Welcoming Puppies and Kittens into Your Family
Bringing home a new pet marks the start of a beautiful journey filled with love, joy, and plenty of cuddles. As your family expands with a new companion, it’s crucial to ensure their health and well-being are a top priority. At AZPetVet, we understand the excitement and responsibility that comes with a new pet. Here’s a kitten and puppy checklist to guide you through caring for your new puppy or kitten.
New Puppy Care Checklist
Physical Exams for New Pups
The first step in caring for your new puppy is scheduling a comprehensive physical wellness exam. Our team of expert veterinary professionals at AZPetVet performs a thorough check-up to ensure your pup’s health is in top shape. In fact, we offer a variety of Puppy Packages that will cover your new family member across pretty much everything you’ll read in this blog! Find one of our 22 locations near you and reach out for pricing & package options.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting your puppy from common diseases. Essential vaccines, such as DHPP/DHLPP, Bordetella, and Rabies, should be on your canine vaccines checklist and scheduled to your pup’s needs since they are crucial in aiding their long-term health.
Heartworm Prevention for Puppies
Heartworm disease is caused by a blood-borne parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis and is found in all 50 states. Preventive measures come in many different forms, but they are all designed to help protect your puppy from this potentially serious condition. Consult with one of our experienced veterinarians to determine the best course of action for your pup.
Intestinal Parasite Exam and Prevention
An intestinal parasite exam is vital to help with early detection and treatment. Any puppy should have an exam completed to determine whether treatment is necessary.
Nail Trims
Depending on the breed, a puppy’s nails can be trimmed from the time they are around 6 weeks old. Starting this practice early helps establish positive training habits and familiarizes the puppy with the process. Long nails can cause discomfort and lead to joint issues if a puppy’s toes spread excessively.
Dental Care Tips
Start your puppy’s dental care routine early with tartar toothpaste and training. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for your pup’s overall health – and it’s much easier when you have a willing pup. There is toothpaste with unique flavors made specifically for pets to help entice them to let you brush (toothpaste for humans is not safe for your pet).
New Kitten Care Checklist
Physical Exams for New Kittens
Welcoming a new kitten involves a comprehensive physical wellness exam. Our experienced veterinary teams at AZPetVet provide thorough check-ups to monitor your kitten’s health. Similar to our Puppy Packages, we also offer Kitten Packages that include various care options. Find a location near you for pricing and appointment availability!
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations can help to protect your kitten from common diseases. Make sure essential shots such as FVRCP, FeLV, and rabies vaccines are on your feline vaccines checklist and administered based on a tailored vaccination schedule determined by your veterinarian.
Intestinal Parasite Exam and Treatment
Detecting and treating intestinal parasites early is crucial for your kitten’s ongoing health. An initial exam will help identify a recommended plan for your pet.
Heartworm Prevention for Kittens
There’s a common misconception that cats are not affected by heartworm disease; this is a false statement. There are both oral and topical prescriptions that can help prevent heartworm disease from occurring, and it’s important to start your kitten on a proper treatment plan and keep a consistent schedule moving forward.
Flea, Tick, & Ear Mite Prevention
Flea, tick and ear mite bites can lead to health problems, including constant itching, hair loss (alopecia), hypersensitivity (allergic reaction), as well as infections and transmission of disease. Preventive measures against fleas, ticks, and ear mites are essential to help keep your kitten comfortable and healthy.
Dental Care Tips
Establishing good oral hygiene habits contributes to your kitten’s overall well-being. Get them used to having their teeth brushed with quality, pet-specific products.
Overall Suggestions
Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or kitten, ensuring their health is essential. At AZPetVet, our comprehensive puppy/kitten services, including physical exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care, are designed to help provide your new family member with the best start in life.
For personalized care tailored to your pet’s needs, find an AZPetVet location near you. We also encourage you to explore our services page to discover how we can support your pet’s health journey!
Welcoming a new pet into your home is a delightful experience, and with proper care and guidance, you can help set the stage for a lifetime of happiness together. At AZPetVet, we’re here to support you every step of the way.