puppy care into adulthood

Your puppy has grown into a full-fledged adult. Although you’ve been providing top-notch care to your dog during puppyhood, you may not be so sure about what lies ahead. Don’t worry though—your VCA care team will continue to support you and your dog throughout adulthood.

Tips for caring for your young adult dog

  1. Get annual wellness exams to catch health conditions early.
  2. Say “yes” to lab work to set a baseline for your young dog’s blood values and monitor for the development of chronic health issues.
  3. Keep your dog up to date on their vaccines to prevent infectious diseases and to ensure compliance with your community’s laws.
  4. Keep your dog on year-round parasite prevention.
  5. Don’t forget about dental care! You can protect your dog’s teeth by brushing their teeth with pet-safe toothpaste, using dental treats and more.
  6. If your pet hasn’t been spayed or neutered yet and you’re not intending to breed them, speak with your VCA care team about getting them altered.
  7. Monitor your dog’s weight and don’t fall prey to precious puppy eyes. Most adult dogs in the United States are overweight or obese.
  8. Keep up on your dog’s mental enrichment to ward off anxiety and other destructive behaviors. 

Find the dog products you need online

You can find veterinarian-approved products for your young dog, including medications, supplements, therapeutic diets, dental hygiene products, parasite preventives and more at shopmyVCA.com. 

Qualified orders can receive free shipping. You can also find how-to videos for things like how to give your dog a pill and how to switch your dog’s diet.

Stay connected with myVCATM

Download the myVCA app to access free 24/7 Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional to answer your questions anytime.* 

The app will also provide you with preventive care reminders so you’ll know when your young dog is due for their wellness services. You can use the app to quickly book appointments, request refills and learn more with personalized pet care articles and videos.

Get lifelong care with CareClub® Wellness Plans

CareClub Dog Wellness Plans allow you to budget for your dog’s annual exams, rechecks, sick appointments and preventive services your dog needs for their best health. With CareClub, you get access to unlimited exams,1 doctor-recommended vaccines,2 diagnostic testing2 and microchip membership, all for a convenient monthly fee. 

By enrolling in CareClub, you can distribute the cost of your dog’s health care throughout the year. CareClub can help you save up to 25% on your pet’s health care.3 You can also add on additional services, such as professional dental cleaning.

For any questions about your dog’s health, your VCA care team is there to support you. 

View information on preventive health care guidelines for dogs.

*Live Chat with a veterinary professional is free for VCA clients throughout the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance. CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.

1.  Covered services vary by CareClub plan. Unlimited exams are any exams during regular business hours, excluding specialty, emergency and telemedicine exams. Urgent care exams are available through CareClub until December 31, 2024, at select VCA Animal Hospitals Urgent Care locations.
2.  Vaccines may include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, canine upper respiratory disease, canine influenza, leptospirosis and Lyme disease, depending on your location. Consult with your local hospital to determine which vaccines are included with your plan. Lab work checks for issues like diabetes, liver and kidney disease, parasites and general infections. 
3.  The savings are based on a comparison of the cost of services without a CareClub plan at VCA. Plan prices are fixed and include the items in the selected plan.