To provide optimal protection while maternal antibodies decline, puppies require a series of visits starting at 8 weeks of age.

• 8–10 Weeks: Wellness exam, 1st Distemper/Parvo/Lepto vaccine, Bordetella (kennel cough), deworming, and first dose of Simparica Trio (flea/tick/heartworm prevention).

• 11–12 Weeks: Wellness exam, 2nd Distemper/Parvo/Lepto vaccine, and 1st Lyme vaccine (highly recommended in our area).

• 16 Weeks: Wellness exam, final puppy boosters for Distemper/Parvo/Lepto and Lyme, plus the Rabies vaccination.

• 5–6 Months: Spay or Neuter surgery and permanent Microchip identification.

City Law: Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo require all dogs to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies by 16 weeks of age.

Periodontal disease affects 85% of adult dogs, but it is entirely preventable with home care. Starting as a puppy helps your dog accept brushing as a lifelong routine.

• The Goal: Daily brushing with dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste (like C.E.T.) to kill tartar-producing bacteria.

• Never Use Human Toothpaste: The fluoride in human paste is toxic to dogs if swallowed.

• Training Tip: Start by simply rubbing the outside of your puppy's mouth and slowly introduce the paste on your finger before moving to a brush.

Helpful Links:

• Video: How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

• VOHC Accepted Products — Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal on treats and chews.

In the Fargo-Moorhead area and Minnesota lake country, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites are prevalent.

• Simparica Trio: We recommend this monthly chewable year-round to protect against heartworm, fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms.

• Annual Screening: We perform a yearly blood test to screen for heartworm and three common tick-borne diseases.

• Puppy-Specific Food: Growing puppies have higher nutritional demands than adults. Feed a premium brand like Royal Canin or Hill’s Science Diet.

• Avoid Table Scraps: Human food is often too fatty and can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of diabetes and arthritis.

• Safe Toys: Choose toys soft enough to indent with a fingernail (like a Kong) to avoid breaking teeth.

• Socialization: The critical window for socialization is between 4 and 16 weeks. Expose your puppy to new people, sounds, and environments in a positive way, while skipping heavily-visited dog areas (like dog parks) until your pup is fully vaccinated.

• Poison Prevention: Keep household toxins like grapes, chocolate, xylitol (sugar-free gum), and human medications (Tylenol/Advil) out of reach.

• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 (petpoisonhelpline.com)

Medical care for pets is more advanced—and costly—than ever. Obtaining insurance while your puppy is young ensures they are covered before any pre-existing conditions develop.

Recommended Comparison Tools:

• Pet Insurance Review — Compare plans based on reviews and costs.

• Pawlicy Advisor — A personalized comparison tool to find the best fit for your specific breed.