Care for Puppies & Kittens
Bringing your new kitten or puppy home is an exciting time! This fluffy, cuddly and cute new family member won't be able to help but bring a smile to everyone who sees them.
As fun as your new pet may be, there is also some serious healthcare business to take care of throughout your new pet's first year of life.
Your veterinarian will develop a customized healthcare plan for your pet in order to meet their specific needs. They will also be sure to provide you with plenty of helpful advice and guidance along the way!
Your Pet’s First Appointment
Ideally, puppies should have their first veterinary appointment at about 6 weeks old. Kittens should have theirs at about 8 weeks.
At this first veterinary visit, your veterinarian will administer a complete examination of your pet to determine their overall health, examine them for signs of congenital defects, and check for external parasites.
We will also administer deworming medications for roundworms and hookworms, and the first round of puppy or kitten vaccinations.
More About Vaccines & Prevention
Finally, for kittens, we will perform a blood test to check for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.
Followup Appointments
Puppies and kittens should attend between 3 and 4 veterinary appointments between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks. These visits will allow your pet to have their overall health consistently monitored and to have vaccinations administered on schedule.
Puppy & Kitten Guidance
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten comes with a lot of new responsibilities.
To help you navigate your puppy or kitten's first year, our team will provide plenty of guidance, support, and helpful information to you. Our vets are able to provide advice, resources and tips to any of the following questions you may have, and more:
- The proper schedule for your puppy or kitten's vaccinations and medical care
- Spaying and neutering your pet
- Common medical problems such as heartworm disease, feline leukemia, and zoonosis
- Socializing your puppy or kitten with animals and people, including pets already living in your home
- Basic puppy training
- Nutrition for you pet throughout their life
Our vets will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and put any concerns or worries to rest. We want to make sure that you and your puppy or kitten have everything you need to begin a wonderful life together!