WEEK 6: All Things Medical

Aka: “Call the vet, bring the poop, order the vitamins, and yes, ask about the wiggly pink thing on their belly.”

This week, we’re putting the care in puppy healthcare. No more late-night Googling rabbit holes. Let’s get you prepped like a pro.

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🗓️ Step 1: Book Your Vet Visit

Do it now. Even if it’s just for a check-up and stool sample. Aim for 8–10 weeks of age.

• Bring a stool sample in a small plastic bag. (Yes, welcome to puppy parenting.)

• Bring your puppy health certificate – vaccines and dewormer dates included.

Early scheduling means you’re on their radar if anything unexpected pops up soon.

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💉 Puppy Shots: What’s Already Done and What’s Next

Your puppy already got their first DA2PP (5-way) shot, which covers:

• Distemper

• Adenovirus

• Parvovirus

• Parainfluenza

But this isn’t a one-and-done. Puppies need 3 total rounds, spaced 3–4 weeks apart, finishing at around 16 weeks.

Rabies comes at 16 weeks too. It’s required by law. No skipping.

Then:

• Boosters at 1 year

• Then every 3 years (unless your vet says otherwise – and even then, ask questions)

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💊 Heartworm, Fleas, and Other Friends

Mosquitoes spread heartworm. It’s preventable. So… prevent it.

Choose what works for your lifestyle:

• Chews – often cover heartworm and intestinal worms

• Topicals – better for sensitive tummies

• Seresto Collars – last 8 months

• Combo meds – one chew for heartworm, fleas, ticks. Easy button.

Pick what’s right for you. Just don’t skip it.

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💩 Giardia, Coccidia, and the Vet Tech Spiral

Vet techs are amazing – but sometimes they’ll react to a poop test like it’s DEFCON 1.

Let’s calm it down.

• Giardia? Common.

• Coccidia? Also common.

Ask yourself:

• Is your puppy eating?

• Playful?

• Hydrated and pooping solid?

• Not acting lethargic?

If yes, you’re fine. Many pups shed trace amounts post-treatment. It doesn’t mean they’re infected.

Here’s what we do at Wild Labradors:

• Proactive treatment with Fenbendazole at 7 weeks

• Puppies go home healthy and cleared

• No science experiments here

If your vet recommends $200 in follow-ups for a puppy that’s thriving, don’t be afraid to ask questions and observe first.

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🧪 Stool Tests: Expect Them

Your vet will likely test your puppy’s stool at the first visit. They’re checking for:

• Giardia

• Coccidia

• Roundworms

• Hookworms (which we’ve already treated)

Reminder: symptoms matter more than lab printouts. Loose stool alone isn’t alarming – it’s often just adjustment.

But:

• Watery, mucus, or bloody poop + low energy? Call the vet.

• Poop like pudding but active, eating, playful? Monitor.

• One weird poop, then back to normal? You’re good.

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💊 Supplements That Actually Help

We use NuVet for every litter. And here’s why:

• Supports immune health during this transition

• Dogs love it – they think it’s a treat

• Helps with vaccine response and overall resilience

Costs less than many jerky chews and does more.
Order with our referral code: 25043
Ships fast. Easy to give. Win-win.

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🩹 Should You Get Pet Insurance?

I don’t use it – but I get why people do.
If I were to get it, I’d go with illness + injury only, not routine stuff. Think emergency backup, not toothbrush plans.

The good news?

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🛡️ Trupanion 30-Day Coverage Comes Free

Every puppy from us comes with free 30-day coverage.

• No credit card needed

• Covers illness and injury

• Starts the day your puppy goes home

• Helps during that chaotic first month

Activate at Trupanion.com
Use code: BR1WL020921

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🧑‍⚕️ Picking the Right Vet: Corporate vs. Mom & Pop

Corporate Clinics (like VCA):

• Tech-forward

• Efficient

• Often expensive

• Might over-test “just in case”

Local Vets (Mom & Pop):

• Know your name

• More flexible

• Usually more affordable

• Will talk with you, not at you

What matters most: trust.

Look for:

• Calm, confident bedside manner

• Answers your questions

• Explains options and costs clearly

• Willing to say “let’s wait and see” when appropriate

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🧾 Quick Recap

✅ Call your vet and schedule the first appointment
✅ Bring a stool sample + puppy records
✅ Track remaining vaccine dates
✅ Start heartworm and flea prevention
✅ Use NuVet or another solid immune booster
✅ Don’t panic over poop – assess full symptoms
✅ Activate your Trupanion free trial
✅ Choose a vet who respects your instincts

Got questions? Call me. I’ve been down this road hundreds of times and I’m here to walk it with you.