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What vaccines do you start your puppies on prior to them leaving your care?

I give the first DAPP(Distemper-Adenovirus-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus)vaccine at 6 weeks old.   I boost that vaccine again at 9 weeks. Generally that's all I start them out on because they go to their new homes soon after.  If I have a puppy for an extended period of time, I vaccinate every 3 weeks until they've had at least 3 DAPP's. I start them on the Bordetella(kennel cough)vaccine at 10-13 weeks old and booster it in another 3 weeks(if I still have them by then). Rabies isn't given until they are 4 months old, and I will have that done too if they are still in my care.

 What de-wormings do you give your puppies?

It is very common for puppies to be born with Roundworms. I treat my puppies with a liquid wormer called  Strongid-T at 3, 5, and 7 weeks. It treats a wide array of intestinal parasites, including roundworms. I then give them a broad spectrum wormer called Panacur for 5 days at around 9 weeks of age. Panacur is a gentle yet effective powder that treats many parasites including: hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. To learn more about these nasty intestinal parasites see: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/worms.html#Round

Adult Roundworms(left), Roundworm egg under microscope(right).

Adult Whipworm(left), Adult Hookworm(right).

Do you crop your dog's ears?

No I don't crop my Boston Terrier's ears, they stand naturally. From what I have read, it is not considered a fault by AKC to crop a Boston Terrier's ears. Select breeders choose to crop their Bostons ears, but not me.  Occasionally you will see dogs where one or both ears don't stand all the way up, but in most cases they should be standing by 6 months of age.

  Do you dock your puppies tails?

No. It's considered a fault if you have to dock a Boston Terrier's tail. According to AKC the tail should be as described: The tail is set on low, short, fine and tapering, straight or screw and must not be carried above the horizontal. (Note: The preferred tail does not exceed in length more than one-quarter the distance from set-on to hock.) Disqualify: Docked tail.

What is dewclaw removal?

This is the surgical removal of the extra inside toe on the front legs. AKA the fifth finger, or the doggy thumb. Rarely do you see rear dewclaws on a Boston, but it can be common in some breeds. It's best to have them removed at 3-5 days old. That way anesthesia isn't required and the scarring is minimal. When dewclaws aren't removed they can easily grow in to the foot if not kept trimmed. They can also become snagged on chain-link fencing, carpet, bedding etc. and tear.

What is a Microchip?

It is a permanent identification chip about the size of a grain of rice. It's injected between the shoulder blades/neck area and has a number that is unique to each dog. It is one of the most commonly used forms of permanent identification. It can be picked up by most all Veterinary and animal shelter scanners. It helps save many pet's lives, and helps get countless dogs and cats returned to their rightful owners.

I'll update this page as I receive more questions. Please feel free to email me any suggestions. Thanks! 

Rachel at: cocoa_boston@yahoo.com