PUPPY & KITTEN CARE

Taking your puppy and/or kitten to the veterinarian for their initial visit is crucial for ensuring they start off on a healthy and happy path. Here's what to expect and prepare for during their first vet visit:

WHAT TO BRING

1. Health Records: If you received any records from the breeder or previous owner, bring them along. This helps the vet understand your puppy's health history.

2. Stool Sample: A fresh stool sample may be requested to check for intestinal parasites.

3. List of Questions: Prepare a list of questions or concerns you have about your puppy's health, behavior, diet, etc.

The appointment schedule for puppies at the veterinarian typically involves several visits during their first year of life to ensure they receive essential vaccinations, preventive care, and health checks.

Here’s a general guideline for the appointment schedule:

PUPPY CARE

  • 1. Physical Examination:

    Comprehensive physical exam to assess overall health, check for congenital issues, and discuss any concerns.

    2. Vaccinations:

    First round of vaccinations, typically including vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza (DHPP), and sometimes leptospirosis depending on region and risk factors.

    3. Parasite Control:

    Deworming medication and discussion on preventive measures for parasites such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms.

    4. Nutrition and Feeding:

    Guidance on appropriate diet, feeding schedule, and nutritional needs specific to a growing puppy.

    5. Behavior and Training:

    Initial advice on puppy training, socialization, and behavioral management.

    6. Microchipping:

    Discussion about microchipping for permanent identification

  • 1. Second Vaccination Visit:

    Booster vaccinations to reinforce immunity against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza (DHPP), and possibly leptospirosis.

    2. Rabies Vaccination:

    Depending on local regulations, your puppy may receive their first rabies vaccination around 12 weeks of age.

    3. Parasite Control:

    Continued discussion on parasite prevention and possible fecal examination to check for intestinal parasites.

    4. Behavior and Training Follow-Up:

    Additional guidance on puppy behavior, training progress, and socialization.

  • 1. Final Booster Vaccinations:

    Complete the puppy vaccination series with final boosters for DHPP and rabies vaccines.

    2. Health Check:

    Comprehensive physical exam to monitor growth and development, discuss any concerns, and plan for spaying or neutering if not already performed.

    3. Parasite Control and Preventive Care:

    Review and update parasite prevention protocols.

  • 1. Annual Wellness Exams:

    Regular visits for routine health checks, vaccinations as needed (e.g., rabies booster), and preventive care discussions.

    2. Dental Care:

    Monitoring dental health and discussing dental care options, such as teeth cleaning if necessary.

    3. Nutritional Guidance:

    Adjustments in diet and feeding recommendations based on your puppy's age, breed, and health status.

    4. Behavior and Training Support:

    Continuing guidance on behavior management, obedience training, and socialization throughout their life.

  • 1. Emergency Visits: Seek veterinary care promptly if your puppy shows signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior.

    2. Health Insurance: Consider pet health insurance to help manage unexpected veterinary costs.

Always consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations based on your puppy's and/or kitten’s specific needs and local health risks.

Bringing a kitten to the veterinarian involves several important visits during their first year to ensure they receive necessary vaccinations, preventive care, and health checks.

Here’s a general guideline for the appointment schedule:

KITTEN CARE

  • 1. Physical Examination:

    Comprehensive physical exam to assess overall health, check for congenital issues, and discuss any concerns.

    2. Vaccinations:

    First round of vaccinations, typically including vaccines for feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), calicivirus, panleukopenia (FVRCP), and sometimes feline leukemia virus (FeLV) depending on risk factors.

    3. Parasite Control:

    Deworming medication and discussion on preventive measures for parasites such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms.

    4. Nutrition and Feeding:

    Guidance on appropriate diet, feeding schedule, and nutritional needs specific to a growing kitten.

    5. Behavior and Socialization:

    Initial advice on kitten behavior, litter box training, and socialization with people and other pets.

    6. Microchipping:

    Discussion about microchipping for permanent identification.

  • 1. Second Vaccination Visit:

    Booster vaccinations to reinforce immunity against feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), calicivirus, panleukopenia (FVRCP), and possibly feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

    2. Rabies Vaccination:

    Depending on local regulations, your kitten may receive their first rabies vaccination around 12 weeks of age.

    3. Parasite Control:

    Continued discussion on parasite prevention and possible fecal examination to check for intestinal parasites.

    4. Behavior and Training Follow-Up:

    Additional guidance on kitten behavior, training progress, and socialization.

  • 1. Final Booster Vaccinations:

    Complete the kitten vaccination series with final boosters for feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), calicivirus, panleukopenia (FVRCP), and rabies vaccines.

    2. Health Check:

    Comprehensive physical exam to monitor growth and development, discuss any concerns, and plan for spaying or neutering if not already performed.

    3. Parasite Control and Preventive Care:

    Review and update parasite prevention protocols.

  • 1. Annual Wellness Exams:

    Regular visits for routine health checks, vaccinations as needed (e.g., rabies booster), and preventive care discussions.

    2. Dental Care:

    Monitoring dental health and discussing dental care options, such as teeth cleaning if necessary.

    3. Nutritional Guidance:

    Adjustments in diet and feeding recommendations based on your kitten's age, breed, and health status.

    4. Behavior and Training Support:

    Continuing guidance on behavior management, litter box habits, and socialization throughout their life.

  • 1. Emergency Visits: Seek veterinary care promptly if your kitten shows signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior.

    2. Health Insurance: Consider pet health insurance to help manage unexpected veterinary costs.