Puppies & Kittens
Congratulations! You have just entered a relationship that if nurtured well,
should see you through the years with companionship, enlightenment, and love.
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FIRST EXAM and VACCINATIONS |
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Vaccine Protocol |
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MICROCHIP IDENTIFICATION |
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SPAYS and NEUTERS |
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Why is it important? |
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What needs to be done? |
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OBEDIENCE TRAINING |
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From Kitten to Adult Cat
Kittens are born the same way as puppies, unable to see or hear. There may be as
few as one or as many as seven in one litter. The mother stays close to them
until they are about 8 weeks of age and older nursing them with her milk.
When a kitten reaches 9 weeks of age they are a ball of fun and energy. Like
puppies if this is not the case, there could be something wrong and a it is
recommended to have a physical exam done as soon as possible.
Kittens learn right away how to eat and use the litter box, lucky for you that
is about all the training they need.
It is a good idea to pick up a book on cats if you are a first time owner so
that you are able to care for them properly. You can also ask a Veterinarian
when you take them for their first exam after bringing them home. It is always a
good idea and recommended to keep cats and especially kittens indoors rather
then outside, at least until fully vaccinated due to the high incidence of
viruses. Even then it is high risk for them to wander the neighborhood and
possibly get into fights.
By the time your kitten reaches adulthood they have claws to protect themselves
and teeth but can easily sustain their own injuries. We routinely see cats for
laceration and abscess repair from cat fights. Your cat has a better chance of
living a longer and healthier life if you keep them out of harms way. With
proper care and feeding cats can live a long and happy life!
From Puppy to Adult Dog
When puppies are first born they cannot see or hear. They must stay close to
their mother for protection and warmth. Over the next 8 weeks they begin to grow
rapidly. At nine weeks of age they are able to take in solid food. Puppies are
normally full of energy but do sleep a lot after playing. If this is not the
case with your puppy, something may be wrong and may require a trip to the vet.
It is a good idea to have your new puppy check by a veterinarian to make sure it
is well from the beginning. As my favorite vet tells all new owner’s “puppies
are like vacuum cleaners, so keep everything out of their reach you don’t want
them to eat”.
As the puppies get older it is important to begin a vaccination program to help
prevent your puppy from getting sick from different viruses and diseases they
can contract. Now is also a good time to start a training program so your dog
can learn to obey basic commands such as sit and stay. We all know the
importance of house breaking at this stage and how frustrating it can be if we
do not see them fully trained as soon as possible.
When your puppy reaches 12 months of age it is considered an adult and should be
on a healthy diet and fully vaccinated. He/She should now know how to behave at
home and in public places, this should include at trip to the doctor.
As the owner of a full-grown adult dog we hope to have many years with the pet
that you have made a part of your family. It is always important to have your
animal checked out at least once a year to ensure their health for many more
years to come.
You may not know that dog’s age more rapid than we do; an eight-year-old dog is
now considered geriatric. We must begin to treat them as such. They may begin to
show signs of aging by slowing down or not being able to jump or walk as far as
they once did. We may have to place them on special diets for stomach conditions
or joint problems. It is most important to care for these pets at this age so
are able to remain with us for another 5-8 years, or more if we are lucky.
It is important to understand that dogs will never live as long as we do, so
while they are here we must love and care, making their years the best together.
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Seniors
Geriatric Care is something that needs to be done regularly and with
a thorough, gentle touch.
ACVC recommends the following senior care for all of our senior pets!
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Senior Wellness |
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Exotics
Dr. Fenton feels that the most prevalent disease ailing exotics is
poor animal husbandry. This means that the lack of knowledge by pet
owners in nutritional needs and proper housing for their little friends
can cause many important health issues that can be prevented. Please
come see us before or soon after the arrival of a new exotic pet. |
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