Everyone adores a new puppy or kitten, whether it is the kitten’s rough kisses or sweet breath. What actions should you take after bringing your new pet home?
What can you do to keep your new pet fit and healthy?
Every new puppy or kitten owner should take the following precautions to keep their animal healthy and on track:
Vet Visit
If moving into a new place or home, every puppy and kitten should visit a veterinarian within the first week. A veterinarian from Stoney Pointe Pet Hospital will conduct a typical wellness examination to ensure the health of your new puppy or kitten. Additionally, if you purchased your pet from a breeder, confirm that the breeder met all of its initial health guarantees.
The majority of the time, vaccinations for dogs and cats start around the age of eight weeks and include all required shots. Because the mother’s immunity is still active before eight weeks, vaccinations given before that time are typically ineffective. At eight, twelve, and sixteen weeks, puppies receive a combination shot and a rabies vaccination. Bordetella, Corona, and Leptospirosis vaccinations are optional depending on the risk in your area or your dog.
Additionally, a combination vaccine against rabies and feline leukemia is administered to kittens. Along with checking for vaccinations, a veterinarian will examine your new puppy or kitten for several ailments. Heartworm and feline leukemia tests should be performed on your dog if he is older than six months.
During the initial visit, it is also a good idea to check for intestinal parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. The parasites that cause Giardia and Coccidia can also be ruled out by taking a stool sample or performing an examination. If you don’t know where to go, you should search for “pet vaccinations near me” to find one.
Your Pet’s Diet
All puppies and kittens should be fed nutritious food suitable for their age. To prevent overgrowth, large-breed puppies should consume food designed for their size. Ask your veterinarian if you are still unsure what to feed your pet. Many pet food retailers offer free samples of various foods.
You will need more than one or two meals per day for your new pet. Depending on their age, puppies typically require three to four meals daily. Kittens can be fed freely and are comparable. Because they are natural grazers and like to eat little bits at a time, cats frequently take advantage of free feeding. Your puppy or kitten will only get sleepy if food is adequately distributed throughout the day. Tiny puppies, like Chihuahuas, should be regularly fed small amounts of food to prevent hypoglycemia.
Train Your Pet
As soon as your pet arrives, you should start training them. Puppies should start puppy training classes between their first and second vaccinations. Particularly between the ages of eight and twelve weeks, socialization is essential. Although kittens cannot participate in physical training sessions, they should begin learning household rules like using the litter box and not climbing on the furniture, or digging in plants.
Like dogs and other pets, kittens, and cats can be trained with clickers and positive reinforcement. Keep your pet on track for adulthood by following a strict vet visit schedule to keep its vaccinations current and to schedule a spay or neuter operation by the pet’s sixth month birthday.
Age-related changes in your puppy or kitten’s behavior can be avoided by continuing to socialize and train them. You can switch your pet from puppy or kitten food to adult formula when they are a year old. These recommendations will help keep your pet happy and healthy as he ages. You can check this link if you’re interested in pet boarding to help them socialize.
Conclusion
Unsurprisingly, puppies and kittens are the best animals for the entire family and make wonderful indoor pets. Before purchasing puppies or kittens, consider your family and your needs. Remember that caring for a pet requires a lot of commitment; only get puppies and kittens when ready.