At Little Silver Animal Hospital, we can’t wait to meet your new furry friend and establish their care! We recommend bringing your pet in as soon as possible so we can perform a thorough physical exam and begin their first series of puppy and kitten shots to make sure they live a happy and healthy life by your side. Our team is here to ensure they start out their new life with you on the right paw.
Schedule your puppy or kitten’s first appointment with Little Silver Animal Hospital today!
PUPPY CARE TIPS
KITTEN CARE TIPS
FIRST EXAMS/VACCINES
Puppies
Our doctors recommend the following first steps for your young puppies:
PHYSICAL EXAM
- First physical examination is 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 is 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 is 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 is 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. 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 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 including 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.
Should Your Pet Be Spayed or Neutered?
Once your pet has completed their puppy or kitten exams, we can discuss recommendations on when is best for them to be spayed or neutered. We can answer questions and walk you through our process to ensure your pet receives the best possible care.
Tips for Potty Training Your Puppy
An important step in pet ownership is ensuring your new puppy is housetrained. We’ve gathered some tips to help you get started.
What Should the Potty Training Schedule Be?
- Once you wake up in the morning
- Before you go to sleep at night
- After extended time in their crate
- Upon waking up from a nap
- Following a meal or drinking water
- Potty breaks should be no more than 2-4 hours apart
How Should I Crate Train My Puppy?
- Keep their “home” or crate area clean
- Position crate near an exterior door for timely access during potty breaks
- Crate should allow puppies to comfortably stand up, turn around and lay down
How Do I Reinforce Good Behavior?
- Avoid reprimanding your puppy if they have an accident
- Reward your pup with treats or attention when they do something right
How Do I Prevent Bad Behavior?
It’s essential to help your puppy learn how to behave as they adjust to a new environment. Here are some tips to help with puppy training.
What Is Safe for My Puppy to Chew On?
- Keep non-breakable chew toys around the house
- Avoid toys that may break or include small parts that can become choking hazards
How Do I Discourage My Puppy from Barking?
- Ignore unwanted barking; reward puppies when they are quiet or exhibit good behavior
- Teaching your puppy to sit can help prevent impulsive barking
How Should I Keep My Puppy from Begging?
- Ensure your puppy has eaten before you do
- Create a comfy spot away from the table for them to relax during your meal
- Reward your pet with treats when they do not beg
How Should I Feed My Puppy?
There are many aspects to consider when deciding on what’s best to feed your puppy. We are here to help you set your pet up for success.
When Should I Feed My Puppy?
- Puppies 6-12 weeks old: 4 times a day
- Puppies 3-6 months old: 3 times a day
- Puppies 6-12 months old: 2 times a day
- Puppies 12 months and older: 2 half portions a day
What Kind of Diet Should I Feed My Puppy?
- Try food specifically formulated for your pet’s age and health condition
- Check AAFCO guidelines
- When in doubt, your veterinarian can provide recommendations
What Foods Should I Avoid?
- Dairy
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Sugary foods or desserts
Preparing to Bring Home Your Kitten
Here are tips to help your kitten safely and smoothly transition into their new life with you.
What Should I Have in My Home?
- Scratching posts to help kittens stay away from furniture
- Litter boxes
- Cat carriers
- Ceramic food and water bowls
- Stain and odor remover
What Should I Keep Away from My Kitten?
- Toxic plants such as lilies, tulips, or oleander
- Household cleaners and sprays
- Any dog food
What Can I Do to Make My Cat Comfortable?
- Provide a comfy bed and soft blanket
- Make small, cozy spaces available
- Grooming supplies
- Feline pheromone products
How Do I Play with My Kitten?
Just like puppies, kittens can also benefit from play time throughout the day.
What Are Safe Kitten Toys?
- Anything that jingles or is on a string
- Cotton chew toys
- Make sure not to use your hands as toys, as that may encourage your kitten to nip you
Does My Kitten Benefit from Playing?
- Helps establish a trusting relationship with your kitten
- Enables them to get their energy out in a productive way
- Creates a sense of comfort in a new environment
How Often Should I Play with My Kitten?
- Provide at least 20 minutes of play each day
- Should play twice a day: in the morning and at night if possible
Tips for Feeding A Kitten
We’ve provided some tips to consider when deciding on your kitten’s new diet.
When Should I Feed My Kitten?
- Always leave some dry food available
- Feed wet food at least four times a day
- If you’re using a combination of both: feed wet food twice a day and have dry food available at all times
What Type of Diet Should I Feed My Kitten?
- Refer to AAFCO guidelines
- You can always ask your vet for recommendations specific to your pet
- Make sure the food is formulated for your pet’s age and health conditions
What Foods Should I Avoid Feeding My Kitten?
- Raw meats, eggs, or fish
- Grapes
- Chocolate
- Dairy
