Puppy and Kitten Care

Healthy Beginnings

Adding a puppy or kitten to your life can be wonderful experience and bring great joy. It’s also a big responsibility and commitment that lasts the entire lifetime of your pet. Making sure your puppy or kitten starts off on the right foot begins by making sure your pet has a healthy diet, gets plenty of exercise, and of course follows through on all wellness visits with your vet. We’re here to provide all the guidance, advice, and vet care you’ll need to help your pet live a happy, healthy, and active life with you.

Your First Vet Visit

We recommend puppies and kittens have an initial exam within 7 days of bringing them home. Whether you purchased your pet from a breeder or adopted them from a shelter or friend, please  bring any records and documents you received. Here’s what to expect during your pet’s first visit:

• Complete physical exam
• Review recommended immunizations
• Discuss flea/parasite prevention
• Recommend a healthy diet
• Offer advice on behavior and training
• Establish a personalized schedule for vet clinic visits

Follow Up Visits

Our Puppy and Kitten Wellness Program is designed to help you ensure you give your pet a great foundation for their long-term health.

Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations given 3 to 4 weeks apart—or roughly at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. We’ll make sure your new dog or kitten is protected against preventable diseases and parasites.

Vaccines for Puppies and Kittens

Puppies will receive a series of vaccines:

• DHPP—for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus
• Rabies
• Bordetella—Kennel Cough (depending on risk and lifestyle)
• Leptospirosis (depending on risk and lifestyle)

Kittens also receive a series of vaccines:

• Rabies
• FVRCP—Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus (feline herpesvirus 1), Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
• Feline leukemia (depending on risk and lifestyle)

Exams and Screenings

We will screen your puppy or kitten for medical or genetic conditions. During the exam, we’ll check for intestinal worms, fleas, earmites, skin parasites, joint problems, and dental issues.

Behavior, Training & Care Advice

You’ll probably have a lot of questions around your pet’s behavior. Not to worry. We’ll take the time to provide you with advice and information on:

• Potty training
• Behavior and socialization
• Dental care
• Grooming and nail trimming
• Feeding
• Heart-worm prevention
• Spaying or neutering
• How to minimize stress during future vet visits