For puppies and kittens, we like to do a series of
THREE EXAMS
that are 3-4 weeks apart. This is of course depending on the age of your puppy or kitten. In these series of exams, your pet’s doctor will be able to follow the growth of your furry-friend and ensure that they are developing correctly while also building their immunity to life-threatening diseases through a series of vaccines.
PUPPY CARE TIPS
KITTEN CARE TIPS
FIRST EXAMS/VACCINES
Raising an animal can be one of the most rewarding, but challenging experiences! We can help assist you with ensuring that your pet has everything it needs for life. When you first bring in your new puppy or kitten, we suggest bringing them to us to establish their care and create a plan for their future health. Not only will bringing in your new family member help socialize them with new people, sights, and smells, but it will also help us in assisting you to set them up for success in their new lives.
First Exams/Vaccinations
EXAM ONE
Ideally, your pet’s first visit should be at about 8 weeks of age. However, if they are older, it is never too late to have a first visit.
Kitten Exam
- Complete physical exam
- HCP (Herpes Virus, Calici, Panleukopenia)
- Deworming
- FELV(Feline Leukemia Virus)/FIV test
- Fecal analysis
Puppy Exam
- Complete physical exam
- DAP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus)
- Deworming
- Fecal analysis
EXAM TWO
This exam is usually 3 to 4 weeks after the first visit and is an important exam to assess the growth of your pet.
Kitten Exam
- HCP (Herpes Virus, Calici, Panleukopenia)
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
- Deworming
Puppy Exam
- DAP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus)
- Bordetella
- CIV (flu)
- Deworming
EXAM THREE
This exam is usually 3 to 4 weeks after the second visit and is an important exam to assess the growth of your pet. Your doctor will assess their growth and health, finalize their immunization, and begin discussing the next steps as your pet becomes an adult.
Kitten Exam
- HCP (Herpes Virus, Calici, Panleukopenia)
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
- Rabies
- Schedule spay/neuter
- Microchip
- Flea/tick prevention
- Fecal analysis
Puppy Exam
- DAP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus)
- CIV (flu)
- Rabies
- Fecal analysis
- Microchip
- Flea/tick prevention
- Send home Heartworm & Intestinal Parasite prevention
- Discuss spay/neuter
- Discuss possible future exam & vaccines
Spay/Neuter Your Pet
Depending on the breed and age of your pet, your veterinarian will suggest a plan on when it is most beneficial to fix them. We will often discuss this during their final puppy/kitten exam, but if you have any questions or concerns before then, we are more than happy to answer!
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
