- Pet Health
Puppies & Kittens
The doctors and staff of the Progressive Pet Animal Hospitals want to make sure that your puppies and kittens get the absolute best start on life. A healthy puppy or kitten has the greatest chance of thriving in your home and growing up to be a well-loved member of your family. To ensure this, we make sure to meet the physical and behavioral needs of your youngest pets. Even the healthiest puppy or kitten needs to be seen by our veterinary staff within a few days of entering your home. This way we can assess the little one’s health, answer any questions, and forge a special bond between your young pet and our office staff.
The Right Start Requires the Right Care!
- ALL puppies and kittens require veterinary care to make sure that they get the best start for a long and healthy life. Their moms’ milk is not adequate protection against disease!
- ALL puppies and kittens need a complete physical examination and a few laboratory tests to make sure that any potential problems are promptly diagnosed and quickly treated.
- ALL puppies and kittens need a series of several vaccinations and de-wormings, along with laboratory tests.
Progressive Animal Hospital recommends the following first steps for your young pets:
- First physical examination at approximately 8 weeks of age to make sure that the little one is growing properly and that no congenital problems exist. This hands-on physical is quite extensive and includes examining the eyes, ears, mouth and teeth for proper development, as well as checking the heart for murmurs, and making sure that the pet’s organs and musculoskeletal system are growing correctly.
- First vaccination at 8 weeks of age, then approximately every 3 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. For most pets, the vaccinations will be a combination injection of several protective vaccines. Some will be injected under the skin; others given as nose drops.
- First rabies vaccination at 16 weeks of age. All dogs and cats, including indoor cats, require a vaccination to protect against rabies. This vaccine is boostered one year later.
- Puppies: In addition to vaccines, puppies also need fecal testing for intestinal parasites and treatment as recommended. All puppies will be started on heartworm preventive and flea and tick prevention, as soon as possible.
- Kittens: In addition to vaccines, kittens also need testing for intestinal parasites and treatment as needed. Testing for feline leukemia and FIV is highly recommended. As with the puppies, new kittens are started on heartworm preventive and flea and tick prevention, as soon as possible.
In addition, the doctors and staff are thrilled to discuss nutrition and behavior and to make recommendations regarding diet, early training, socialization, house-training, and puppy classes. The staff and doctors are eager to provide practical tips and suggestions for all issues. We welcome questions and look forward to meeting the newest additions to your family.
Puppy and Kitten Wellness Series
We are pleased to offer combination packages designed to make sure that all the needs of your youngsters are met as they grow through the first critical months of their lives. The packages offer multiple visits, along with vaccinations, de-worming, vitamins, spaying or neutering, and other necessities for a discounted price. Additional discounts are offered throughout the first year of the pet’s life. Call the office closest to you to inquire about puppy and kitten wellness care packages.
