Here’s a basic care guide to ensure you’re on track during those first few weeks of your new pet’s life:

• First Vet Visit: Ensure your pet has their first exam within the first few weeks of life.

• Vaccination Schedule: Keep track of when vaccinations are due to prevent common pet illnesses.

• Parasite Control: Start flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as soon as recommended.

• Socialization & Training: Begin basic training and socialization early to help your pet grow into a well-adjusted adult.

• Spaying/Neutering: Consider scheduling their spay or neuter procedure when appropriate.

Early vaccinations are key to keeping your pet healthy. Here’s a typical vaccination schedule for puppies and kittens:

• Puppies:

  • 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Parvo

  • 10-12 weeks: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)

  • 12-16 weeks: Rabies

  • Optional: Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease, Bordetella

• Kittens:

  • 6-8 weeks: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

  • 9-12 weeks: Rabies

  • 12-16 weeks: Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and other vaccinations as recommended by your vet

We will tailor the vaccine schedule to your pet’s needs during their wellness visits.

Proper nutrition is essential for growth and development. Here’s a guide to feeding your new pet:

• Puppies & Kittens: Choose a high-quality food formulated for growth. Feed smaller, more frequent meals until they’re about 6 months old.

• Portion Sizes: We’ll help you calculate the right portion size based on your pet’s breed, age, and activity level.

• Transitioning Food: If you plan to switch your pet’s food, do so gradually over a week to avoid digestive upset.

Start training your pet early for a well-behaved companion:

• Crate Training: A great method to help your pet feel secure while also aiding in housebreaking.

• Basic Commands: Teach simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” to build a strong bond and good behavior.

• Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding good behavior is a proven method to ensure lasting training results.

Spaying and neutering are essential for your pet’s health and will help prevent unwanted litters:

• Puppies: Generally done around 6 months of age, depending on the breed and size.

• Kittens: Can be spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks, but often done around 5-6 months of age.

We’ll discuss the best time to schedule the procedure for your pet at their next visit.

Good dental hygiene is key to preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other health issues:

• Start Early: Begin brushing your pet’s teeth as soon as possible with a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Dental Checkups: We recommend regular dental exams to avoid tartar buildup and tooth problems.

• Chew Toys & Treats: Consider giving your pet dental chews to help keep their teeth clean.

Here are a few health issues to be aware of during your pet’s first year:

• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and worms can affect your pet, especially in warmer months. Keep your pet protected with preventative treatments.

• Ear Infections: Common in puppies and kittens, particularly with floppy ears. Keep ears dry and clean to prevent infections.

• Joint & Bone Health: Keep an eye on any limping or difficulty moving, which could be signs of growing pains or other issues.

We hope your pet stays healthy, but if they’re ever in need of emergency care, we’re here to help:

• Poisoning: If your pet ingests something harmful, contact an emergency vet immediately. Keep the number of the nearest emergency clinic handy.

• Injury: Any sudden trauma or injury, especially after a fall or accident, should be evaluated by a vet as soon as possible.

You can learn about this through the Indoor Pet Initiative at Ohio State University. Additionally, two great books to check out are Decoding Your Dog and Decoding Your Cat.

We’re here to support you and your new pet every step of the way. Schedule your pet’s next wellness exam or get in touch with us for any questions or concerns. We look forward to partnering with you in giving your new companion the best start to life!