Health and Wellness For Puppies and Kittens
*Do puppies/kittens need a special diet? Diet is extremely important for growing animals. There are many commercial foods specially formulated for puppies and kittens. These foods meet their unique nutritional requirements and should be fed until twelve to eighteen months of age. Appropriate foods are available in dry and canned formulations. We recommend that you buy FOOD FORMULATED FOR PUPPIES/KITTENS. Adult formulations are not recommended since they do not provide the nutrition required.
*When should vaccinations begin? Puppies are provided some immunity to canine diseases before and shortly after birth. The mother's antibodies cross the placenta and enter the puppies' circulation. Some antibodies are also provided in the mother's milk. These "maternal antibodies" protect the puppies against the diseases to which the mother is immune. This explains why it is desirable to booster the mother's vaccinations within a few months prior to breeding. Although very protective, maternal antibodies last for only a few weeks; after this time, the puppy becomes susceptible to disease. The vaccination program should be started at eight weeks of age and ends usually around sixteen weeks of age. Puppies should be vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza virus, parvovirus, and rabies. Kittens should be vaccinated for feline distemper, three types of respiratory organisms, feline leukemia and rabies.
*What will my puppy/kitten visit entail? Once your new puppy or kitten is eight weeks of age, he or she will come to visit the doctor for the very first time. During the visit, the doctor will examine your puppy or kitten for any apparent illnesses. We will then run a “fecal float” test. For this process, the technician will obtain a small fecal sample and examine it under a microscope. This test will determine whether or not your pet has any intestinal parasites. During this first visit, the doctor will also begin your pet on heartworm protection. Your pet will also receive his or her first round of puppy/kitten vaccines. Four weeks later, your pet will come in for his or her second visit with the doctor. It is during this appointment that your puppy or kitten will receive his or her second round of vaccines and his or her Rabies vaccine.
*When should I have my puppy/kitten spayed or neutered? It is recommended that puppies and kittens undergo their spaying and neutering between four and six months of age. If your puppy is a smaller breed, it is better to schedule their procedure closer to six months of age to remove any retained deciduous (“baby”) teeth, as smaller breeds are more prone to overcrowding defects.
*Do all puppies/kittens have worms? Intestinal parasites ("worms") are common in young animals. Symptoms include poor overall condition, chronic soft or bloody stools, loss of appetite, a pot-bellied appearance, loss of luster of the coat, and weight loss. Some parasites are transmitted from the mother to her offspring and others are carried by fleas. Some are transmitted through the stool of an infected dog. Very few of these parasites are visible in the stool, so their eggs must be detected by the veterinarian with a microscope. You should not administer any over-the-counter deworming compounds without first consulting your veterinary hospital. *What must I do to provide for my puppy’s play needs? Chewing, play, exercise, exploration, feeding, social contact and elimination are basic requirements of all puppies. By providing appropriate outlets for each of these needs, few problems are likely to emerge. Puppies should be given chew toys that interest them and occupy their time. When supervised, the owner can allow the puppy to investigate and explore its new environment and can direct the puppy to the appropriate chew toys. Play, exercise, affection, training, and handling must all be part of the daily routine. New tasks, new routines, new people and new forms of handling can be associated with rewards to ensure success.
*What type of play behavior should I expect from a kitten? Encouraging appropriate play activities is very important from the first day in your home. Stalking and pouncing are important play behaviors in kittens and have an important role in proper muscular development. If given a sufficient outlet for these behaviors with toys, your kitten will be less likely to use family members for these activities. The best toys are lightweight and movable. These include wads of paper, small balls, and string or ribbon.
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