New Pet

Have you recently added to your fur family? Are you considering getting a new pup or kitten but are not sure what it entails? Well, you are in luck! For my blog this week I thought I’d briefly go over what a puppy & kitten schedule looks like. I’d have to say, this is one of the perks of living at an animal hospital! I get to meet a bunch of new babies and watch them grow throughout the years! The bond the doctors and my girls create from day one with the babies grows along with them and they become part of our family here at SAH! It means so much to all of us to be a part of their lives… their humans too!

OK, so where to start… First, it is a great idea to figure out what breed will fit best with you and your family. Remember, each cat and dog is different, some are more active than others, some may be more prone to certain health issues and so forth. Do your research! Purina has a great online tool that can help narrow down your options based on your life style. I have included those links below.

Cat Breed Selector 

Dog Breed Selector 

Second, time to find a breeder or shelter! Adoption is a great way to find a new family member however, it may not be ideal for everyone. Either way, make sure you research the shelter or breeder you are using. If they have references, use them!
So now you have found your new baby… what next?! Depending on their age, they will need to receive a series of vaccines to be sure they are protected. Here is what a schedule would look like;

·         Visit One: 8-10 weeks old- visit with doctor

o    Education on importance of vaccines, parasite prevention, clicker training, feeding schedules and pet insurance. A complimentary puppy/kitten pack will be given to you at this time with additional information!

o    Comprehensive Wellness Exam

o    Intestinal parasite fecal exam

o    Deworming medication

o   Puppy Vaccines: Distemper initial, Bordetella (kennel cough)

o    Kitten Vaccines: Distemper initial and feline Leukemia/FIV blood screening

·         Visit Two: 12-14 weeks old- visit with doctor

o    Education on flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, dental care, nail trimming, microchip and importance of spay and neuter

o    Wellness follow up exam

o     Puppy Vaccines: Distemper/Leptosporosis, Lyme, Rabies

o   Kitten Vaccines: Distemper booster, Leukemia, Rabies

·         Visit Three: 15-17 weeks old- visit with technicians

o    Exam with technicians

o   Puppy Vaccines: Leptosporosis, Lyme

o   Kitten Vaccines: Leukemia booster

And there you have it! Now, don’t hold me to these schedules! Like I said earlier, things can change depending on their age and what vaccines they may have received from their previous home. There is a lot of information to go over so take your time and ask all the questions you may have! That is what my girls and the doctors are here for! 

Happy searching! 
   -Murphy Cat