. During this remarkable transformation, their immune system is also developing, which is why establishing a comprehensive wellness routine is so important.
We recommend starting your puppy’s wellness journey between 6 and 8 weeks of age. During their first visit, we’ll conduct a thorough examination to assess their overall health, discuss their vaccination schedule, and create a personalized wellness plan tailored to their specific needs. Every puppy is unique, just like every family, and we take the time to understand what matters most to you and your new companion.
Think of vaccinations as your puppy’s invisible shield against serious diseases. Core vaccines protect against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and rabies—diseases that can be devastating to young, developing immune systems. We’ll work with you to create a vaccination schedule that provides optimal protection while minimizing stress for both you and your puppy.
Our approach to wellness and vaccination programs reflects our commitment to making veterinary care as comfortable as possible. We know that positive early experiences at the vet clinic can shape your puppy’s attitude toward healthcare for years to come, so we focus on creating gentle, stress-free visits that leave tails wagging.
Watching your puppy grow is one of life’s simple pleasures, but ensuring they’re getting proper nutrition during this critical period requires some guidance. Puppies have very different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs—they need more calories per pound of body weight, higher protein levels, and specific nutrients to support their rapid development.
During your wellness visits, we’ll discuss feeding schedules, portion sizes, and how to choose the right food for your puppy’s breed and size. Large breed puppies have different nutritional requirements than smaller breeds, and we’ll help you navigate these differences. We’ll also cover topics like when to transition from puppy food to adult food and how to maintain a healthy weight as your puppy grows.
Prevention is always easier than treatment, which is why our wellness approach focuses on identifying potential issues before they become serious problems. We’ll discuss flea prevention and control strategies, heartworm prevention, and tick prevention to keep your puppy comfortable and healthy.
Dental care is another crucial aspect of puppy wellness that many new pet parents overlook. Starting good dental hygiene habits early, including regular teeth brushing and providing appropriate chew toys, can prevent dental disease later in life. We’ll show you proper brushing techniques and recommend products that make dental care enjoyable rather than stressful.
A well-socialized puppy grows into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. During your wellness visits, we’ll discuss socialization strategies and behavioral development milestones. This includes exposure to different people, animals, sounds, and environments during the critical socialization period between 3 and 14 weeks of age.
We understand that some puppies may need spaying or neutering procedures, and we’ll help you determine the optimal timing for these important surgeries based on your puppy’s breed, size, and individual development.
What sets Murieta Pet Hospital apart is our genuine love for what we do and our commitment to treating every patient like family. Our team of UC Davis graduates brings extensive knowledge and experience to every puppy wellness visit, but we never forget that behind all the medical knowledge, we’re simply people who love animals caring for your beloved family member.
Dr. Tyler Baum and our entire team understand that your puppy isn’t just a pet—they’re a cherished family member who deserves the very best care. We take time to answer your questions, address your concerns, and celebrate the milestones along the way. Whether you’re dealing with house training challenges, wondering about normal puppy behavior, or simply want to share exciting updates about your puppy’s progress, we’re here to support you throughout this incredible journey.
Establishing good wellness habits during puppyhood creates a foundation that benefits your dog throughout their entire life. Regular wellness visits help us detect health issues early when they’re most treatable, maintain optimal weight and nutrition, and ensure your dog receives appropriate preventive care. We also recognize that every family’s situation is unique. Some of our clients are first-time puppy parents who need extra guidance and reassurance, while others are experienced dog owners who know exactly what questions to ask. Our complete medical assessment approach ensures that, regardless of your experience level, your puppy receives comprehensive, personalized care.
Your puppy’s wellness journey is a partnership between our veterinary team and your family. Together, we’ll help your adorable bundle of energy grow into a healthy, happy adult dog who brings joy to your life for many years to come. At Murieta Pet Hospital, we’re honored to be part of your puppy’s story from those first wobbly steps to confident adult adventures. Ready to give your puppy the best possible start in life? Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of your puppy’s wellness journey with the care and attention your family deserves. Contact us today at (916) 885-0288 or visit our contact page to schedule your puppy’s first wellness visit and begin this exciting adventure together.
Don’t wait any longer to forge a lifelong relationship with your friendly veterinarian.
