When choosing where to adopt your new puppy or kitten, please keep in mind that it is best not to adopt them until they are at least 8-12 weeks of age unless there are extenuating circumstances. This allows these fragile puppies and kittens to spend critical time developing with their mother and siblings.
- Virus and parasite testing
- Surgeries
- Previous illnesses and medications
- Vaccine history
- Any time spent around other ill pets
- Virus and parasite testing
- Surgeries
- Previous illnesses and medications
- Vaccine history
- Any time spent around other ill pets
- Any vaccines given
- Any medications given
- Any health concerns noted on a physical exam
- Parasite testing
While your pet is growing and developing, their body is changing quite rapidly. Each breed is a little different, but there are some conditions such as heart murmurs, hernias, hip dysplasia and airway disease that can potentially be detected at a young age and addressed early. Routine exams will be important for your puppy or kitten as they are growing so we can address these changes as soon as they arise.
While your pet is growing and developing, their body is changing quite rapidly. Each breed is a little different, but there are some conditions such as heart murmurs, hernias, hip dysplasia and airway disease that can potentially be detected at a young age and addressed early. Routine exams will be important for your puppy or kitten as they are growing so we can address these changes as soon as they arise.
Whether you are just thinking about bringing home a new family member or already have cute little puppy or kitten at home, below is a list of essential things to consider:
- Scheduling an initial health exam and follow-up exams to monitor your pet’s growth and development
- Establishing a vaccine schedule with your veterinarian West Park Animal Hospital (depending on how old your pet is when the vaccine series is started there are an average of 3 visits to the veterinarian for vaccines every 3-4 weeks until your pet is at least 4 months of age)
- Testing for both internal and external parasites such as intestinal worms
- Starting flea, tick, intestinal parasite and heartworm preventatives
- Establishing good grooming and hygiene practices
- Determining the best pet insurance plan for your pet
- Learning when and how to socialize your pet with other dogs, cats and people
- Learning the best techniques for training