Puppy Health Standards

Puppy Health

Health at Premier Pups is guided by a defined set of standards that shape how care is planned, applied, and reviewed from breeding through placement.

A Coordinated Approach from
Breeding Through Placement

Across the breeder network, health is approached as a coordinated process that begins with breeding decisions and continues through maternal care, early preventive protocols, structured development, and final pre-placement health evaluations. Each stage follows established requirements so that care stays consistent, traceable, and aligned from the earliest point forward.

This approach brings together several connected areas of health management, including parent health testing, maternal health support, early-life preventive care, structured nutrition, diagnostic evaluation, and ongoing oversight. Each area plays a specific role and is carried out according to defined protocols that support consistency across the network.

Care is tracked and evaluated throughout each stage. Health is understood through continuity, with each phase building on the one before it and contributing to a complete picture of readiness at placement.

99%+

OFA TESTED

10-Year

HEALTH GUARANTEE

70% +

BLOOD EVALUATION RATE

8-Way

MATERNAL VACCINATION

BREEDER STANDARDS

OFA Health Testing

Health planning begins before breeding decisions are made. Parent dogs are evaluated to confirm that they meet defined health requirements prior to pairing.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) testing forms a central part of this process for the majority of breeding dogs in the program. These evaluations focus on identifying hereditary conditions that can affect long-term health.

OFA testing provides an objective assessment of a dog's health based on established screening standards. Results are reviewed as part of the decision-making process, alongside veterinary input and documented health history.

Over 99% of Breeding Dogs

within the network have completed OFA testing or equivalent breed-appropriate health screening.

This level of coverage supports consistency across breeding decisions and helps reduce the likelihood of passing on preventable hereditary conditions.

Health testing is used to guide selection, confirm suitability, and set the foundation for the health protocols that follow throughout pregnancy, development, and placement.

OFA health testing and screening for breeding dogs

Maternal health care and vaccination protocols during pregnancy

Mother dog receiving preventive care before whelping

MATERNAL CARE

Health Protection Before Birth

Vaccinations and preventive treatments are selected to support maternal health and to provide early immune protection that is passed to puppies in their first weeks of life.

MATERNAL VACCINATION PROGRAM

Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPvL2+Cv
8-way vaccine providing coverage for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, coronavirus, and leptospirosis

Rabies Vaccination
administered in accordance with veterinary guidelines

Bordetella Vaccination
to help reduce the risk of respiratory infection

Together, these vaccinations support the mother's immune system and contribute to the transfer of protective antibodies to her puppies during early development.

In preparation for delivery, mothers also receive a three-day course of Panacur deworming treatment. This step helps reduce the presence of intestinal parasites that could otherwise be passed to puppies shortly after birth.

These protocols are applied as part of a coordinated health framework rather than as isolated actions. Timing, administration, and follow-up are aligned with the broader care plan so that both maternal health and early puppy protection are supported from the start.

EARLY PROTECTION

Preventive Care for Puppies

Preventive care begins early and follows a defined schedule that supports each puppy's developing immune system during the first weeks of life.

Puppies receive age-appropriate vaccinations and parasite control at specific stages. These protocols are timed to align with early development. This stage reflects the period when maternal antibody protection begins to decrease, and puppies become more responsive to vaccination.

AT APPROXIMATELY 8 WEEKS

Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv
5-way vaccine protecting against distemper, adenovirus (types 1 and 2), parainfluenza, and parvovirus

Nobivac® Intra-Trac®3
Bordetella vaccine supporting protection against respiratory infections, including kennel cough

These vaccinations are selected to provide coverage against common and potentially serious conditions during a critical stage of development. When puppies remain in care beyond this point, vaccinations are repeated at appropriate intervals to maintain protection as the immune system continues to mature.

Puppy receiving first vaccination at approximately 8 weeks of age

Early preventive care and vaccination schedule for young puppies

Parasite Control

Parasite control begins earlier in development. Starting at 2 weeks of age, puppies receive Pyrantel Pamoate deworming treatment, administered at regular two-week intervals through the time they leave the breeder's care. This helps address common intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms during early growth.

Roundworms are commonly present in young puppies due to natural transmission from the mother, which can occur before birth or during nursing. Regular treatment at set intervals helps reduce parasite load during a critical stage of growth, and supports proper nutrient absorption and overall development.

Early grooming routines including ear care, bathing, and nail trimming

DAILY CARE ROUTINES

Routine Care & Early Grooming

Routine care is introduced during early development to support hygiene, comfort, and familiarity with regular handling.

Within the breeder network, grooming-related care follows a schedule that aligns with each stage of growth. These routines are introduced gradually so that puppies become accustomed to touch, movement, and basic care without discomfort or stress.

Ear Care
Ear care begins at approximately 4 weeks of age using MalAcetic Otic Cleanser. This supports ear hygiene and helps maintain a balanced environment that is less favorable for bacterial or fungal overgrowth.

Bathing
As puppies grow and their coat develops, bathing is introduced around 6 weeks of age, or as needed. A gentle formula such as Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo is used. A puppy's skin is sensitive at this stage; a mild, non-irritating formula helps reduce the risk of dryness or irritation.

Nail Trimming
Nail trimming is also introduced at approximately 6 weeks of age and continues at regular intervals. Early exposure helps reduce sensitivity and supports comfort with routine handling.

These care routines are part of the structured approach that prepares puppies for everyday handling, so they are familiar with these experiences before transitioning to a new home.

FEEDING

Nutrition

Nutrition is introduced to support early growth, digestive stability, and consistent development from weaning through placement.

Puppies are transitioned to solid food at approximately 4 weeks of age. At this stage, they begin eating Pawsome Starter food, a formula developed specifically for small-breed puppies. The formula supports early nutritional needs with appropriate ingredient balance, kibble size, and ease of consumption.

From the point of introduction through placement, puppies remain on the same food. This consistency supports digestive stability during a stage of rapid growth and helps reduce unnecessary dietary changes before transition to a new home.

Feeding follows a routine schedule that aligns with each stage of development. Nutrition during early development plays a direct role in energy levels, physical growth, and overall condition.

Consistent nutrition plan for puppies from weaning through placement

FINAL PREPARATION

Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Before placement, each puppy enters a final preparation stage where health, development, and overall condition are reviewed comprehensively. This stage brings together clinical evaluation, diagnostic screening, and documented care history to confirm that each puppy is ready to transition into a new home.

VetScan Imagyst AI-assisted fecal parasite screening system

CLINICAL EXAMINATION

Veterinary Nose-to-Tail Examination

A licensed veterinarian conducts a full nose-to-tail examination as part of this final review.

This evaluation includes assessment of:

Heart and lung function

Eyes, ears, and oral health

Mobility and physical structure

Coat condition and skin health

Body condition and overall development

The purpose of this examination is to confirm that observable health, physical development, and overall condition are consistent with age and expected progress.

DIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGY

VetScan Imagyst Diagnostic Screening

As part of the final preparation process, fecal analysis is performed using VetScan Imagyst®, an AI-assisted diagnostic system.

This technology evaluates fecal samples to screen for common intestinal parasites with a high level of accuracy and consistency. Through digital imaging and artificial intelligence, it supports identification of parasites that may be more difficult to detect through traditional methods alone.

Fecal screening plays an important role in confirming that each puppy is developing in a healthy internal environment prior to placement.

LABORATORY ANALYSIS

Advanced Blood Evaluation Testing

As an additional step within the pre-placement process, advanced blood evaluation testing is available to provide further insight into each puppy's internal health.

More than 70%

of families choose to include this screening as part of their puppy's final health review.

This testing focuses on key markers related to:

Liver function

Kidney function

Blood glucose balance

Protein levels

Hydration status

Overall physiological stability

When reviewed together, these values help confirm that internal function aligns with the puppy's outward condition.

The chemistry profile includes markers such as ALP, ALT, BUN, creatinine, glucose, and total protein. When additional clarification is needed, further testing such as SDMA or a complete blood count (CBC) may be included to evaluate kidney function, immune response, and overall blood health.

This evaluation does not replace a veterinary exam. It strengthens the overall review by adding objective laboratory data to the clinical findings already observed.

PLACEMENT READINESS

How This Stage Supports Placement Readiness

Each part of the pre-placement evaluation contributes a specific type of information. The veterinary examination confirms observable health and physical condition, VetScan Imagyst® screening evaluates for intestinal parasites, and blood testing, when selected, provides internal diagnostic data.

Puppy confirmed placement-ready after multi-step pre-placement evaluation

Together, these components allow health to be reviewed through clinical observation, diagnostic screening, and measurable baseline data before placement occurs. This stage ensures that readiness is confirmed through multiple points of evaluation rather than a single measure.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Oversight & Ongoing Review

Health standards are supported through structured oversight that combines internal review with independent veterinary involvement. These two layers work together to ensure that care is applied consistently and evaluated from both an operational and clinical perspective.

CLINICAL OVERSIGHT

Third-Party Veterinary Oversight

Veterinary involvement provides an independent medical perspective throughout breeding and early development.

Licensed veterinarians support health planning, preventive care, and clinical evaluation. They assess breeding dogs, monitor maternal health and litter development, and provide care when needed.

Veterinary input also guides vaccination protocols, parasite control, and overall health management. This involvement continues through the pre-placement stage, where a final examination confirms health and readiness for transition.

Internal oversight and veterinary involvement ensure that care is not only structured but consistently verified.

Internal operational oversight program reviewing breeder compliance on-site

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Internal Oversight Program

Internal oversight focuses on how standards are carried out in day-to-day care.

Designated breeder relation agents conduct on-site assessments on both scheduled and unannounced bases. These visits include direct observation of care practices, facility conditions, and how protocols are applied in real settings.

Documentation is reviewed alongside these observations, including health records, preventive care schedules, and development tracking. The focus is on alignment between what is recorded and what is observed.

When follow-up is needed, findings are documented and reviewed. Continued participation within the network depends on maintaining these standards over time.

LONG-TERM COMMITMENT

Long-Term Health Guarantee

The health standards, preventive protocols, diagnostic evaluation, and oversight processes outlined above form the foundation for our long-term health guarantee.

Each stage of care contributes to a broader system that begins before breeding and continues through placement. Health testing and maternal care set the foundation, while preventive protocols, nutrition, veterinary evaluation, and oversight continue that support through each stage.

As a result of this approach, puppies placed through Premier Pups are supported by a 10-year health guarantee that covers hereditary and genetic conditions.

When a concern with potential hereditary or genetic origin is identified, the evaluation process includes review of medical records and clinical input. If a condition is confirmed to have a hereditary or genetic basis that impacts long-term health, the guarantee provides support options that may include financial reimbursement for covered medical care or a credit toward a replacement puppy, in accordance with the terms of the program.

CLINICAL TEAM

Veterinary Partnership

Veterinary involvement is integrated throughout each stage of the health process and remains consistent from breeding decisions through final pre-placement evaluation. Licensed veterinarians support breeding decisions, preventive care protocols, maternal health, early development, and clinical evaluation. Their role includes hands-on assessment, guidance on care standards, and ongoing input as health needs arise. This collaboration strengthens consistency across the program, with each stage supported by a shared medical perspective that ensures accuracy, continuity, and appropriate response.

Dr. Gary Rybka, DVM

Veterinary Advisor | Pediatric Specialist

Dr. Gary Rybka brings more than 35 years of veterinary experience with a focused background in pediatric health and early development. His academic training includes a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina State University and a veterinary degree from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he was recognized as a member of the Phi Zeta National Veterinary Honor Society.

Throughout his career, Dr. Rybka has contributed to the advancement of veterinary care with an emphasis on the health and development of young animals. Within the program, his role supports the assessment of developing puppies and helps guide health considerations during critical periods of growth.

Dr. Aaron J. Wise, DVM

Veterinary Advisor | Reproductive & Breeding Specialist

Dr. Aaron J. Wise is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he also earned a master's degree in Animal Science. His professional background includes extensive work in reproductive health, population medicine, and breeding program management across multiple species, with a focused application in canine care.

He works directly with breeders across the network, providing continuous veterinary guidance, oversight, and clinical support. His involvement includes reproductive evaluation, preventive care planning, and ongoing health monitoring for both adult dogs and developing litters.

Dr. Wise's expertise also extends to the development and management of structured breeding programs, with an emphasis on health standards, transparency, and responsible practices.

Valerie Maurer, RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician | Clinical Support & Oversight

Valerie Maurer is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over a decade of experience in clinical care, patient management, and breeder support. Since entering the veterinary field in 2011 and graduating from Kent State University in 2013, she has developed a strong foundation in hands-on care, clinical procedures, and health protocol implementation.

She works closely alongside veterinary leadership to support the application of care standards across the breeder network. Her role includes assisting with clinical processes, maintaining consistency in preventive care protocols, and supporting detailed documentation and oversight practices.

Through her long-standing collaboration with Dr. Aaron J. Wise, she has developed extensive experience in breeding program support and health management.

Every Puppy. Every Standard. Every Step.

HEALTH YOU CAN TRUST

Puppy Health

A Coordinated Approach from
Breeding Through Placement

OFA Health Testing

Health Protection Before Birth