Bolton Veterinary Hospital

PUPPY  &  KITTEN  WELLNESS  

            Puppies and kittens are among the most adorable and most loving little things that you will ever encounter.  However, do not be fooled by their wide, innocent eyes - they are a big responsibility.  Like human babies and children, puppies and kittens need to visit their doctor more frequently than adults do and their little bodies have many special health needs.  Remember that giving your young companions the best possible start in life will allow them to enjoy healthier adult and senior years later on.  Here are some factors to consider when adopting a new puppy or kitten.

 

VISIT YOUR VET!

            One of the very first things that you should do with your puppy or kitten is to see your veterinarian.  The doctor will do a complete physical on your new little friend in order to make sure that he or she is healthy and is developing properly.  The veterinarian will also ensure that there are no fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, or other transmissible health problems.  Depending on the age of the youngster, the veterinarian may or may not provide vaccinations. 


Fleas & Ticks
Because of their small size, puppies and kittens may be seriously threatened by an infestation on fleas and/or ticks.  Both of these external parasites live off the blood of their host and can cause anemia in a creature so small.  If your new puppy or kitten has fleas or ticks, your veterinarian can treat them with an age-appropriate solution.  Preventative measures (Frontline, Revolution, etc.) should be enacted when the little one is old enough and should be continued throughout the life of your pet.  For more information on flea and tick control, visit our Parasites page.  

Intestinal Parasites
Most puppies and kittens are infected with some type of intestinal parasite transmitted to them by their mother.  Common signs of parasites include vomiting, diarrhea, distended abdomen, and blood-tinged stool.  Generally, veterinarians will provide a broad-spectrum de-wormer for your young pet.  However, there are many different type of "worms" which are treated with a variety of different drugs.  Because of this, a fresh stool sample should be provided to the veterinarian so that he or she may check for any parasites not covered by the broad-spectrum de-wormer given.  If addition parasites are found, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate medication.  For more information on this topic, visit our Parasites page.

 Vaccinations
Ideally, puppies and kittens should begin receiving vaccinations around six to eight weeks of age when they are no longer receiving immunity through their mother's milk.  Often, if you have obtained your new pet through a breeder or a rescue organization, they will have had their first vaccines already.  Young pets will continue to receive vaccines every three to four weeks until the series is complete.  Puppies and kittens have weaker immune systems than their adult counterparts and are much more susceptible to infection.  Puppies and kittens should be kept away from places and situations that offer the potential for disease until they are properly vaccinated.

 NUTRITION

            Kittens and puppies are in a higher growth stage than adult cats and dogs and must be fed appropriate diets that provide the nutrition needed to sustain healthy growth.  These "growth" formulas include high levels of protein and other nutrients that aid in the development of bones, muscles, and teeth.  Generally, it is recommended that you feed a growth formula pet food until your pet is spayed or neutered, at which time you can gradually switch over to an adult formula.  Your veterinarian can recommend a specific brand of pet food if you are unsure of what to feed. 

 

SAFETY

            One of the most important things that you can do for your young pet is to provide a safe environment in which he or she can live, play, and explore.  Puppies and kittens are a great deal like toddlers in that they are clumsy, extremely curious, and will put almost anything into their mouths. Here are some suggestions for creating a safe home for your new companion.

  • Keep dangerous and toxic materials such as medication, antifreeze, pesticides/rodenticides, and cleaning supplies up high in a locked cabinet.
  •  When not directly supervised, it is advisable to put puppies and kittens in a secured environment such as a crate or small, appropriate room where they can remain until you come home.  Be sure to provide clean water and a comfortable bed for your friend to enjoy while you are away.
  • Be aware of whether or not the plants in your household and yard are toxic to animal if ingested.  Kittens especially love to munch on any leaves that they can reach.  Visit our Toxicity page for a list of toxic plants. 
  • Thoroughly check your entire house for any small holes in the floor or walls that small pets might crawl into and become stuck.  Also, be aware of potentially hazardous furniture, especially reclining chairs.  Puppies and kittens may curl up underneath your recliner while it is open - always be aware of your pet's location before you close the recliner!
  • Properly put away any small objects that may be chewed and/or swallowed.  Staples, rubber bands, earrings, thread, needles, etc. are very dangerous to both puppies and kittens. 
  • Keep electrical cords hidden underneath rugs or behind furniture where curious youngsters cannot reach them.  Animals posses the instinct to chew on things and can suffer severe electrical shocks from biting on power cords.  If the cord cannot be hidden, pick up a cord guard at your local hardware store. 
  • Be cautious of stairs if your puppy or kitten is still unstable on his or her feet.  Block them with a gate or wooden board if necessary.
  • Shut the lid of your toilet!  Often, puppies and kittens will drink out of open toilet bowls.  Small pets can fall in and injure themselves or even drown.  Bleach tablets and other automatic bowl cleaners are toxic to pets and cause serious problems if ingested. 
  • Move any fragile or heavy objects that may be easily knocked over.

GROOMING

            Getting puppies and kittens used to grooming while they are young makes it much easier when they are older.  Brushing your pet's fur and teeth and clipping their nails on a regular basis when they are young will get them used to it.  When clipping nails, be sure not to cut the quick, which supplies blood to the nail.  This is painful and may cause your pet to become "foot shy".  Your veterinarian can demonstrate how to clip the nails safely.  To read more information on these topics, visit our Grooming page. 

 

SPAYING & NEUTERING

            One of the most important things that you can do or your young pet is to get them spayed or neutered.  Millions of "unwanted" animals are euthanized each year and population control is the responsibility of every pet owner.  Cats and dogs can be neutered and spayed around six months of age.  It will reduce the risk of roaming (decreasing the likelihood of being hit by a car), spraying (in cats), inappropriate elimination, and mounting.  Spaying and neutering also significantly decrease the occurrence of cancer when pets are older. 

 

 TRAINING

            All puppies should have some formal obedience training.  This exposes them to other dogs, decreasing the likelihood that they will be dog aggressive as adults.  It also makes them much more enjoyable to be around as they grow.  Taking the time to train with your dog will strengthen the bond between you and will allow for a more rewarding relationship.  For more information on obedience, visit our Training page.

 


Raising a puppy or kitten is a big responsibility but it is also extremely rewarding.  Do your best for your little friend and they will repay you with boundless amounts of unconditional love.  Enjoy your new companion and good luck!  As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.