Puppy's First Year: Vaccines, Care and Milestones

Bringing Your Puppy Home

Before They Arrive

A little preparation before your puppy comes home goes a long way. Puppy-proof your living space by securing electrical cords, storing household chemicals out of reach, removing low-lying houseplants that may be toxic, and setting up a safe, comfortable sleeping area. Purchase food and water bowls, a collar with an ID tag, a leash, and a crate if you plan to crate train. Decide in advance where your puppy will sleep, eat, and spend supervised time while they are young. Having these basics in place before you bring them home reduces stress for everyone.

The First Week

The first week is about adjustment. Your puppy is leaving the only home they have known, and they need time to settle. Keep introductions to new people and experiences calm and positive. Establish a consistent feeding schedule from day one. Begin working on your house training routine immediately. Even young puppies learn quickly when routines are predictable and rewards are consistent.

One of the most important things you can do in the first week is book your puppy’s first wellness visit at Newport Village Animal Hospital. We recommend scheduling within the first few days of bringing your puppy home. Our team will assess your puppy’s overall health, discuss their vaccine history, start their preventive care plan, and answer all of your questions. Call us at (604) 492-3900 to book.

At-a-Glance Vaccine Schedule

The following schedule reflects standard recommendations for puppies in British Columbia. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your puppy’s age at first visit and individual health status.

Bring any vaccination records from your breeder or rescue to your first appointment. Our team will review them and avoid repeating vaccines that are already current. Call (604) 492-3900 if you have questions about your puppy’s vaccine history before your visit.

Important Note on Lifestyle Vaccines

Lifestyle vaccines are recommended based on your puppy’s individual risk of exposure, not given automatically to every dog. In the Port Moody and Coquitlam area, two lifestyle vaccines are worth discussing at your first visit.

Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected wildlife, including raccoons, rats, and deer. Dogs can be exposed by drinking from puddles, streams, or standing water where infected animals have urinated, or by walking through contaminated wet soil. In BC, leptospirosis risk is highest in dogs with outdoor access in areas with high wildlife activity. Port Moody’s proximity to forested areas, Burrard Inlet waterways, and parks such as Bert Flinn Park and Rocky Point Park means many local puppies have meaningful exposure risk. The leptospirosis vaccine requires two doses initially, then an annual booster, and is highly recommended for most puppies in this area.

Bordetella (kennel cough): Bordetella bronchiseptica, along with other pathogens, contributes to the contagious respiratory complex known as kennel cough. Puppies attending classes, daycare, boarding facilities, or any setting where they are near other dogs should be vaccinated before they attend. Many facilities require proof of vaccination before entry.

Talk to our team about which lifestyle vaccines make the most sense for your puppy’s life.

Spay and Neuter

Spaying or neutering your puppy has long-term health benefits and helps reduce the number of unwanted pets in the community. The right timing depends on your puppy’s breed and size, as different-sized dogs mature at different rates.

Newport Village Animal Hospital performs spay and neuter procedures with full anaesthesia monitoring and attentive recovery care. Your puppy’s first or second wellness visit is a great time to discuss the ideal timing for their procedure based on their breed, size, and individual health. 

Nutrition for Your Puppy’s First Year

Puppies have different nutritional requirements from adult dogs, and choosing the right food from the start matters. Look for a food with an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional adequacy statement confirming it is complete and balanced for growth or all life stages. Avoid foods labelled for adult maintenance during the first year.

Feed a size-appropriate puppy formula. Large and giant breed puppies have specific calcium-to-phosphorus ratio requirements for healthy bone development, and should eat a large breed puppy formula rather than a standard puppy food. Small breed puppies benefit from a small breed formula with appropriately sized kibble and higher caloric density to support their faster metabolism.

Feeding schedule by age:

• 8 to 12 weeks: three to four meals per day
• 3 to 6 months: three meals per day
• 6 to 12 months: two meals per day

Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day). Measured meals make house training easier and allow you to monitor your puppy’s appetite. If your puppy has specific digestive or health concerns, our team may recommend a therapeutic diet tailored to their needs. Bring any questions about your puppy’s food to your wellness visit and we will be happy to guide you. 

Parasites: What to Know

Parasite prevention is one of the most important aspects of your puppy’s first-year health plan. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to intestinal parasites, many of which can be passed to humans.

Deworming: Puppies should be dewormed every two weeks from two to twelve weeks of age, then monthly until six months old. Many puppies are born with roundworms or acquire them through their mother’s milk. A stool sample checked at your first visit can confirm what parasites are present and guide the deworming plan.

Fleas and ticks: Fleas are a year-round concern in BC’s mild climate. The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is present in forested areas around Port Moody, including trails at Bert Flinn Park and Belcarra Regional Park. Year-round preventive parasite control is recommended for most puppies in this region. Our team will recommend a product appropriate for your puppy’s age and weight.

Heartworm: Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. The risk in BC is generally lower than in other parts of Canada, but risk still exists. If your puppy will travel to higher-risk regions, discuss heartworm prevention with your veterinarian.

Giardia: Giardia is a common intestinal parasite found in local water sources, including streams and ponds at parks. Preventing your puppy from drinking from standing water or natural water sources is the most effective way to reduce risk.

Family safety: Several intestinal parasites that affect puppies are zoonotic, meaning they can affect people too. Wash hands thoroughly after handling your puppy, cleaning up after them, or spending time in areas where other dogs have been. Teach children the same habit. 

House Training

Consistent house training from day one is the most effective approach. Take your puppy outside at predictable intervals: immediately after waking up, after every meal, after play, and before bed. Young puppies cannot hold their bladder for long. As a general guide, a puppy can hold their bladder for one hour per month of age, up to a maximum of about four to five hours.

When your puppy eliminates outside, reward them immediately with calm praise and a small treat. Timing matters. The reward should happen within a few seconds of the behaviour so your puppy makes the connection. Avoid punishing accidents indoors. Puppies do not understand punishment after the fact, and it adds stress without improving results.

Crate training is a useful tool for house training and for keeping your puppy safe when unsupervised. Most puppies accept a crate readily when it is introduced gradually and associated with positive experiences. The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so large that they use one end as a toilet. Cover the floor with comfortable bedding and make it a cosy retreat rather than a place of confinement.

Socialisation and Cooperative Care

The socialisation window in puppies runs roughly from three to twelve weeks of age. During this period, puppies form lasting impressions about what is safe and normal in the world. Positive exposure to a wide variety of people, sounds, surfaces, environments, and handling experiences during this window lays the foundation for a confident, adaptable adult dog.

Aim to expose your puppy to children, adults of different appearances, other dogs and animals (in safe, controlled settings), car rides, different floor surfaces, sounds such as traffic and household appliances, and the sensation of having their paws, ears, and mouth touched. Keep all exposures positive and at a pace your puppy is comfortable with. Watch for signs of stress and give your puppy the option to retreat or disengage.

Cooperative care techniques involve teaching your puppy to accept handling and examination comfortably. These include allowing you to look in their ears, open their mouth, hold each paw, and examine their coat. Practising these skills at home from an early age makes veterinary visits, grooming appointments, and nail trims significantly easier for both of you throughout your dog’s life.

Puppy classes are an excellent resource for structured socialisation and basic obedience. Confirm that the class uses positive reinforcement methods and that vaccination requirements are in place to keep attendees safe. Ask our team for local recommendations at your next visit.

Children and Other Pets

Children

Puppies and young children can form wonderful bonds, but early interactions must be carefully supervised. Teach children to approach the puppy calmly, avoid hugging from behind, and give the puppy space when they are eating or resting. Even the most tolerant puppy can react when startled or overwhelmed. Never leave very young children alone with a puppy, regardless of how gentle either seems. Consistent supervision and clear house rules for both the child and the puppy make these relationships safe and positive.

Other Dogs

Introducing your new puppy to resident dogs should be done gradually and on neutral ground where possible. Keep both dogs on leash for the initial meeting. Allow brief, positive interactions and increase duration as comfort grows. Watch for signs of tension including stiffened body posture, hard stares, raised hackles, or growling, and interrupt calmly if needed. Most dogs adjust within a few days to a few weeks.

Cats

Cats and puppies can coexist well but often need a longer adjustment period. Give your cat access to areas the puppy cannot reach, such as higher furniture, a separate room with a baby gate, or a cat tree. Allow the cat to set the pace for any interaction. Never force the two animals together. Many cats will approach the puppy on their own terms once they feel safe.

Foreign-Body Ingestion Hazards

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and this makes them vulnerable to swallowing objects that can cause serious harm. Common foreign-body hazards include socks and underwear, children’s toys and small plastic parts, corn cobs, bones (especially cooked bones that can splinter), hair ties and rubber bands, rocks, and food wrappers.

Signs that your puppy may have swallowed something include repeated vomiting, retching, loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, swollen or painful abdomen, or straining to defecate. If you notice any of these signs, call Newport Village Animal Hospital immediately at (604) 492-3900. Do not wait to see if the signs resolve on their own. Foreign bodies can become life-threatening if they cause an obstruction. 

Holiday and Household Hazards

Toxic foods for dogs: Even small amounts of the following can be dangerous and require prompt veterinary attention.

• Grapes and raisins (can cause acute kidney injury)
• Chocolate and caffeine
• Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, and baked goods)
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Raw yeast dough
• Avocado

Toxic plants: Common plants toxic to dogs include sago palm, tulip and daffodil bulbs, rhododendrons and azaleas, oleander, lily of the valley, and autumn crocus. Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are found in the Lower Mainland, including the Port Moody and Coquitlam area, and are highly toxic to dogs if ingested.

Household hazards: Keep your puppy away from cleaning products, laundry pods, fertilisers, and slug bait. Metaldehyde slug pellets, commonly used in BC gardens, are highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe neurological signs. Store all garden products where your puppy cannot access them.

Holiday hazards: Tinsel, ribbons, and decorative string can cause serious intestinal obstruction if swallowed. Christmas tree water may contain preservatives that are harmful to dogs. Candles should never be left unattended around a curious puppy. If you suspect your puppy has ingested something toxic, call (604) 492-3900 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Puppy Dental and Developmental Notes

Deciduous teeth and teething: Puppies are born without teeth and develop a full set of 28 deciduous (baby) teeth by around 6 to 8 weeks. Between 3 and 6 months, these teeth are gradually replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth. Teething can cause mild discomfort and a strong urge to chew. Provide appropriate chew toys and avoid letting your puppy chew on furniture, shoes, or hands.

Retained deciduous teeth: Occasionally, a baby tooth does not fall out when the permanent tooth erupts. This most commonly affects the upper canine teeth and is more common in smaller breeds. Retained baby teeth can cause the permanent tooth to erupt in an incorrect position, leading to malocclusion and crowding. Our team checks for retained teeth at every puppy wellness visit. If a tooth needs to be removed, we will discuss timing and next steps.

Malocclusion: Some puppies develop a bite that does not align correctly as the jaw grows. Common types include overbite, underbite, and wry mouth. Most are cosmetic concerns, but severe malocclusion can affect comfort and function. Our team assesses your puppy’s bite at each visit.

Hernias: Umbilical hernias (a small bulge at the belly button) are relatively common in puppies and are often minor. Inguinal hernias occur in the groin area. Both are examined at wellness visits. Small umbilical hernias often close on their own, while larger hernias may require surgical correction, often timed with a spay or neuter procedure.

Cryptorchidism: In male puppies, both testicles should descend into the scrotum by around 8 weeks of age. If one or both testicles have not descended by 16 weeks, this is called cryptorchidism. Retained testicles carry a higher risk of certain health concerns and are typically removed at the time of neutering. 

Grooming Basics

Establishing a grooming routine early helps your puppy become comfortable with handling and makes lifelong maintenance much easier.

Brushing: Begin brushing your puppy’s coat a few times a week, regardless of coat type. Short-coated breeds need less frequent brushing, while long-coated or double-coated breeds benefit from daily or every-other-day brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Make it a positive experience with gentle handling and calm praise.

Nail care: Nails should be trimmed every two to four weeks. Long nails can cause discomfort when walking and may lead to postural issues over time. If you are unsure how to trim your puppy’s nails safely, our team can demonstrate at a wellness visit or assist at a routine appointment.

Ears: Check your puppy’s ears weekly for redness, odour, discharge, or head shaking. Floppy-eared breeds are more prone to ear infections and may benefit from more frequent ear cleaning. Ask our team to show you how to clean your puppy’s ears safely at home.

Teeth: Begin toothbrushing as early as possible using a pet-safe toothpaste. Daily brushing is the gold standard for home dental care. Starting the habit during puppyhood makes it much easier to maintain as an adult.

Professional grooming: Some breeds require professional grooming every four to eight weeks. For puppies requiring medically supervised grooming, such as sedated nail trims or coat removal for skin health reasons, Newport Village Animal Hospital provides medical grooming services in Port Moody. 

Local Health Notes: Port Moody and the Tri-Cities Area

Port Moody and the surrounding Tri-Cities region offer exceptional outdoor access for dogs and their owners, with parks, trails, and waterways woven throughout the community. With this access comes a set of local health considerations that every Port Moody dog owner should know.

Salmon poisoning disease: This is a potentially fatal illness specific to dogs in the Pacific Northwest, including British Columbia. It occurs when dogs eat raw or inadequately cooked salmon, trout, or other salmonid fish infected with a microscopic fluke. Port Moody’s local waterways, including Mossom Creek near the Mossom Creek Hatchery and tributaries of the Coquitlam River, have salmon activity during spawning season. Never allow your puppy to eat raw fish from any local water source, and supervise closely near waterways where fish may be present or washed ashore. Signs of salmon poisoning appear 5 to 7 days after exposure and include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and weakness. It is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care. 

Leptospirosis: As discussed in Section 5, leptospirosis risk in Port Moody is meaningful for dogs with outdoor exposure. Rocky Point Park, the Shoreline Trail along Burrard Inlet, and other areas frequented by wildlife present the most relevant risk. Keep your puppy away from puddles, streams, and standing water. Vaccination is the most reliable protection.

Ticks: The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is found in forested areas of the Lower Mainland, including trails at Bert Flinn Park and the Belcarra Regional Park area. Check your puppy for ticks after any outdoor activity in wooded or grassy terrain. Year-round preventive tick control is recommended for dogs who spend time outdoors in these areas.

Wildlife encounters: Port Moody parks, including Rocky Point Park and Bert Flinn Park, have documented bear activity. Coyotes are also present throughout the Tri-Cities. Keep your puppy close and on a leash in areas where wildlife encounters are possible. The City of Port Moody requires dogs to be leashed in all areas except designated off-leash zones.

Death cap mushrooms: Amanita phalloides (death cap mushrooms) grow in the Lower Mainland, including parks and forested areas in and around Port Moody. They are highly toxic to dogs. Prevent your puppy from sniffing at or consuming any mushrooms on walks.

Slug bait toxicity: Metaldehyde-based slug and snail pellets are widely used in BC gardens and can be lethal to dogs. Keep your puppy away from garden areas where slug bait may have been applied, and store all garden products securely.

Dog licensing: The City of Port Moody requires all dogs four months of age and older to be licensed annually. Licensing helps connect lost pets with their owners and is required by Bylaw No. 2677. Visit portmoody.ca for current licensing information and fees.

Low-Stress Veterinary Visits

The way your puppy feels about veterinary visits is largely shaped by their early experiences. With the right approach, most puppies come to see the clinic as a positive place.

Before the Visit

Allow your puppy to travel in a crate or with a seatbelt harness for safety in the car. Bring them to the appointment on an empty stomach if possible, as this can make treats more motivating. Bring any vaccination records, food they have been eating, and a list of questions you want to discuss. If your puppy tends to be anxious in new environments, let our team know when you call to book and we can offer guidance on managing the visit.

In the Clinic

Newport Village Animal Hospital aims to make every visit as calm and positive as possible. Our team moves at a pace that respects each patient’s comfort level. We use treats, gentle handling, and a calm approach. If your puppy appears overwhelmed, let us know. We can always take breaks or adjust our approach.

Happy Visits

Consider bringing your puppy in for a brief “happy visit” between appointments. These are short, social visits to the clinic where your puppy receives treats and attention from staff without any examination or procedures. Happy visits help puppies build a positive association with the clinic environment, which makes full appointments easier as they grow. Call ahead to arrange one.

When to Contact Us

If your puppy is ever unwell or you have a concern, Newport Village Animal Hospital is open seven days a week. Call us at (604) 492-3900 and our team will help you determine the right next step.

Contact Us Same Day For

• Vomiting or diarrhoea that persists for more than a few hours or is severe
• Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
• Lethargy or significant change in behaviour
• Wounds, cuts, or suspected ingestion of a foreign object
• Suspected ingestion of raw fish, toxic food, plants, or household products
• Limping or difficulty using a limb
• Eye injuries or sudden changes in the eyes
• Difficulty urinating or straining to pass a stool
• Seizures or collapse
• Breathing difficulties

Schedule a Routine Appointment For

• Scheduled wellness visits and vaccines
• Parasite prevention refills or checks
• Nutritional questions or weight concerns
• Spay or neuter consultation
• Dental assessment
• Grooming concerns
• Behaviour questions
• Microchipping

For after-hours emergencies when our clinic is closed, please contact Boundary Bay Veterinary Hospital in Surrey at (604) 514-8383. We recommend saving this number in your phone before you need it.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is one of the most practical things you can put in place before your puppy’s first veterinary visit. The best time to enrol is while your puppy is young and healthy, before any conditions develop that could be excluded as pre-existing. Waiting until after your puppy has a health concern can limit your coverage options significantly.

The following Canadian providers offer puppy coverage (this list is provided as a general reference and is not an endorsement of any specific provider):

• Trupanion
• Pets Plus Us
• Petsecure
• 24PetWatch
• PC Pet Insurance
• Costco Pet Insurance (available to Costco members)
• Furkin Pet Insurance

Compare policies carefully. Key differences between plans include annual and lifetime limits, deductible structure, and what is covered during the waiting period. Newport Village Animal Hospital accepts most major pet insurance plans, including Trupanion with direct billing available. Ask our team about insurance at your first appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When does my puppy need their first vaccines, and what should I do if I do not know their history?

Puppies ideally begin their core vaccine series at 6 to 8 weeks of age. If you are unsure of your puppy’s vaccination history, bring any records you have to your first appointment and our team will assess what has been given and what is still needed. In some cases we may recommend starting a fresh series to ensure full protection. Call Newport Village Animal Hospital at (604) 492-3900 to book your first visit as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Is leptospirosis really a concern for Port Moody puppies?

Yes. Leptospirosis is transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected wildlife, including raccoons, rats, and deer. Port Moody and the Coquitlam area have abundant wildlife and multiple parks, waterways, and trails where exposure risk is present. The leptospirosis vaccine requires two doses initially and is recommended for most puppies in this region with any outdoor activity. Our team can advise whether it is appropriate for your puppy at your first visit.

When should I have my puppy spayed or neutered?

The ideal timing depends on your puppy’s breed and size. Small breed dogs are generally spayed or neutered around 5 to 6 months. Medium breeds around 6 months. Large and giant breeds may benefit from waiting until 12 to 18 months or longer, as early spaying or neutering can affect skeletal development. Our team will discuss the right timing for your specific puppy at a wellness visit. 

My puppy just ate something from the yard. What should I do?

If your puppy has eaten an unknown plant, mushroom, garden product, or any potentially toxic substance, call Newport Village Animal Hospital immediately at (604) 492-3900, even if they appear fine. Many toxic substances have a delayed effect and early action gives the best outcome. After hours, contact Boundary Bay Veterinary Hospital in Surrey at (604) 514-8383. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

How do I know what food to choose for my puppy?

Look for a food with an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth or all life stages, and choose a size-appropriate formula. Large and giant breed puppies should eat a large breed puppy food with controlled calcium levels. Small breed puppies do well on a small breed puppy formula. If you are unsure whether the food you have chosen is appropriate, bring the bag or a photo of the label to your first appointment and we can take a look. 

Can I take my puppy to Rocky Point Park before they have finished all their vaccines?

We generally recommend waiting until your puppy has completed their primary vaccine series before visiting high-traffic public areas and off-leash parks. Rocky Point Park’s off-leash dog run is popular and carries a higher risk of disease exposure for unvaccinated puppies. Short, controlled outings to quieter environments are lower risk. Your puppy can socialise with vaccinated, healthy dogs owned by people you know before their vaccine series is complete. Ask our team at your next visit for specific guidance based on where you are in the vaccine schedule.

My large breed puppy is growing very fast. Should I be concerned?

Rapid growth is normal for large breed puppies, but it is important to support that growth with the right nutrition and avoid encouraging high-impact exercise during the early months when growth plates are still developing. Avoid repetitive jumping, long runs on hard surfaces, or activities that place sustained stress on the developing joints. Regular wellness checks allow our team to monitor your puppy’s growth rate and body condition and flag any concerns early.

Contact Newport Village Animal Hospital