Even the healthiest puppy or kitten needs to be seen by our veterinary staff
within a few days
of entering your home. This way we can assess the little one’s health, answer any questions, and forge a special bond between your young pet and our office staff.
PUPPY CARE TIPS
KITTEN CARE TIPS
FIRST EXAMS/VACCINES
FIRST EXAMS/VACCINES
The doctors and staff of the Little Silver Animal Hospital want to make sure that your puppies and kittens get the absolute best start in life. To ensure that your healthy puppy or kitten has the greatest chance of thriving in your home and growing up to be a well-loved member of your family, we meet the physical and behavioral needs of your youngest pets. When you first bring in your new puppy or kitten, we suggested bringing them to us to establish their care and create a plan for their future health. Not only will bringing in your new family member help socialize them with new people, sights, and smells, but it was also help us help you to set them up for success in their new lives.
- ALL puppies and kittens require veterinary care to make sure that they get the best start for a long and healthy life. Their moms’ milk is not adequate protection against disease!
- ALL puppies and kittens need a complete physical examination to make sure that any potential problems are promptly diagnosed and quickly treated.
- ALL puppies and kittens need a series of several vaccinations, de-wormings, and a few laboratory tests.
PUPPIES
Our doctors recommend the following first steps for your young puppies:
physical exam
- First physical examination at approximately 8-9 weeks of age to make sure that the little one is growing properly and that no congenital problems exist. This hands-on physical is quite extensive and includes examining the eyes, ears, mouth and teeth for proper development, as well as checking the heart for murmurs.
Vaccines
- First vaccination at 8-9 weeks of age, then every 3 weeks until at least 14-16 weeks of age. For most pets, the vaccinations will be a combination injection of several protective vaccines. Some will be injected under the skin; others given as nose drops or orally.
- First rabies vaccination at 12-16 weeks of age. All dogs require a vaccination to protect against rabies. This vaccine is boostered one year later then every 3 years thereafter. Rabies vaccination must be given prior to 6 months of age by law.
FIRSTS
- In addition to vaccines, puppies also need fecal testing for intestinal parasites and treatment as recommended. Most treatments are given by mouth, right in the office. Puppies will be started on heartworm preventive, as well as flea and tick control, once they are 12 weeks old.
kittens
Our doctors recommend the following first steps for your young kittens:
physical exam
- First physical examination at approximately 8-9 weeks of age to make sure that the little one is growing properly and that no congenital problems exist. This hands-on physical is quite extensive and similar to the physical examination performed on young puppies.
Vaccines
- First vaccination at 8-9 weeks of age, then every 3 weeks until at least 14-16 weeks of age. For most kittens, the vaccinations will be a combination injection of several protective vaccines.
- First rabies vaccination at approximately 12-16 weeks of age. All cats, including indoor cats, require a vaccination to protect against rabies. This vaccine is boostered one year later, and then every 3 years thereafter.
FIRSTS
- In addition to vaccines, kittens also need testing for intestinal parasites and treatment as needed. Also, testing for feline leukemia, FIV, and Bartonella is highly recommended and performed within the first few visits to our office
In addition, the doctors and staff are happy to discuss nutrition and behavior and to make recommendations regarding diet, early training, socialization, and house-training. The staff and doctors are eager to provide practical tips and suggestions for all issues. We welcome questions and look forward to meeting the newest additions to your family. A detailed puppy/kitten folder will be given at your pet’s first visit that summarizes most of what is discussed in your first visit, in case you forget something we discussed. Other valuable tools like a list of poisonous plants, poison control hotline, and pet insurance information is found in this valuable folder as well.
Tracking weight and growth progress is a fundamental part of the first-year wellness exam, setting the foundation for ongoing pet health. Any changes in your pet’s response to food should be reported to your veterinarian at once, as it may indicate the development of a more systemic problem. All puppies and kittens require a constant source of fresh, clean water at all times, unless otherwise specified by your veterinarian. During their first year, puppies and kittens need a diet tailored to promote the proper growth and development of young bones, muscles, and teeth. This is the stage when they will need extra protein and a variety of specific nutrients. At the wellness exam, we will counsel you on the proper diet of food and treats for your specific breed and type of pet, as well as exercise requirements for a happy, well-behaved pet.
Spay/Neuter Your Pet
Depending on the breed and age of your pet, your veterinarian will suggest a plan on when it is most beneficial to fix them. We will commonly discuss this during their final puppy/kitten exam, but if you have any questions or concerns before then, we are more than happy to answer!
How do I potty train my puppy?
HOW DO I SET A POTTY TRAINING SCHEDULE?
- First thing in the morning
- Last thing at night
- After spending time in a crate
- Upon waking up from a nap
- After eating or drinking
- Time between potty brakes
should be no more than 2-4 hours
HOW DO I CRATE TRAIN MY PUPPY?
- Dogs like clean “home” areas and are less likely to have accidents
- Place crate near exterior door for quick relief
- The crate should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lay down
WHEN SHOULD I REINFORCE GOOD BEHAVIOR?
- Don’t scold your puppy for having an accident
- Praise them for doing the right thing
- Reward them with treats, pats, and attention
How do I get my puppy to stop bad behavior?
WHAT CAN MY PUPPY CHEW ON?
- Chewing is a calming mechanism for puppies
- Keep chewing toys around the house; when they start to chew on toys instead of household objects, give them praise
HOW DO I STOP MY PUPPY FROM BARKING?
- Scolding your puppy when they bark can make it worse; instead, ignore barking and praise quiet
- Training your dog to sit helps them fight impulsive barking when they want something
HOW DO I STOP MY PUPPY FROM BEGGING AT THE TABLE?
- Feed them first before you eat
- Create a cozy “go-to” spot near the table where they can be comfortable
- Praise them with treats when they don’t beg
How do I feed my puppy?
HOW OFTEN DO I FEED MY PUPPY?
- 6-12 weeks: 4x a day
- 3-6 months: 3x a day
- 6-12 months: 2x a day
- After a year: 2 half portions a day
- Watch your puppy to gauge if they are eating healthy
WHAT FOOD SHOULD I FEED MY PUPPY?
- Look for AAFCO guidelines
- Look for age and health specific formulas
- Ask your vet for tailored recommendations
WHAT ARE HARMFUL FOODS FOR PUPPIES?
Dairy, chocolate, grapes, and sugary foods, snacks, or desserts
What do I need to do to prepare for a kitten?
WHAT THINGS SHOULD I BUY FOR A KITTEN?
- Scratch posts (helps preserve furniture!)
- Litter boxes, cat carriers, and food and water bowls
- Stain and odor remover
WHAT SHOULD I MOVE OUT OF THE WAY?
- Toxic plants
- Cleaners and sprays
- Any dog food that might be in the house
HOW CAN MY CAT BE COMFORTABLE?
- Bed and blanket
- Small, cozy space
- Grooming supplies
- Pheromone products
How should I play with my kitten?
HOW DO I PLAY SAFELY WITH MY KITTEN?
- Use balls, jingles, anything on a string, and cotton chew toys
- Avoid “play” with your hands to avoid injury when full grown
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLAYING WITH YOUR KITTEN?
- Strengthens your bond with your kitten
- Allows them to release energy that could lead to damage
- Builds trust and comfort for them within a new home
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PLAY WITH MY KITTEN?
- 20+ minutes of play per day
- Set aside at least two times a day preferably early in the morning and late at night
HOW DO I FEED A KITTEN?
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY KITTEN?
- Dry food only: leave available at all times
- Wet food only: feed at least four times a day
- Combo: feed wet food twice a day and leave dry food available
WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY KITTEN?
- Look for AAFCO guidelines
- Look for age and health specific formulas
- Ask your vet for tailored recommendations
WHAT ARE HARMFUL FOODS FOR KITTENS?
- Raw meats, eggs, raw fish
- Grapes, chocolate, and dairy
