Puppy & Kitten Care
Getting a new puppy or kitten is exciting, and it also means a unique opportunity to be sure they get off to the right start. The first few months of your pet’s life set the foundation for their long-term health. Rest assured that Pet Vet Family Pet Care Center has you covered! We provide puppy and kitten care to the Kalamazoo community and beyond to help your new addition grow up healthy and strong.
You should bring your puppy or kitten in for their first exam as soon as possible after adoption. This visit lets us check for any health issues and get them started on vaccinations and preventive care. In general, puppies and kittens should see the vet every three to four weeks, from around eight weeks of age to when they are four to five months old. This allows us to make sure that their growth is on track and answer any questions you have along the way.
Their First Vet Visits: What to Expect
At your puppy or kitten’s visits, we’ll do a thorough physical to check their growth. We’ll look for any signs of health problems and answer your questions. We’ll also discuss what to expect as your pet grows and develops.
We cover:
- Full physical examination
- Vaccination schedule and timeline
- Parasite screening and prevention
- Nutrition and feeding recommendations
- Basic training and socialization tips
- Microchipping options
- Spay and neuter recommendations
Vaccinations and Parasite Prevention
Young pets need a series of vaccinations to protect them while their immune systems develop. Puppies typically receive vaccines for rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Depending on lifestyle, they may also need protection against Lyme disease, leptospirosis, influenza, and kennel cough. Kittens receive rabies, FVRCP (feline distemper combo), and FeLV (feline leukemia) vaccines.
Intestinal parasites are common in puppies and kittens, and some can spread to people. In addition to routine deworming, we’ll also test your kitten or pup for internal parasites and treat them if needed. Starting your pet on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention early is important. These parasites can make young animals very sick, and heartworm disease can be deadly.
Microchipping
Microchipping is one of the best ways to protect your pet. Unlike collars that can come off, a microchip is permanent and significantly increases the chances of getting your pet back if they’re lost. This procedure can be done at practically any time in a pet’s life, and is frequently done at the time a pet is spayed or neutered.
Setting Your Pet Up for Success
We’ll talk through the basics of house training, litter box use, socialization, and helping your pet adjust to their new home. Good nutrition matters too, and we can recommend feeding schedules and food options that make sense for your pet’s needs and your budget. There are a lot of things to keep track of when you have a new puppy or kitten, and Pet Vet Family Pet Care Center is ready to help!
To schedule your puppy or kitten’s first visit, call us at (269) 382-6200.