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My puppy hasn't had shots or deworming. What's the first step?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 4 months and 25 days old | 18 lbs

My breeder has never dewormed nor vaccinated my puppy. How do I start with its health.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 31st, 2019

First, have her examined by your veterinarian. He or she can administer or dispense a dewormer. It will likely need to be repeated in 2 and 4 weeks. Afterwards, start her on a monthly preventative for heartworm and intestinal parasites. A topical or oral flea and tick preventative can also be started. Discuss with the vet what Cherry's lifestyle will be. This will determine which vaccines she will get. Core vaccines include distemper/parvo combination and Rabies vaccines. She will need 3-4 distemper/parvo vaccine every 4 weeks. The rabies vaccine she can get now. It will be repeated next year, then every 3 years. Lifestyle vaccines include Lyme disease, leptospirosis, canine flu and bordatella (kennel cough). These are given based on her risk of exposure. You can discuss their use with your veterinarian. She can be spayed at about 6 months of age.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 20th, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tootsie. I recommend that you make an appointment for her to see a veterinarian. Vaccines are typically started between 6-8 weeks of age in puppies. A fecal test will be performed and deworming medication is typically given. Heartworm prevention is commonly started at 8 weeks as well. I hope this information helps!

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