Section 7 of 8 · about 2 min read

Health, Grooming & Vet Care

Vet visits, parasites, grooming and teeth, reading poo and the first season.

This guide is for information only. It doesn’t replace advice from your vet or a qualified behaviourist — if you’re ever worried, call your vet.

Lesson 1

Your vet partnership

Make vet visits stress-free by handling your puppy’s ears, paws, mouth and belly gently at home. Take a familiar blanket or toy, choose quiet appointment times, practise short car rides and give a short walk first. Core vaccinations start at 6–8 weeks, and puppy classes and mixing with other dogs come once your vet says it’s safe. ORLAGH’S recommends waiting until your dog is a minimum of 2 years old before neutering or spaying. Ask about growth, teeth, joints and diet at each stage.

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Practise

Health check cards

When do core vaccinations start?

1 of 7 · tap the card to turn it

Healthy pup quiz

Question 1 of 5

How can you make your puppy’s first vet visit less stressful?

Health myths

  • You should treat all pets in the home for fleas at the same time.

  • Human toothpaste is fine for dogs.

  • Healthy poo is brown, log-shaped and firm but not hard.

  • Grooming is only about looks.

  • A female dog can get pregnant during her first season.

Section revision

Score 70% or more to pass this section.

Question 1 of 8

At what age do core vaccinations usually start?

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