COMPREHENSIVE PUPPY AND KITTEN CARE
Congratulations on your new four-footed companion! We can’t wait to meet your newest family member!
You have taken the first step to having a wonderful companion and friend. It is important to do everything you can to make sure he or she grows up strong, healthy and happy. Proper health care is an essential ingredient that needs to be applied throughout your new pet’s entire life.
It is important to your new pet’s long term health that we examine your puppy or kitten as soon as possible to identify any potential health issues early on. We will answer all of your questions about caring for your companion long-term, including questions about nutrition, vaccinations and other health topics as well as behavioral issues. Before you decide on a food, please talk to us first. There are so many choices available and we want you to be able to choose the right food for your puppy or kitten.
We recommend testing your kitten for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Aids (FIV). Testing for these diseases is very important, especially if you have another cat in the house. This test will ensure that your cat is healthy and is not carrying either of these two fatal viruses that can be passed from mother to kitten.
What to bring with you when you come for an appointment:
- Your puppy should be on a leash and your kitten should be in a carrier
- Any health information the seller or shelter provided to you, such as history of vaccines or deworming
- A fresh stool sample (less than 24 hours old in winter and less than 4 hours old in summer)
Puppies: the initial exam will include:
- A thorough physical exam
- Flea/tick control. Discussion of the best products for your puppy’s lifestyle
- Heartworm preventative given monthly
- Fecal examination for intestinal parasites and appropriate deworming
- Answering all of your questions
- Advice regarding the appropriate vaccination schedule for your puppy’s anticipated lifestyle. Required versus optional vaccines and vaccine boosters
Kitten: the initial exam will include:
- Complete physical exam.
- Discussion with you of the appropriate vaccination schedule for your kitten’s breed and anticipated lifestyle; development of a vaccination schedule
- Necessary vaccines or vaccine boosters
- Optional heartworm preventative
- Flea/tick control; Discussion of the best options for your new kitten
- Fecal examination for intestinal parasites and appropriate deworming
- Testing for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLv) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
Click here for signs that your puppy needs immediate care
Click here for signs that your kitten needs immediate care
Signs that your pet needs immediate care
Since pets don’t always tell you about a problem until it has become serious, please call us immediately if your puppy or dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms.
