Raising A Healthy Dog
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Finding The Right Dog For You |
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Bringing a new companion into your family is an exciting decision and finding the right match requires thoughtful consideration. Some families choose to adopt, while others choose to work with a breeder. This is an individual choice and both should be carefully researched to avoid supporting unethical practices. Organizations and breeders should be transparent about health testing, standard operating procedures, and the environment where their animals live.
Consider what type of dog will fit best with your lifestyle including their expected size, energy level, personality, grooming requirements, and potential health concerns. Some breeds require professional grooming or more physical and mental stimulation than others. Think about your daily routine, activity level, living situation, and whether this is the right time in your family's life. 
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Older dogs often have so much love to give. They likely already have an established personality, training, and routine which can make wonderful additions to families looking for a more predictable companion.
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Before bringing a dog home, take time to research training needs, long-term costs, and the commitment involved throughout their life. Consider fostering if you are unsure what type of dog is the right fit for your family. It is also helpful to call local veterinary clinics ahead of time to learn about appointment schedules, vaccine recommendations, costs, and what to expect during your first vet visits. If you know when your puppy or dog will be coming home, consider scheduling their first veterinary appointment in advance.
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Welcome Home: Your First Days Together |
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Preparing your home before your new companion arrives can help create a smooth transition for everyone. Have the essentials ready: a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, appropriate food, toys, a crate if needed, a collar or harness, a leash, and a safe area where your new companion can relax. If there are easily accessible toxic plants or non-friendly animal items, you will thank yourself later by securing them beforehand.
Proactively discuss household expectations and boundaries with everyone involved. Decide where your dog will sleep, where they are allowed to go, who will be responsible for feeding and care, and what routines you want to establish from the beginning. If you have outdoor space, make sure it is safe and secure before allowing your dog outside. If you are located within Calgary, you will need to register your dog through the city. Remember that every dog adjusts differently. Some puppies may be confident and playful right away, while others may feel overwhelmed or need more time to settle in. Give your new companion patience, consistency, and time to build trust while they learn their new home and family. |
Feeding And Diet |
Your veterinarian can help guide you through feeding choices, portion sizes, and adjustments as your dog grows and their needs change. A healthy diet is one of your first forms of defence in supporting your dog’s long-term well-being and is an important foundation for lifelong health.
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What To Expect At Your First Vet Visit |
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Before your appointment, we invite you to complete our pre-exam questionnaire.
Your first visit to Westland is an important opportunity for us to get to know you and your companion. Please call ahead or email our team to schedule your visit. If you are a new client, be prepared to answer a few questions or complete some new client paperwork before your appointment. While we do our best to help when we can, we cannot guarantee walk-in availability. Before your visit, write down any questions or concerns you have and bring them with you. Bring any paperwork provided by the rescue organization or breeder including medical records, vaccine history or other important information.
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We will start by getting your dog’s weight on our large scale in the reception area before heading into an examination room. During the appointment, the veterinarian will perform a complete head-to-tail physical exam, provide helpful information about caring for your new companion, make recommendations, and answer any questions you may have. If you are interested in additional services such as vaccines, deworming, nail trims or other treatments, our veterinarian and registered technicians will be happy to explain the process and review any associated costs before moving forward.
After the examination, you will return to the reception area where our front desk team can assist with food or product recommendations, answer any remaining questions, help process insurance information, and provide a copy of your invoice by paper or email. Our goal is to make your first visit informative, comfortable, and a positive experience for both you and your new family member. |
Keeping Your Companion Protected |
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Vaccines are an important part of protecting your puppy from preventable diseases. Most puppies follow a similar vaccine schedule unless there are underlying health concerns that require a different approach.
A licensed veterinary professional administers the vaccine(s) through a subcutaneous injection or, in some cases, through the nasal route. Your veterinarian will help determine the appropriate timing based on your puppy’s age, health, and lifestyle. The canine vaccines offered at Westland are: Distemper, Adenovirus type 1 & 2, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza (DA2PP); Bordetella (Kennel Cough); Leptospirosis; Rabies. After your puppy completes their initial vaccine series and receives their one-year booster, ongoing vaccine recommendations should be discussed with your veterinarian annually. These recommendations can be personalized based on your dog’s activities, environment, and individual health needs. |
Local Parasite Protection |
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Parasite prevention, or commonly known as "dewormer", is an important part of keeping you and your companion healthy. It is recommended for puppies to receive deworming treatments monthly until at least 6 months of age. Your veterinarian can help determine the most appropriate prevention plan based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors.
In Alberta, dogs can be exposed to parasites such as ticks and giardia. These parasites are common throughout the province and some can also be transmitted to humans. Understanding the risks and taking steps to prevent infection can help protect your dog and the rest of your household. |
When To Spay Or Neuter |
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Spaying or neutering is an important part of responsible animal care and should be discussed with your veterinarian to determine the best timing for your companion. Keeping an animal intact increases the risk of certain health concerns including reproductive diseases and some cancers, while unplanned breeding also contributes to the ongoing burden rescues face of overpopulation.
In many cases, these procedures are performed between six months and one year of age, but the ideal timing can vary depending on the individual dog, breed, size, and health. These procedures require full sedation under anesthetic. The most important recovery period is the first 14 days when activity may need to be restricted and the surgical site monitored closely. Your veterinarian can help determine the best timing for your dog and answer any questions you may have before the procedure. |
Building Good Habits |
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The early months with your new companion are an important time to build habits that will last a lifetime. Consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive training help your dog feel confident and understand what is expected of them.
Planning ahead can also help you provide lifelong care for your dog. Consider options such as medical insurance, care when travelling, and preparing for unexpected situations. Small steps early on can make a big difference in your dog’s long-term health and happiness.
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