Bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting and joyous experience! These adorable little companions bring love, laughter, and energy into your life. However, being a responsible pet owner means understanding their needs and providing the best care possible.Here’s a helpful guide to get you started.
1. The Importance of Fecal Testing
Fecal testing is a crucial step in ensuring your puppy or kitten’s health. Parasites are common in young pets and can affect their growth, energy levels, and overall well-being. We will always recommend a fecal test during your pet’s first few visits.
Why is it important?
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Identifies intestinal parasites like worms or protozoa.
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Protects other pets and humans in the household.
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Allows for prompt treatment to ensure your pet thrives.
Make sure to collect a fresh stool sample to bring to your veterinary appointment.
2. Vaccination Schedule
Vaccines protect your furry friend from potentially life-threatening diseases. Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations to build immunity during their first few months.
For Puppies:
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Core Vaccines: Distemper, Parvovirus, Coronavirus, Bordetella, Influenza, and Rabies.
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Non-Core Vaccines: Lepto and Lyme
For Kittens:
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Core Vaccines: Feline Distemper, Feline Leukemia, and Rabies.
When to vaccinate:
For Puppies:
6 weeks- Parvovirus
8 weeks- Distemper #1 and Parvovirus #1
12 weeks – Distemper #2, Parvovirus #2, Coronavirus #1, Bordetella #1, Rabies 1yr, Influenza #1, Lyme#1, Lepto #1
16 weeks- Distemper #3, Parvovirus #3, Coronavirus #2, Bordetella #2, Influenza #2, Lyme#2, Lepto #2
For Kittens:
8 week- Feline Distemper #1
12 week- Feline Distemper #2, Feline Leukemia #1, Rabies 1 yr
16 week- Feline Leukemia #2
*Reminder- No walks, Dog parks, Groomers, etc until 1 week after the 16 week set of vaccines
What are each vaccine for?
Distemper- Protects against Canine Distemper Virus, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
Parvovirus- Shields against Canine Parvovirus, a severe and often deadly virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, particularly in puppies and is deadly.
Coronavirus- Prevents infection from Canine Coronavirus, a virus that primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, leading to mild to severe diarrhea.
Bordetella- Guards against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacteria that is one of the primary causes of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease.
Influenza- Protects against Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), a contagious respiratory infection causing coughing, sneezing, fever, and lethargy.
Lyme- Offers protection from Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria transmitted through tick bites that causes Lyme disease, which can lead to joint pain, fever, and kidney issues.
Lepto- Prevents Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water or soil, which can cause kidney or liver damage and be fatal if untreated.
Rabies- Protects against the Rabies Virus, which affects the nervous system and is fatal once symptoms appear. It’s a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, making rabies vaccination a legal requirement in many areas.
Feline Distemper- Also known as Feline Panleukopenia Virus, this vaccine protects against a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus that affects the gastrointestinal, immune, and nervous systems, leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)- Shields against Feline Leukemia Virus, a virus that compromises the immune system, leaving cats more susceptible to infections, anemia, and certain cancers. It is spread through saliva, urine, and other bodily fluids.
Keep a record of your pet’s vaccination schedule and set reminders for upcoming boosters.
3. Spaying and Neutering
Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) not only helps control pet overpopulation but also provides significant health and behavioral benefits.
Why spay/neuter at 6 months?
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Reduces the risk of certain cancers (e.g., mammary or testicular cancer).
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Prevents unwanted litters.
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Minimizes undesirable behaviors such as marking, roaming, or aggression.
Discuss the procedure with our veterinarians, including the appropriate timing based on your pet’s breed and size.
4. Pet Insurance: A Smart Investment
Pet insurance is an excellent way to manage the cost of unexpected veterinary expenses. Puppies and kittens are curious explorers, which sometimes leads to accidents or illnesses.
What to look for in a policy:
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Coverage for accidents, illnesses, and preventive care.
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A deductible and premium that fit your budget.
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Reimbursement rates and annual coverage limits.
Start exploring insurance options early, as most policies offer better coverage when pets are enrolled young.
5. Additional Tips for New Pet Owners
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Socialization: Expose your puppy or kitten to different environments, people, and other pets to help them grow into confident adults.
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Training: Begin basic obedience training or litter box training as soon as possible.
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Nutrition: Feed a high-quality diet tailored to your pet’s life stage. We recommend using the Hills Science Diet Brand.
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Regular Vet Visits: Schedule routine wellness checks to monitor your pet’s growth and health.
Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your life is a rewarding journey. By staying proactive about their health and well-being, you’re setting them up for a happy and healthy life. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you every step of the way!