Congratulations on your new family member! This is an exciting time for your family and for us. Getting to know our newest patients and being a part of your joy is one of the best parts of our job. Let's face it... who doesn't want to cuddle puppies and kittens.
Your puppy or kitten's appointments will consist of the following:
- A complete physical examination, with emphasis on congenital abnormalities and maintaining a healthy growth rate
- A customized vaccination plan
- Parasite detection, treatment, and prevention
- Nutritional counseling
- Lessons on good grooming habits (ears, nails, teeth, and bathing/grooming)
- Behavioral counseling and referral
- Lots of up-to-date information on those issues that can impact your pet throughout his or her lifetime
We are sure you have a lot of questions, even if you are an experienced pet parent. We recommend that you write down your questions as they occur to you so that we can address them at your appointment. Please feel free to call us with any questions prior to or after your appointments. We are here for you!
Here you will find some of our most commonly asked questions, some general answers, and some helpful articles. Remember that every pet is unique and requires customized care.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: How do I help my puppy or kitten feel more comfortable in his or her new home?
A: Remember that this is a very scary time for your little one; everything is new and it is very easy to overwhelm! Introduce new things, people, pets, and routines slowly and in moderation.
Q: What should I feed my new puppy or kitten?
A: Both puppies and kittens should be fed a high quality puppy or kitten food. Our puppies and kittens need lots of energy to grow. We recommend Iams, Eukanuba, and Science Diet. If your puppy is considered a "large breed"- with an expected adult weight over 50 pounds- choose a Large Breed formulation. This allows for a healthy growth rate that will decrease joint and bone abnormalities associated with growing too fast or with too much calcium. All puppy and kitten formulations are made to meet all of your pet's nutritional needs; supplementation with vitamins is not necessary.
Q: My puppy or kitten has already received some vaccinations and dewormings; do I still need to come in?
A: The most important part of your pet's visit is the physical exam. This is especially true for our puppies and kittens. We need to make sure that there are no abnormalities or conditions that your pet was born, such as an umbilical hernia or cleft palate. We also make sure your pet is growing at a normal, healthy rate.
We are aware that many breeders opt to administer vaccinations and deworming treatments. At your first visit, please bring in any documentation of previous treatments from the breeder or shelter. We will evaluate what was given and at what interval. Many well meaning breeders are using outdated and inappropriate schedules- or worse, expired and ineffective products.
Q: When can my pet be spayed or neutered?
A: Your pet's surgery can be scheduled as soon as he or she finishes her vaccination series- usually between 18-20 weeks of age.
- Puppies require Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Rabies, and Bordetella.
- Kittens require Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Rabies.
Helpful Puppy/Kitten Links
Are you looking to adopt? Here are some helpful articles on choosing a new family member:
ISSUES TO CONSIDER WHEN ADOPTING A PET
www.healthypet.com
ADOPTION ABC'S
www.healthypet.com
Do you have a puppy or kitten? Here are some helpful links to help you care for, train and bring up your new family member:
SOCIALIZING YOUR PUPPY
www.healthypet.com
BRINGING UP PUPPY
www.healthypet.com
PUPPY HOUSETRAINING
www.healthypet.com
CRATE TRAINING
www.healthypet.com
CARING FOR PUPPIES AND KITTENS
www.healthypet.com
NEUTERING YOUR PET
www.healthypet.com
LITTER BOX TRAINING
www.healthypet.com