Young Pets Require Special Attention

Puppies and kittens are so much fun! Help us keep your experience pleasant by scheduling your first check up as soon as you bring your new pet home. Generally, breeders will release young pets at weaning, usually around 6-8 weeks of age.

Puppies and kittens often have internal parasites that may rapidly degrade their health. This is easily tested if you bring a stool sample. With that sample we can identify any parasites present, treat your youngster to remove them, and perhaps start your pet on preventives. Placing the stool sample on a flat piece of aluminum foil and tenting it up is a good was to preserve and transport the specimen. If the sample is moist, and no older than 12 hours, it is good. External parasites may be present in the form of fleas, ticks, lice, and even chiggers, and we will provide the appropriate treatment for these parasites as well. Never treat puppies or kittens with an over-the-counter (OTC) parasite treatment, as these may be toxic to such a young pet. Also, these OTC treatments often are not as effective as those used by a professional — one that knows which ingredient is most effective against a specific parasite.

A vaccination schedule will be tailored to your pet’s unique needs and lifestyle, and the first vaccines are given at approximately 6 weeks. Your pet’s breeder may have already started this process, so please ask for any medical records to bring to your first visit. We will verify the exact dates and products used so we can schedule the next boosters at the appropriate times. We do not want to give unnecessary inoculations. Visit our Vaccinations page for a detailed outline of the types of vaccines we offer, what diseases they prevent, and when your pet will require them.

Puppies and kittens eat — a lot — and food and ample water are a must. It is important to provide the appropriate food for age, weight, and breed. A healthy diet is visible in your pet’s clear eyes, shiny coat, and playful behavior. We will be pleased to give you guidance on appropriate foods and a satisfying feeding schedule for your young pet.

A general guideline is to feed puppies one cup of food per day per 10 pounds of body weight, divided into two meals — or three meals for a large breed, fast growing dog. Kittens eat about one-half cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day, divided into two meals. As they reach adult size, they will eat about half that amount per day when they stop growing. Dogs eat about one cup of food per 20 pounds of body weight and cats about one cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day. Package instruction amounts are usually too much food for a household pet that just lies around all day.

Obesity is caused by more food calories taken in than are burned up in exercise, so watch your pet’s weight and adjust the amount of food to keep the weight at the optimum. Just like people, pets will overeat if fed palatable foods in too large a quantity. Put the food down and walk away, don’t let those soft brown eyes weaken you. Go play ball to get them past the few minutes it takes to feel fed.

Next to food and medical care, socialization is the most critical issue for your pet. Play early, play often, and play with as many other people and safe pets as you can. This will help prevent a painfully shy or aggressive pet later.