Vaccination Status & Schedule
What Your Puppy Has Received
Initial Vaccination at 6 Weeks
Your puppy has been vaccinated at 6 weeks with Vanguard Plus 5-Way.
This 5-Way vaccine is recommended for puppies at six, nine and twelve weeks old.
What the 5-Way Vaccine Protects Against
| Disease | Protection |
|---|---|
| Canine Distemper | Viral disease affecting multiple systems |
| Adenovirus Type 1 | Hepatitis protection |
| Adenovirus Type 2 | Respiratory disease protection |
| Parainfluenza | Respiratory infection protection |
| Parvovirus | Severe gastrointestinal disease |
Remaining Vaccination Schedule
The additional vaccination schedule is printed at the top of your medical sheet that comes in your puppy kit for you to take to your vet.
CRITICAL: Limited Immunity
Your puppy has only had one of three in the initial set recommended for puppies to build their immunity.
Your puppy needs vaccinations at:
- 9 weeks
- 12 weeks
Protection During Vaccination Period
You should be cautious about other people touching your baby, taking him to public places or any exposure to other people and dogs before he has the full 3 vaccines in his system.
Why This Matters
- Many of these viruses are airborne and transmit easily among puppies
- This is why the breeder does not allow visitors around the babies while unprotected
- You should extend that caution until your baby is 12 weeks old and fully vaccinated
Safe Socialization
While limiting exposure to strange dogs and public places, you can still safely socialize your puppy with:
- Vaccinated dogs you know personally
- Controlled indoor environments
- Carrying your puppy in public (not on the ground)
- Friends and family in your home
Worms and Parasites
What's Been Done
Babies are wormed at 2, 4, 6 weeks and again before they leave for their new home. Fecals are done by the vet to determine that they are clear of any parasites (worms, coccidia).
Your Responsibility
The buyer should take their puppy again to the vet for a fecal and address any residual parasite that may exist.
Worming is Normal
Worming a puppy is no big deal if caught early and followed through. Be aware that dogs can pick up worms from the ground so worms in puppies is not uncommon and a worming regimen should be part of the maintenance of your dog.
Commonly Recommended: Worming every 3 months
Flea and Tick Treatment
Your baby has been too young to administer flea treatment up to this point but at 8 weeks you can begin a topical like Advantage or whatever your vet recommends.
Breeder's Approach
The breeder has no flea/tick issue because they give their dogs Bravecto but you can't give that until the puppy is 6 months of age.
Spaying and Neutering
General Guidelines
That's more of a question for your vet, but studies show (per Dr. Becker's newsletter) that spay/neutering too soon can lead to poor health (Cancers) in the long run and too late can make housetraining difficult especially in males.
General Rule
- Males: Neutering at 6 months
- Females: Spaying at 8 months
Your vet can best answer that for your specific puppy.
Important Reminder
Be sure to remember to send the receipt to the breeder so that they can release the AKC paperwork for registration.
Size and Development
Average Adult Size
| Gender | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Males | 17-20 pounds |
| Females | 15-17 pounds |
Temperament
Both genders are equally loving and affectionate when raised with plenty of affection. Males should be neutered by 8 months of age to avoid fights or dominant behavior to other house dogs.
Westies are extremely intelligent and can be easily trained. There are some great videos on YouTube.com (Enter "Westie puppy training" on the search bar.)
Keeping Items on Hand
Colloidal Silver
The breeder uses Colloidal Silver (available on Amazon) for the occasional booboo/scratches. It works wonders.
Coconut Oil
A great supplement for your dog's overall health and especially the coat and joints. Just a half of a teaspoon daily on food or from hand is a healthy treat.