There is no fundamental difference between man and the higher animals in their mental faculties… The lower animals, like man, manifestly feel pleasure and pain, happiness, and misery. - Charles Darwin
Puppy and Kitten Care for Your Family
Nothing is cuter or more fun than a new puppy or kitten, but they require some advanced preparation and ongoing care during their first year. The first step to wellness is your initial puppy or kitten visit with us at Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital. Always bring in your new pet within 24 hours of adoption for a complete examination and to initiate vaccines. Call us as soon as you know you are bringing a new pet home and schedule your first visit.
Vaccines are a vital step in preventing the most serious and deadly diseases in pets. The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners have created some guidelines for vaccinating puppies and kittens. They discuss three categories of vaccines:
- Core vaccines
- Non-core vaccines
- Not recommended vaccines
Core vaccines are considered critical to the health and well-being of all dogs and cats; non-core vaccines are also essential depending upon the risk of exposure to certain diseases. Canine core and non-core vaccines are outlined in the table below.
Core Vaccines |
Non-Core Vaccines |
|---|---|
Canine: Core vaccines vital to all puppies protect against canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and rabies. |
Canine: Non-core vaccines, depending on the puppy’s lifestyle, include vaccines for bordetella bronchiseptica, borrelia burgdorferi, and leptospira bacteria. |
Feline: Core vaccines vital to all kittens protect against panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline calici virus, feline herpes virus type I (rhinotracheitis), feline leukemia, and rabies. |
Feline: Non-core vaccines, depending on the kitten’s lifestyle, include vaccines for bordetella, chylamydophila, and felis immunodeficiency virus. |
An up-to-date rabies vaccine is required by law, with each state establishing individual guidelines. Some states require the 3-year vaccine, while others call for an annual rabies vaccine. Whatever the requirement, you should keep proof of your pet’s rabies vaccine, especially if you travel.
Puppies and kittens should begin their vaccination series at 6 to 8 weeks of age. We will administer a series of vaccines at 3- or 4-week intervals until the puppy or kitten reaches 16 weeks of age.
Parasite prevention is another part of the puppy and kitten wellness program. The first veterinary exam and fecal test will provide information about your pet’s level of infestation with external parasites, such as fleas, and internal parasites, such as worms. Initial treatments and the proper preventive program will keep your youngster lively and fit. For more information, read this brochure from the American Veterinary Medical Association, What You Should Know About Internal Parasites in Dogs and Cats.
Initial discussion of spaying or neutering your pet begins at the first wellness exam. Unless your pet is part of a breeding program, we encourage you to spay or neuter your pet. The result is most often a healthier, happier, and longer life for your animal companion. Check out this informative and easy-to-read brochure from the American Veterinary Medical Association, What You Should Know About Spaying and Neutering. Visit the Y2SPAY website for more answers to questions about spaying and neutering your pet.
As you find you have other concerns — such as litter training or house-breaking — remember that Dr. Powers and the veterinary team at Ten West are here to support and guide you through all the stages of your young pet’s life. Bring your questions and concerns to each visit and we will provide education and support. Also visit our FAQs page for answers to common questions. Wellness is not just a few shots at the vet’s office — wellness is a comprehensive approach to health and longevity.