Puppy and Kitten Care

Puppies and kittens are loveable and nearly irresistible. While pet ownership is a big step and should be carefully considered, sometimes the responsibility for one of these adorable creatures unexpectedly falls into your lap. No matter how you come to adopt your puppy or kitten, they deserve the best possible care that you can provide. There are several steps you can take to prepare to be a pet parent, including stocking the proper food and setting up your home to accommodate it. Just like with babies, your puppy’s or kitten’s first year of life should be carefree while also involving proper medical exams and care from a qualified veterinarian. 

What to Expect from a Veterinarian

Routine veterinary care should be a top priority in your new pet’s first year of life. As soon as you bring them home, schedule the first appointment. You and your veterinarian will work together to create an individualized plan for your puppy or kitten. They should be given a routine physical examination to ensure that they are healthy. They will also be more comfortable with veterinary visits over time the younger they start. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination to ensure that your new pet is healthy and free of potentially infectious diseases.

Common First Year Treatments 

In addition to routine physical exams, your puppy or kitten will receive some common treatments and testing. These include: 

• Vaccinations - Puppies and kittens have new developing immune systems. Because of this, they require vaccines and booster shots that are tailored to their lifestyle and breeds. 
• Flea and Tick Prevention - Regardless of whether you have an indoor or outdoor pet, they will need flea and tick prevention medicine to ensure that they don’t carry these parasites into your home. 
• De-Wormer - Kittens and puppies are susceptible to intestinal tapeworms and other parasites. Our veterinarian will give them medication to prevent this. 
• Diagnostic Tests - These tests differ for puppies and kittens. Puppy care includes being tested for heartworm when they have reached the appropriate age (usually approaching 12 months). Kittens will be tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.
• Spay and Neuter – These procedures are not required, but they are strongly encouraged within the first year of your pet’s life. This prevents outdoor pets from creating new puppies and kittens that will need to find homes while also prolonging your pet’s life. 

Puppy and Kitten Care at Desert Forest Animal Hospital 

If you have adopted or plan to adopt a new furry friend, you will need an experienced veterinarian to care for them over the course of their life. If you are in Cave Creek AZ, or surrounding areas such as Desert Mountain, North Scottsdale, or New River, contact Desert Forest Animal Hospital today for your first appointment. Our staff is knowledgeable and ready to answer your questions. Call us today at (480) 488-2010 or complete our online contact form.