Bringing a new furry friend into your home is a heartwarming experience—puppies and kittens, with their adorable antics and playful spirits. Our team of vets at Stanwood, provides guidance and valuable advice for the care of puppies & kittens during their crucial first year of life.
What to Expect at your puppy or kitten's First visit
When you bring your pet for their first checkup, we will cover a lot of information about their care. Puppies and kittens have different needs, and we understand that starting out as a new pet parent can be overwhelming. However, we are here to assist you every step of the way.
Kitten Care
During your kitten's first wellness exam, the vet will do the following:
- Perform a complete physical exam, looking for any congenital issues or concerns you want to discuss
- Discuss your kitten's diet, suggesting the best food for their unique health needs
- Check on their erupting teeth
- Create a personalized vaccine schedule for your kitten
- Talk about litter box training and behavior
- Discuss whether your kitten should be allowed outdoors
- Offer recommendations regarding spaying and neutering
- Address any questions you have about pet health insurance
- Discuss microchipping and the best time for this procedure
- Conduct a fecal exam and provide treatment for worms and other parasites
- Test for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
- Recommend flea, tick, and heartworm prevention measures.
Puppy Care
During your puppy's first wellness visit, you can expect the following:
- A thorough physical examination to check your pet's vitals and appearance and address any concerns you have
- Discussion about your puppy's nutrition, including the type of diet they need, feeding frequency, and portion size
- Checking on your puppy's erupting teeth
- Guidance on house training
- Creation of a personalized vaccine schedule for your puppy
- Discussion about your puppy's behavior
- Answering your questions and providing recommendations on spaying/neutering your dog
- A conversation about pet health insurance
- Advice on heartworm, flea, and tick protection for your pet
- Microchipping your puppy and the best time to do it
- A fecal exam and treatment for worms and other parasites
Behavior and Socialization
Early veterinary care isn't just about physical health; it also plays a pivotal role in shaping a pet's behavior and socialization. Puppies and kittens have critical developmental periods where positive experiences are vital for their emotional well-being. Veterinary professionals can offer advice on socialization techniques and behavior training to ensure they grow into well-adjusted and happy pets.
Establishing a Strong bond
Regular visits to the veterinarian are an opportunity for your pet to become familiar with the clinic environment and the staff. These positive experiences can help build trust between your furry companion and the veterinary team, making future visits less stressful for both of you. Moreover, the relationship formed with your veterinarian can serve as a valuable resource throughout your pet's life, providing you with support and guidance as needed.
Prioritize Your Pet's Well-being from Day one
Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is a delightful experience, but it also comes with great responsibility.
Early veterinary care is the key to setting your furry friend on the path to a healthy and happy life.
From detecting health issues to providing proper nutrition and behavior guidance, the benefits of these early visits are far-reaching.
By prioritizing early veterinary care, you can ensure that your beloved companion receives the best possible start in life and create lasting memories filled with joy, love, and endless tail wags or purrs.
Remember, when it comes to the health and happiness of our pets, there's no such thing as too early.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.