Puppy Wellness

Ensure your puppy’s health with our comprehensive wellness services at Erin Mills Pet Hospital in Mississauga. From vaccinations to nutrition, we provide expert care to support your puppy’s growth and well-being.

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Puppy Wellness in Mississauga, ON

Congratulations on your new puppy! As you welcome your new family member into your home, let our comprehensive puppy wellness program help set them up for a lifetime of great health.

Comprehensive Puppy Wellness Care

Our puppy wellness program is designed to set your puppy on the right path to a long and healthy life. The first few months are critical for your puppy’s development, and we provide the support and tools necessary to help them grow into a healthy, well-mannered dog. This includes guidance on nutrition, training, behavior, and socialization.

Schedule your puppy’s first exam as soon as possible. Until they complete their vaccine series, puppies are vulnerable to serious but preventable diseases. We’ll ensure your new puppy is protected against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and more. Additionally, your puppy will need testing and treatment for parasites, which are common in young dogs.

Protecting Your Puppy and Family from Parasites

Many puppies have roundworms, an intestinal parasite that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms—or none at all. Treating your puppy for roundworms is crucial to eliminate the infection and to protect your family. Roundworms are zoonotic, meaning they can transfer from pets to humans. By ensuring your puppy is properly treated, you safeguard your entire household from these and other parasites.

We look forward to meeting your new puppy! Schedule your appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Wellness & Care

When should my new puppy have their very first veterinary exam?

You should schedule your puppy’s first wellness exam within a few days of bringing them home—ideally around 8 weeks of age. This initial visit allows our veterinarians to perform a baseline health assessment, check for congenital defects, test for common intestinal parasites, and start their early vaccination series.

What is the typical vaccination schedule for a puppy in Ontario?

Puppies require a sequence of booster shots every 3 to 4 weeks to safely build up their immune systems. This critical series begins at 6 to 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters at 12 weeks, and finishes around 16 weeks of age. We administer core vaccines (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Rabies) along with lifestyle vaccines tailored to Mississauga dogs, such as Leptospirosis and Lyme disease protections.

Why do puppies require multiple rounds of deworming medication?

Nearly all puppies are born with or contract microscopic intestinal parasites (like roundworms or hookworms) from their mother’s milk. Because dewormer medications only kill adult worms and not the migrating larvae or unhatched eggs, we must administer multiple treatments spaced a few weeks apart to fully clear the infection. Routine deworming also protects your human family, as some of these parasites are zoonotic (can pass from animals to humans).

Is it safe to take my puppy to public parks before they finish their shots?

No, it is highly risky. Until your puppy has received their final round of booster shots (around 16 weeks of age), they are vulnerable to highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases like Canine Parvovirus. Avoid public dog parks, pet stores, and walking trails where unvaccinated dogs may have left behind pathogens. Stick to socializing your puppy in controlled indoor settings with dogs you know are fully vaccinated.

When should I transition my puppy from puppy food to adult dog food?

Most dogs can safely transition to adult food around 12 months of age, once their skeletal growth slows down. However, large and giant dog breeds grow slower and require specialized large-breed puppy formulas until they are 18 to 24 months old to protect their joints. Our veterinary team will help you map out a precise nutritional plan during your puppy’s wellness visits.