Timberlane Labrador advises scheduling a puppy exam within 48 hours of aquiring your new pup. A routine pysical exam by a veterinarian are a valuble component of a well-care program for your pet. During a physical exam, problems in seemingly healthy animals can be discovered. Early detection provides the best opportunity for successful treatment...and many times with less expense than if the problesm is discovered at a later date. Be sure you pet visits the veterinarian regularly. Most vaccines are required on a yearly basis once the initial series is complete.

Vaccines are designed to protect your pet from contracting diseases or to minimize the clinical signs of infections. However, immunity following the first set of vaccinations for a puppy does not last for the life of your pet. For continuous protection, booster vaccines are vital. Your veterinarian can recommend the proper vaccine series schedule for you pet. It is very important that you follow that schedule.

Intestinal parasites affect pets throughout their life. Since parasites harm your pet, it is important to control them. Interstinal worms, heartworms, fleas and ticks are common pests that can affect the health of any animal. Veterinarians have a variety of diagnostic tests,

some requiring a fecal sample or small blood sample, to determine the best control method. Usually, the medications are easy for you to administer.

The nutritional needs of your new puppy are very important for the proper growth and disease resistance. Weight control is also important for good health. Timberlane Labradors recommends feeding a large breed growth food for growing puppies up to 10 months to one year of age. These foods were developed for large breed dogs to maintain gradual bone and skeletal development. It is formulated to keep joints and bones healthy in the early stages to help prevent any orthopedic developments.