Early Puppy & Kitten Veterinary Care
Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting time! This furry little addition is bound to bring everyone joy.
Along with this new excitement comes the responsibility of being a good pet owner. This means bringing your new pet in for routine wellness exams as well as preventive care like routine vaccinations, spaying or neutering procedures and even microchipping.
Our Lethbridge veterinarians are here to provide the guidance you need to care for your puppy or kitten during this first, and very critical year of their life. Using Fear Free training, our veterinarians will do everything they can to help your new furry friend feel safe and comfortable during these early visits.
Your Pet’s First Appointment
It is recommended that puppies should have their first veterinary visit around six weeks of age, while kittens should have their first checkup around eight weeks of age.
Examination & Diagnostics
During the initial veterinary visit, your puppy or kitten will undergo a complete physical examination to assess their overall health, look for signs of any congenital issues and check for parasites.
All kittens also receive testing for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. This is important to provide kittens with appropriate treatment as soon as possible and to protect any other cats in their life.
Parasite Prevention & Vaccinations
To protect your kitten or puppy from the uncomfortable and sometimes serious symptoms related to parasitic infections, deworming medications and the first round of puppy or kitten vaccinations will be provided during this visit.
Follow-Up Appointments
Approximately three to four veterinary appointments will be required for puppies and kittens between six weeks and four months of age. During these visits, our veterinarians will monitor their health and administer vaccines on the predetermined schedule.
Puppy & Kitten Information Packs
We know that taking care of a new pet is a huge responsibility. We aim to help you navigate the first year of your dog or cat's life.
This will be done with ongoing guidance, support, and helpful information each step of the way, including:
- A vaccination and medical care schedule
- Information on spaying and neutering
- Information on common medical problems such as heartworm disease and feline leukemia
- Tips on socializing your puppy or kitten with animals and people, including pets already living in your home
- Basic puppy training guidelines
- Nutrition information
We are also happy to answer any questions that you may have during any routine visit. We're here to help you provide your new puppy or kitten with the best possible care now and as they continue to grow.