Getting a new dog is an exciting time, whether they’re new to the world or simply new to you.
Congratulations on your new fur friend!
Getting a new dog is an exciting time, whether they’re new to the world or simply new to you. Here are our favourite tips, tricks, and ‘need to knows’ to help them live their best life – for their whole life.
Vaccinations
Vaccinating your new family member – and keeping up with their booster shots – is one of the best things you can do to keep them well. Core vaccinations recommended for all dogs include the following serious and highly infectious diseases:
- Canine Distemper (Distemper)
- Canine Hepatitis (Hepatitis)
- Canine Adenovirus (respiratory disease)
- Canine Parainfluenza (respiratory disease)
- Canine Parvovirus (known as Parvo)
Parasite Prevention
Keeping fleas, worms and other parasites at bay not only protects your fur friend, but your human family too.
Puppies can be infected with roundworms through their mother’s milk so need to be wormed every fortnight from two weeks of age. From 3-6 months, worm monthly and from six months, worm every 1-3 months, depending on an agreed treatment plan.
A range of easy-care options are available, including combined flea, worm and tick treatments in spot-on form or chewable tablets that many dogs think are treats! Ask our team for their recommendation for you; we’ll even set you up with reminders to keep the nasties away!
Puppy Preschool, Training and Enrichment
Your new fur friend will be keen to learn and eager to please; thriving on clear expectations, good communication and opportunities to socialise.
Set your puppy (and family) up for success with our fun and friendly puppy preschool classes or ask our team for tips on teaching your older dog basic cues and good doggy etiquette.
Provide your fur friend with a place to call their own (a bed or crate) and toys that are safe for them to chew and play with – so they’re not looking for your shoes!
Desexing
We recommend desexing of all fur friends to reduce unwanted litters, serious reproductive issues later in life, and related behavioural issues. Our team can discuss options and considerations with you.
Microchipping and Registration
Microchipping gives you the best chance of being reunited with your fur friend if they get lost and is a legal requirement for dogs in New Zealand (except working dogs). This simple procedure can be done at one of your vaccination appointments or at the same time as desexing. You can update your details at animalregister.co.nz.
You’ll also need to register your dog with your local council – check out their website for details and other regulations for your area.
Feed them right
Your fur friend needs a complete and balanced diet to keep them in tip-top health. Their needs will change at different ages and stages; we can also recommend nutrition to support specific health needs. We only stock quality nutrition that we
recommend – and feed to our own pets – so you know it’s good!
Also make sure your fur friend has access to clean, fresh water at all times, whether they are inside or outside.
Prevention is better than cure!
It’s not just about living long; it’s about living well.
Annual wellness consults, regular preventative blood screening and lifelong dental care will ensure that your new fur friend is living their best life with you for years to come.
At a wellness consult, we’ll check your fur friend from nose to tail and talk to you about their weight, overall health, and age-related things to look out for. We’ll also check out their teeth and recommend a dental cleaning or treatment if needed.
Between visits, keep your dog’s teeth healthy at home. Our team can show you how to brush their teeth with pet-friendly tools and pastes (top tip, start when they are young!) or show you other options including dental treats, toys and nutrition.
Insurance
For the ultimate peace of mind, we recommend pet insurance. For a small, regular payment pet insurance will enable you to choose the best treatment for your fur friend if they get sick or injured.
Our partner, Southern Cross Pet Insurance, offers 6 weeks of cover free for new puppies! Ask in-clinic or visit southerncrosspet.co.nz for terms & conditions and the right plan for you.
Petfirst Wellness
Want unlimited consultations and much more? Join Petfirst Wellness!
We’ll make it easy for you to keep them living their best life with our Petfirst Wellness membership. Petfirst Wellness bundles together preventative and
illness consultations and core vaccinations along with blood screening, dental, nutrition and parasite prevention benefits. So, it’s now easier and more affordable than ever to take the very best care of your pet.
Visit: petfirstwellness.co.nz or ask our team in-clinic for more information.
Their best life – at your fingertips
Register and manage your pet with mypetfirst.
You can book appointments online, order repeat prescriptions or nutrition, keep track of your reminders and more.
We get too few years with our pets. So, we want to make sure they're the best years possible. We're here to guide you and your pet through a lifetime of care to help your furry friend live longer and better.
So, you can get the most out of your lives together.
Petfirst for their best life.