Puppy & Kitten Care 

Give your new pet the best start in life.

It's an exciting day when you get to bring a new puppy or kitten into your home! Your cute, cuddly new four-legged friend can't help but bring a smile to everyone who interacts with them. 

Fun as this time may be, you've got some serious healthcare business to take care of during your new pet's first year of life. 

Let’s work together to determine how we can give your new furry friend the best start in life possible. Our veterinarians will create a custom healthcare plan to meet your pet's specific needs during their first year, and offer plenty of support and guidance along the way. 

Your Pet’s First Appointment

Ideally, puppies and kittens should have their first veterinary appointment at about eight weeks of age.

During this initial visit, one of our vets will perform a complete physical examination for your kitten or puppy to assess their general health, check for signs of any congenital defects and look for external parasites. 

What should my pet’s first year look like?

During their first year, your kitten or puppy will require regular visits with their veterinarian. These visits are comprised of physical exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing – all of which allow us to keep tabs on your pet’s health as they grow and develop.

Physical Exams

A lifetime of wellness starts with your pet’s very first physical exam. Unlike adult pets, puppies and kittens require approximately 3-4 exams during their first 8-16 weeks. At those exams, your pet will receive important vaccines and assessments of their overall health.
 
Vaccines

Because the immune system is still developing, puppies and kittens must receive a series of properly staged vaccines including boosters. We tailor our vaccine recommendations based on your pet’s individual lifestyle and breed using guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
 
Diagnostic Testing

Both puppies and kittens should have certain diagnostic test over the course of their first year. Puppies should be tested for heartworm by 12 months of age, if not before. Kittens, on the other hand, should be tested for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) during their first exam. 
In addition to examining your new pet and providing them with vaccines and diagnostics, your veterinarian will discuss other services that could help them live a longer, healthier life, such as spaying and neutering.

Call us at (207) 998-2444 to schedule your pet’s first physical exam.