Puppies and Kittens
in Morgan Hill, CA

Bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home can be so exciting! Puppy and kitten care encompasses a lot of

important aspects

of pet healthcare, but at South County Animal Hospital, we’ve divided up your puppy and kitten’s initial visits into a series of three exams to ensure your new pet receives the necessary care and vaccinations when it matters most.

or call us at (408) 779-6867.

PUPPY CARE TIPS

KITTEN CARE TIPS

FIRST EXAMS/VACCINES

Your Pet’s Initial Series of Exams

The team at South County Animal Hospital is here to help you manage your new furry friend’s care through a series of three primary exams 3-4 weeks apart. Establishing your pet’s healthcare is an important step in pet ownership so we can examine your companion and provide a clean bill of health.

First Exam

A pet’s first exam usually happens at 8 weeks old, but regardless of their age, a new pet’s exam normally consists of a physical examination performed by your veterinarian as well as a fecal analysis and their first round of vaccinations:

Kittens:

Puppies:

Second Exam

We will schedule the second puppy and kitten exam 3-4 weeks after your pet’s first one. Your veterinarian will perform yet another physical exam to evaluate their growth and administer their second set of shots:

Kittens:

Puppies:

Third Exam

Your puppy or kitten’s third exam will occur 3-4 weeks following the second exam. We will time discuss your pet’s adult dog and cat care, schedule their spay or neuter surgery, microchip your pet, and supply appropriate parasite prevention. Your veterinarian will once again assess your pet’s growth and development, perform a fecal analysis, and give the final puppy and kitten shots:

Kittens:

Puppies:

Fourth Exam

The fourth kitten/puppy visit includes a full physical exam, a final round of boosters, and a recommendation for flea and heartworm medication to start at home.

Kittens:

Puppies:

Spaying or Neutering Your New Pet

At South County Animal Hospital, we recommend all pets be spayed or neutered. Your veterinarian can help determine the best time to schedule your pet’s surgery during their third puppy or kitten exam.

How do I potty train my puppy?

HOW DO I SET A POTTY TRAINING SCHEDULE?

First thing in the morning
Last thing at night
After spending time in a crate
Upon waking up from a nap
After eating or drinking
Time between potty breaks
should be no more than 2-4 hours

HOW DO I CRATE TRAIN MY PUPPY?

The crate should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down
Dogs like clean “home” areas and are less likely to have accidents in their den
Place crate near exterior door for quick relief

WHEN SHOULD I REINFORCE GOOD BEHAVIOR?

Praise them for doing the right thing
Reward them with treats, pats, and attention
Don’t scold your puppy for having an accident

How do I get my puppy to stop bad behavior?

WHAT CAN MY PUPPY CHEW ON?

Chewing is a calming mechanism for puppies
Keep chewing toys around the house; when they start to chew on toys instead of household objects, give them praise
Keep only 5 toys out at a time for your puppy
Focus on hardness and density of toy, you should be able to scratch the toy with your thumbnail

HOW DO I STOP MY PUPPY FROM BARKING?

Scolding your puppy when they bark can make it worse; instead, ignore barking and praise quiet
Training your dog to sit helps them fight impulsive barking when they want something
Consider taking your puppy to training classes

HOW DO I STOP MY PUPPY FROM BEGGING AT THE TABLE?

Feed them first before you eat
Create a cozy “go-to” spot away from the dining area
Don’t feed them people food

How do I feed my puppy?

HOW OFTEN DO I FEED MY PUPPY?

6-12 weeks: 4x a day
3-6 months: 3x a day
6-12 months: 2x a day
After a year: 2 half portions a day

WHAT FOOD SHOULD I FEED MY PUPPY?

Look for AAFCO guidelines
Look for age and health specific formulas
Ask your veterinarian for tailored recommendations

WHAT ARE HARMFUL FOODS FOR PUPPIES?

Dairy, chocolate, grapes, snacks, gum, xylitol or desserts
Tylenol and other human medicine

What do I need to do to prepare for a kitten?

WHAT THINGS SHOULD I BUY FOR A KITTEN?

Scratch posts (helps preserve furniture!)
Litter boxes, cat carriers, and food and water bowls
Stain and odor remover
Various toys

WHAT SHOULD I MOVE OUT OF THE WAY?

Toxic plants
Cleaners and sprays
Any dog food that might be in the house

HOW CAN MY CAT BE COMFORTABLE?

Bed and blanket
Small, cozy space
Grooming supplies
Pheromone products
Slowly introduce your kitten to other pets

How should I play with my kitten?

HOW DO I PLAY SAFELY WITH MY KITTEN?

Avoid “play” with your hands to avoid injury when full grown
Use balls, jingles, anything on a string, and cotton chew toys

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLAYING WITH YOUR KITTEN?

Strengthens your bond with your kitten
Allows them to release energy that could lead to damage
Builds trust and comfort for them within a new home

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PLAY WITH MY KITTEN?

20+ minutes of play per day
Set aside at least two times a day preferably early in the morning and late at night

How do I feed a kitten?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY KITTEN?

Dry food only: always leave available
Wet food only: feed at least four times a day
Combo: feed wet food twice a day and leave dry food available

WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY KITTEN?

Look for AAFCO guidelines
Look for age and health specific formulas
Ask your veterinarian for tailored recommendations

WHAT ARE HARMFUL FOODS FOR KITTENS?

Raw meats, eggs, raw fish
Grapes, chocolate, and dairy
Tylenol and other human medicine

Puppies and Kittens
in Morgan Hill, CA

Bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home can be so exciting! Puppy and kitten care encompasses a lot of

important aspects

of pet healthcare, but at South County Animal Hospital, we’ve divided up your puppy and kitten’s initial visits into a series of three exams to ensure your new pet receives the necessary care and vaccinations when it matters most.