WE WANT YOUR NEW PUPPY OR KITTEN TO
GET STARTED ON THE RIGHT PAW.
That’s why we recommend that you bring them to Best Friends Animal Hospital for a comprehensive wellness exam and series of vaccinations.
Congratulations on the new addition to your family! We know bringing a new puppy or kitten to the home can be a fun, exciting time, but it should also be a time to be thinking about their health. Here at Best Friends Animal Hospital, we recommend that puppies and kittens have their first exam when they’re around 8 weeks old. This visit consists of a nose-to-tail exam, including a check of their weight, heart rate, teeth, skin and coat, eyes, and ears. Our goal is to ensure your four-legged friend is healthy and create a baseline of health for future visits.
Another important component of every puppy and kitten wellness exam is the administration of vaccines, which protect against potentially serious diseases and viruses. For the first few months of your pet’s life, they will need a series of vaccinations, including boosters. We also recommend that you bring in a fresh stool sample so that we can check for internal parasites, which are common in puppies and kittens. If your pet tests positive for parasites, we can provide treatment to remove them.
Tips for Owning a Puppy or Kitten
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying or neutering your pet can provide a range of health and behavioral benefits. It’s typically recommended that these procedures be completed within the first year of a pet’s life. However, the exact age varies from pet to pet, depending on breed.
Diet
When purchasing puppy or kitten food, look for AAFCO guidelines on the label, and make sure the food says that it’s made specifically for puppies and kittens. Be sure to also follow the feeding recommendations on the label.
Play
Just like children, puppies and kittens are naturally playful, so make sure you have plenty of toys on hand. Kittens typically enjoy ball or string toys, toys that jingle, and soft mice toys. Puppies enjoy rope, ball, and squeaky toys as well as toy bones.
Exercise
Exercise is also important for puppies and kittens. Make a point to walk your dog daily, if possible, and to set time aside to play with them. For your cat, a cat tower, a running wheel, or both, are great ways to help your cat stay active and meet their instinctual urge to climb.
If you have any questions about these tips or any other puppy/kitten care topic, let us know. We look forward to meeting you and your new companion!
