Becoming the proud parent to a new puppy or kitten is a very exciting time! However, it is also hard work and there are many different responsibilities that you will have to ensure that your furbaby remains healthy and happy. If you haven’t had a young cat or dog before, you are probably unaware that their care needs differ from that of an adult pet and are unfamiliar with exactly what you should be going to ensure that you establish a good health routine for your furry friend. Enlisting the services of an experienced veterinarian can be crucial if you are going to get the advice and support you need.
We are delighted to offer a comprehensive puppy and kitten care service that incorporates everything that your pet needs to grow and develop in that all important first year of his life.
What is included in puppy and kitten care?
There are various different aspects that you can expect to be included in your puppy or kitten’s first year of care. These include the following:
Initial registration visit and wellness check
When you want to register with a new doctor, you are usually asked to attend an initial visit that includes a complete wellness check. The same requirement is made of animals registering with our practice. Wellness checks involve many different elements, from a physical examination to blood tests, urinalysis and heart rate monitoring.
By performing a thorough wellness check just like those which are recommended annually, we can create a comprehensive record of health for your new kitten or puppy. This acts as a baseline which further visits can be measured against, enabling us to monitor and track your pet’s wellbeing. This is important as it is comparing newer results to older ones that make it possible for our veterinarians to identify unfavorable patterns that might suggest a health problem is developing. By spotting these issues early and starting treatment for your pet promptly, your vet can help to limit any effects your furbaby experiences as a result of his illness.
Vaccination program
Vaccinations are arguably one of the most important aspects of any pet’s care irrespective of their age. However, it is particularly crucial when your furbaby is young since he won’t have any natural immunity against any of the infectious diseases that pose a risk to his health. The small size of your pet means that it isn’t possible for him to have a full dose of any vaccine immediately. Instead, it is spread over a number of different appointments, slowly building up his immunity until he is fully protected. For this reason, it is normally recommended that you avoid socializing your pet with other animals until they have had the entire first series of vaccinations.
Vaccinations are divided into two types – core and non-core. Core vaccinations are those which are given to all pets of the species regardless of their age, location or health requirements. Non-core vaccinations are given at the recommendation of our vet who believes that they are beneficial due to the risk presented to your pet. Vaccination schedules vary between pets too, with puppies have routine vaccinations at 6, 9, 12 and 16 weeks of age, and kittens having routine vaccinations at 8, 11 and 14 weeks. Our vets will create a schedule of vaccinations specifically for your pet and you must adhere to this to ensure that he stays fully protected at all times.
Parasite prevention
Unfortunately, it isn’t just infectious diseases that post a risk to the health of our pets. Parasites are a common problem affecting cats and dogs, and your infant furbaby is no exception. There are lots of different types of parasite, including fleas, ticks, mite, and worms, and each creates its own issues for your pet. Some types of the parasite are merely irritating and cause no real health issues, while others, such as heartworms, can prove fatal for your furry pal. Our experienced veterinarians understand the importance of parasite prevention and can help you find the right preventative product for your pet. It is important to note that parasite preventatives are not effective forever and must be regularly administered on a strict schedule if your kitten or puppy is to remain fully protected at all times.
If you would like more advice or support on any aspect of puppy or kitten care, our experienced veterinary team would be delighted to help you. Please contact our offices with your query, or to schedule an appointment for your furbaby.
