Care for Puppies & Kittens
It's an exciting day when you get to bring a new puppy or kitten home! Your cute, cuddly new family member does a great job of making everyone who interacts with them smile.
Fun as this time may be, you'll also have some serious health care to take care of during your new pet's first year of life.
Your veterinarian will create a custom health care plan tailored to your pet's specific needs during their first year, and offer you plenty of support and guidance along the way!
Your Pet’s First Appointment
Ideally, puppies should attend their first veterinary appointment around six weeks of age, and kittens around eight weeks.
At this initial visit, your pet will receive a complete physical examination to check their overall health, look for signs of any congenital defects, and identify any external parasites.
We will also administer the first round of puppy or kitten vaccinations, in addition to deworming medications for hookworms and roundworms.
More About Vaccines & Prevention
Our final task is to perform a blood test for kittens to check for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.
Followup Appointments
Between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks, puppies and kittens should attend 3 to 4 veterinary appointments. These visits give our vets a chance to assess your pet's overall health and to administer vaccines on schedule.
Puppy & Kitten Information
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten comes with lots of new responsibilities.
Our team is here to help you navigate your puppy or kitten's first year, and will provide plenty of support, guidance and helpful information.
- A vaccination and medical care schedule
- Nutrition information
- Information on common medical problems such as heartworm disease, feline leukemia, and zoonosis
- Information on spaying and neutering your pet
- Basic puppy training guidelines
- Tips for how to socialize your puppy or kitten with animals and people, including pets already living in your home
Our vets are happy to answer any questions you may have and put any worries or concerns to rest. Our goal is to ensure that you and your puppy or kitten have everything you need to start a wonderful life together!
New Patients Welcome
Dana Park Veterinary Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Redding companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.