New Puppy Guide – Tucker Road Animal Hospital
Welcome to the Tucker Road Animal Hospital Family! Congratulations on your new puppy! Bringing home a new family member is exciting - and a little overwhelming. Our team at Tucker Road Animal Hospital in Hood River is here to help you start your puppy off on the right paw.
Your Puppy's First Veterinary Visits
Your puppy’s first year is full of growth and discovery. Regular checkups allow us to track development and protect against preventable diseases.
- 8 weeks: First exam, deworming, and first vaccines (DHPP), flea/tick/heartworm prevention starts
- 12 weeks: Second set of vaccines (DHPP + L), bordetella
- 16 weeks: Final puppy boosters (DHPP + L, rabies)t
This schedule may vary a bit depending on whether your puppy has received some vaccines from a breeder or shelter- we will get it all sorted out at your first visit
Please bring a fecal sample to your first or second visit to make sure your pup is not bring worms or other parasites into your home!
Bring any prior vaccine records or adoption paperwork to your first visit.
Year-round protection against fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworm is essential.
→ Learn more about Dog Vaccinations
Nutrition & Feeding
- Feed a high-quality puppy food labeled for your pup’s breed size.
- Avoid free-feeding; offer 2-3 measured meals per day.
- Transition foods slowly over 5-7 days to prevent stomach upset.
- Fresh water should always be available.
→ Learn more about Dog Nutrition
Training, Behavior & Socialization
- Use positive reinforcement (treats and praise).
- Begin crate training early for safety and routine.
- Expose your puppy safely to new people, pets, and environments between 8-16 weeks.
- Enroll in a puppy socialization class once vaccinations are up to date.
→ Learn more about Dog Behavior
Spay/Neuter
Spaying or neutering your puppy prevents unwanted litters, reduces certain health risks, and can help with behavioral stability. Age of spay and neutering depends on many factors, and can happen from 6-18 months of age, depending on breed, and development. This is something that is usually discussed at the last puppy appointment
→ Learn more about Dog Spay/Neuter
When to Call the Vet
- Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge
- Lethargy or hiding behavior
- Signs of pain or limping
Contact Tucker Road Animal Hospital
Our team is here to answer questions about your new puppy’s care.
Tucker Road Animal Hospital
1125 Tucker Road, Hood River, OR 97031
Phone: (541) 386-1566
Email: [email protected]