Care for Puppies & Kittens
Bringing home a new kitten or puppy is an exciting time! This cute and cuddly new family member won't be able to help but bring a smile to the face of everyone who interacts with them.
Fun as it may be, there is also some serious health care business to take care of during your new pet's first year of life.
Your veterinarian will develop a customized health care plan designed to meet your pet's needs throughout their first year. We will be sure to give you plenty of support and guidance along the way too.
Your Pet’s First Appointment
Puppies and kittens should ideally have their first veterinary appointment around eight weeks of age.
During this first visit with us, your pet will receive a comprehensive physical examination in order to assess their overall health, look for any signs of congenital defects and check them for any external parasites.
We recommend bringing a fresh fecal sample (less than 24 hours old) to your pet’s first appointment, so we can screen for intestinal parasites commonly found in puppies and kittens. We may also administer a broad-spectrum deworming medication and the first round of puppy or kitten vaccinations.
More About Vaccines & Prevention
Lastly, for kittens, we will a perform blood test called a FeLV + FIV Combo Test to make sure your cat hasn't inherited feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus.
Follow-up Veterinary Appointments
Puppies and kittens should attend at least 4 veterinary appointments between the ages of 8 and 18 weeks. These visits allow us to assess your pet's overall health and to administer vaccines on schedule.
Puppy & Kitten Information Packs
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten comes with a lot of new responsibilities.
In order to help you navigate the first year of your puppy or kitten's life, our team will be sure to provide guidance, support and helpful information as much as is needed.
Our Kitten and Puppy information packs contain everything you'll need to know about your pet’s early development, including:
- A vaccination and medical care schedule
- Information on spaying and neutering your pet
- Information on common medical problems such as heartworm disease, feline leukemia, and zoonosis
- Tips for how to socialize your puppy or kitten with animals and people, including pets already living in your home
- Basic puppy training guidelines
- Nutrition information
Our team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and put your concerns to rest. We want to make sure that you and your pet have everything you need to begin your wonderful lives together.