Special thanks to Southern Dog Mission
Bringing a new furry friend into your life is exciting, but preparation is key for a happy and healthy start! Here are the must-knows before you bring home that adorable face:
🐶Wait for 8 Weeks: Puppies learn crucial social skills from their mom and littermates until they’re at least 8 weeks old. Separation too early can lead to lifelong behavioral challenges!
💉Vaccination Timeline: Starting around 6–8 weeks, your puppy needs a series of shots (Parvo, Distemper, Hepatitis, etc.). Keep them off public ground until your vet says they are fully protected—Parvovirus is deadly.
🤒Kennel Cough Protection: Your puppy should receive the Bordetella vaccine (for Kennel Cough) by 8–10 weeks. The rabies vaccine is administered between 12 and 16 weeks.
✅Pest Prevention Starts Early: Pest Prevention is Life-Saving: Heartworm is deadly, and fleas/ticks bring in dangerous parasites. Prevention for all must start no later than 8 weeks of age!
✂️The Power of Fixing: Spaying or neutering is one of the best things you can do for your dog’s long-term health and helps combat pet overpopulation. There are programs to help fix your pets. Please reach out if you can’t afford to fix your pet!
⚠️Remember: Adoption gives a deserving dog a second chance!
To learn more or start the foster-to-adopt process, reach out to Southern Dog Mission on Facebook today.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always follow the specific medical advice of your trusted veterinarian!
The Dale County Chronicle is not a pet adoption/foster or rescue organization. We love animals and support the Southern Dog Mission’s goal of saving as many lives as possible. We share this for general informational purposes only. Any decision you may make regarding fostering/adopting or donating to Southern Dog Mission is entirely between you and SDM. We take no responsibility for and decisions you make based off the information we share.
