Bringing home a new four legged family member can be an exciting and stressful time. Here at Bradshaw Mountain Animal Hospital we are here every step of the way to help you on this journey. We will provide you with the best information and care from the start.
First Visit During your puppy or kitten's first visit the veterinarian will perform a thorough head to tail exam. This is also an opportunity to gather all the important care information you need to be informed about your new puppy or kitten. Below are topics that the veterinarians and staff may discuss with you at the first visit.
- Vaccination Plan
- Deworming
- Spay and Neuter
- Diet
- Signs of Illness
Puppy & Kitten Vaccination Schedule The recommended age to start vaccinations for your puppy or kitten is 8 weeks old. Booster vaccines are scheduled every 3-4 weeks until the age of 16 weeks, then continued annually throughout adulthood.
Core vaccinations that your puppy will receive are DHPP and Rabies. There are non core vaccinations that are recommended that puppies receive but can also depend on their lifestyle, these vaccinations are Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Influenza, Lyme, and Rattlesnake. Talk to our veterinarian and staff about these vaccines for your puppy.
Core vaccinations that your kitten will receive are FVRCP and Rabies. There is a non core vaccination for kittens the FeLV vaccine, talk to veterinarian and staff about this vaccination for your kitten.
It is important to stay on a scheduled vaccination plan for your puppy or kitten. Make sure to set up your next appointment before leaving, as this will help keep your puppy or kitten on a routine schedule and not miss their vaccinations.
Here at Bradshaw Mountain Animal Hospital we offer a discounted Puppy and Kitten Prepaid Package that supplies all core vaccinations your puppy or kitten will need. Please call our staff for more information and requirements.
Deworming Deworming is important for your puppy or kitten. Many times, puppies and kittens have intestinal parasites following birth. Deworming helps to get rid of those parasites which keeps your pet healthy and safe. This also keeps you as an owner safe, as many of these intestinal parasites that animals have can be transmitted to humans. Talk to our veterinarians and staff about a dewormer for your puppy or kitten.
Spaying and Neutering Our Veterinarians recommend that your puppy or kitten be 4 months of age to get spayed or neutered. Visit the link to find out more information about spay and neuter procedures here at our office Spay & Neuter
Healthy food for your puppy and kitten Researching the best food for your animal can impact your pets health in the future. It is important that you choose a puppy/kitten food while they are growing to give then enough calories they need. Our veterinarians recommend the brands Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan, as these all have healthy ingredients that will give your puppy or kitten the nutrients they need.
When should I change my puppy to adult food? It is recommended that your puppy stay on a healthy puppy diet until 1 year of age. Make sure to transition the food starting at 25% new food 75% old food then increase. This will help ease stomach upsets and make sure that your puppy tolerates the new food well.
When should I change my kitten to adult food? It is recommended that after you spay or neuter your kitten to change their food to an adult food, or at 6 months of age. Make sure to transition the food starting at 25% new food 75% old food then increase. This will help ease stomach upsets and make sure that your kitten tolerates the new food well.
Signs of illness Puppies and kittens can be easily susceptible to diseases that can be serious. You can't always prevent illnesses but making sure they are on a vaccination schedule and knowing your animals behavior will help. If you feel that your puppy or kitten's behavior is different and noticing any of these signs please call our office today.
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale gums
- Swollen eyes/face
- Difficulty or inability to pass urine/stool