Brisbane puppy care guide
Your New Puppy: Care & Prevention Guide
A simple first-year roadmap for keeping your puppy healthy in Brisbane. Bring your puppy’s vaccination and treatment records to each visit so we can tailor the plan to their age, weight, lifestyle and health.
View the puppy care handout (PDF)Timeline of Recommended Preventative Care
| Age | Vaccinations (C5 + Lepto) | Parasite Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | C3 (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus). | Start Milbemycin tablet for heartworm and intestinal worms. Start flea and tick medication at 8 weeks. |
| 10–12 weeks 3 Months | C5 (DHP + Canine Cough) + multivalent Leptospirosis. | Moxidectin SR-12 1st heartworm injection. Continue oral flea/tick/worming. |
| 16 weeks | C5 (DHP + Canine Cough) + multivalent Leptospirosis. | Continue regular oral Milbemycin and flea/tick control. |
| 26 weeks 6 Months | C3 (final safety net). | Moxidectin SR-12 2nd heartworm injection. Bravecto Quantum Start for small breeds (6-8 mos). |
| 12 to 20 months Growth Phase | No scheduled vaccines | Moxidectin SR-12 Further injections every 6 months until fully grown. Bravecto Quantum Commence once fully grown:
|
| Every year Adult Phase | Health check, Annual multivalent Leptospirosis & Canine Cough. DHP boosted every 3 years. | Annual Moxidectin SR-12 injection, Annual Bravecto Quantum injection, regular Milbemycin. |
Important Clinical Note: A minimum of one previous dose of a fluralaner drug (e.g., oral Bravecto) must have been given prior to administering the sustained-release Bravecto Quantum injection.
Leptospirosis vaccination needs two initial doses 2–4 weeks apart, then an annual booster. Your vet will confirm the exact combination and dates from your puppy’s records. Read our full Brisbane vaccination guide.
Parasite prevention breakdown
There isn’t one single product that reliably covers every parasite in Brisbane. We utilise a targeted combination approach to keep your puppy safe.
Fleas & Paralysis Ticks
We recommend oral isoxazoline chews (like Bravecto, NexGard, or Simparica) initially. Once your dog is fully grown, they can transition to the 12-month Bravecto Quantum Commence injection.
Timing: Small breeds (6-8m), Medium/Large (9-14m), Large/Giant (15-20m). Must have successfully tolerated at least one prior oral fluralaner dose. Medication does not replace daily fingertip tick searches in high-risk areas.
Heartworm
Spread by mosquitoes, heartworm prevention must be maintained year-round. We initiate protection with oral medications, then transition to the sustained Moxidectin SR-12 injection.
Schedule: 1st injection at 3 months of age, 2nd at 6 months of age. Further injections are given every 6 months until the dog is fully grown, after which it becomes a convenient yearly injection.
Intestinal Worms
Puppies need frequent worming: commonly every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months, followed by a regular schedule (usually every 3 months). We recommend using a Milbemycin tablet (or similar veterinary-grade all-wormer) to ensure complete coverage.
The Tapeworm Gap
It is critical to note that Bravecto does not cover tapeworms or certain other intestinal worms.
This is why the addition of a Milbemycin tablet (or similar comprehensive wormer) to your routine is non-negotiable. Flea control also matters, as swallowed fleas transmit the most common tapeworm.
Read our Brisbane paralysis-tick guide for daily search tips and warning signs.
Everyday puppy essentials
Feed a complete, balanced puppy diet suited to expected adult size. Keep fresh water available and change foods gradually over 7 days.
Gently practise brushing with a pet toothbrush/toothpaste. Make paws, ears and gentle grooming part of a positive daily routine.
Introduce people, sounds, and vaccinated dogs positively. Ask us how to balance safe socialisation with disease risk before vaccines are complete.
Keep vaccine certificates, microchip details and a list of dose dates handy. Set calendar reminders before each preventative is due.