Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting and heartwarming experience. The joy of having a furry friend to love and care for is unparalleled. However, with this joy comes great responsibility, and one of the most important aspects of responsible pet ownership is ensuring proper veterinary care for your puppy or kitten.
At PetWellClinic®, we understand the significance of starting your puppy or kitten’s life on the right paw, so we’ve put together a checklist to help you navigate the world of veterinary care, vaccinations, prevention products, and more!
New Puppy or Kitten Vet Checklist
Your new pet’s first trip to the vet is a crucial step in ensuring their long-term health and well-being. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Physical Exam
- Vaccinations
- Fecal Test
- Deworming
- Preventative Medicine
Physical Exam
The foundation of your puppy or kitten’s health begins with a comprehensive physical examination. During this thorough check-up, your vet will assess your pet’s overall health, weight, and physical condition to look for any signs of illness, discomfort, or abnormalities. Physical exams also help establish a baseline of your pet’s health and provide insights into their early development.
Vaccinations
Vaccines play a vital role in safeguarding your new puppy or kitten from a range of infectious diseases. On your first visit, your vet will discuss and administer age-appropriate vaccinations to protect your pet’s immune system. Many puppy and kitten vaccines require booster shots, so a full vaccination schedule will be outlined during this initial visit.
Fecal Test
A fecal test is essential to check for the presence of intestinal parasites in your new puppy or kitten. Your vet will likely ask you to bring a stool sample on your first vet visit so they can analyze it for parasites. These parasites can lead to health complications and discomfort in your pet, but early detection through fecal testing allows for timely treatment and prevention.
Deworming
Your puppy or kitten’s fecal test may come back positive, in which case your vet will recommend a deworming treatment to eliminate any parasites. Even if the fecal test results are negative, preventive deworming of hookworms and roundworms is recommended to protect your pet in the future and prevent parasite growth.
Preventative Medicine
To shield your new pet from future health challenges, your PetWellClinic® veterinarian will likely recommend a selection of prevention products. Flea, tick, and heartworm preventative are common medications for new puppies and kittens. These often come in the form of chewable tablets that you can hide in your pet’s food.
Remember, this initial visit to the vet establishes the foundation for a healthy and happy life for your new puppy or kitten. It’s an opportunity for you to ask questions, gather information, and ensure you’re providing the best care possible. As your pet grows, regular check-ups and ongoing communication with your veterinarian will continue to play a crucial role in their health and happiness.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—you’re in the same boat as most new pet parents! We understand that taking care of a new puppy or kitten is a daunting task, and we want to make your life as easy as possible. At PetWellClinic®, we offer convenient Puppy and Kitten Packages that bundle everything your pet needs to start their life with you off on the right paw.
Puppy Packages
We provide two convenient puppy package options at our walk-in vet clinics across the U.S. These include:
- Basic Puppy Package
- Plus Puppy Package
No matter which Puppy Package you choose, we recommend starting the puppy plan at 6-8 weeks of age.
What should I expect at my puppy’s first vet visit?
If you opt for the Basic Puppy Package, your puppy will receive the following on their first visit:
- A full physical examination
- Canine DAPP vaccine
- Fecal test (if sample provided)
- Deworming for hookworms and roundworms
Then every three weeks until your puppy has at least two DAPP vaccines given over 12 weeks of age, they will receive:
- A canine DAPP booster
- Deworming
- Fecal test
On the last two visits, your puppy will receive three crucial vaccines:
- A Leptospirosis vaccination
- Rabies vaccine
- Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine
If you opt for the Plus Puppy Package, your dog will also receive a full physical examination, nail trim, and a dose of heartworm preventative at every puppy plan visit.
Kitten Packages
For new cat owners, we offer two convenient kitten package options:
- Basic Kitten Package
- Plus Kitten Package
We recommend starting either package at 6-8 weeks of age.
What should I expect at my kitten’s first vet visit?
If you choose the Basic Kitten Package, your kitten will receive the following on their first visit:
- A full physical examination
- Feline FVRCP vaccine
- Fecal test (if sample provided)
- Deworming for hookworms and roundworms
Then every three weeks, your kitten will receive the following until they have had at least two FVRCPs administered over 12 weeks of age:
- A feline FVRCP booster
- Deworming
- Fecal test
On the last two visits, your kitten will also receive:
- FeLV (feline leukemia) vaccine
- Rabies vaccine
The Plus Kitten Package includes everything that the Basic Kitten Package does plus a full physical examination, nail trim, and a dose of heartworm preventive at every kitten plan visit.
After your new puppy or kitten visit at PetWellClinic®, your vet will also recommend all of the medication your pet needs to stay healthy and strong. We offer a suite of prevention products at our clinics that are available to take home with you that same day.
As your puppy or kitten continues to grow, our team is dedicated to providing all of the preventative care necessities they need to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Prioritizing regular veterinary care while they’re young is the best thing you can do for your new pet, and we will be right by your side every step of the way.
PetWellClinic® is dedicated to being here for pet owners. Our hours of operation extend into the evenings and weekends, and our clinic environment is built with your pet’s comfort in mind. Visit your local PetWellClinic® to take care of your new puppy or kitten’s health!
PetWellClinic® provides convenient, affordable veterinary care for pet owners. PetWellClinic® has locations and services built with convenience in mind. Stop by with your pet any time! No appointment necessary.