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True Care Veterinary Hospital welcomes new puppies and kittens! Our recommendation for care during the first year of life applies to all newly adopted pets: Be certain your puppy or kitten has an immediate medical exam, vaccinations, and treatment for parasites.
The First Veterinary Exam
Puppies and kittens require special care. Your friends at True Care Veterinary Hospital want to be sure your little one is healthy and strong, growing properly, and that no congenital problems exist.
Many young pets receive initial veterinary care through their breeder or adoption facility; if this is the case, make sure you are given all the medical records for your new pet and bring copies to your first appointment. This may save your animal from repeated vaccinations or treatments.
At your puppy or kitten’s first visit with us, expect your veterinarian to thoroughly examine the patient from head to tail and develop a wellness care plan that uniquely suits both you and your pet. At that time, we will initiate the appropriate vaccination schedule, conduct testing for parasites, and perform any other necessary diagnostics.
Be prepared to discuss your plans to spay or neuter your pet. We recommend spaying or neutering every pet that is not part of an organized breeding program, usually at around 5 to 6 months of age. Spaying or neutering is important because it:
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Promotes health and longevity
This procedure is very safe and helps prevent cancer of the mammary glands and testicles, uterine infections, and prostate problems. -
Controls overpopulation
Too many pets are euthanized simply because no one wants to adopt them. -
Reduces problem behaviors
This procedure helps minimize or eliminate urine marking, aggression, and wandering.
Pets altered at an early age will usually live longer, develop fewer medical problems, and have a better temperament than intact animals.
In addition to addressing these physical issues at the exam, we will discuss your immediate concerns surrounding such topics as behavior, exercise, and nutrition. This initial exam is your first step to a long and happy relationship with your pet.
Owners of puppies and kittens will benefit from enrolling in the True Care Pet Health Program. This valuable program includes regular veterinary visits at reduced rates with no charge for necessary vaccines. Visit the iCare pet health program page for more about this great support for new pet owners.
Training a New Pet
Housetraining your new pet is essential to a happy home, and your True Care professionals are happy to discuss your concerns about this topic at your regular visits. We can offer endless resources for this type of training as well, such as the AAHA Healthy Pets website. You might start with these terrific articles:
Training and socializing begins when you expose your young pet to lots of gentle handling, various people, and other animals. Spend time every day playing and cuddling with your puppy or kitten and expose him or her to as many new experiences as possible. This exposure will help your youngster develop into a confident, happy adult pet.
Visit the WebMD Pet Health Center for more informative articles about:
In this video series, Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro discusses the basics of caring for a new puppy.
And find lots of fun ideas for playing with your puppy at the Dog Play website.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners offers a great website for cat owners, including articles about feline medical issues and wellness care.