If you're a pet owner with a new puppy or kitten, you may have many questions about the care of your pet. Below are some of the most common questions that we answer at Paws and Claws Pet Medical Center.

When should your puppy or kitten see the vet for the first time?

Unless there are major health problems, puppies and kittens typically come see the vet for the first time when they're about six or eight weeks old.

What kind of services do puppies and kittens need from the veterinarian?

Puppies and kittens typically benefit from these services:

• Wellness exams. Wellness exams are important for puppies and kittens because they help catch medical conditions in their early stages.
• Spaying and neutering. Spaying and neutering is a surgical procedure that sterilizes your pet and prevents pet pregnancies.
• Vaccinations. Vaccinations help boost your pet's immunity and prevent your pet from contracting common illnesses and diseases.
• Nutrition counseling. Nutrition counseling helps your pet get proper nutrition and avoid unnecessary weight gain.

What kind of food should you feed your puppy or kitten?

Puppies and kittens benefit from pet food that has been formulated for young animals. This type of food usually has a lot of protein packed into small portions, which helps your pet get the energy he or she needs to grow and stay active.

How often should puppies and kittens exercise?

Puppies and kittens need exercise on a daily basis. Some animals, especially puppies, like to go for walks. If you don't take your pet for a daily walk, be sure to play with him or her throughout the day to ensure that your pet gets enough exercise for his or her needs.

Why is spaying and neutering important?

Spaying and neutering is important because it helps control the pet population in your community. Spaying or neutering your pet can also reduce your pet's risk of diseases of the reproductive system. Finally, this type of procedure also helps with your pet's behavior.

Dogs and cats that are unspayed or neutered are more likely to spray urine, yowl and wander from home. At Paws and Claws Pet Medical Center, we recommend spaying or neutering your pet when he or she is about 8 weeks old.

Why are vaccinations important?

Vaccinations can protect your pet from illnesses and diseases and can stop the spread of illnesses throughout the pet community. In addition, getting your puppy or kitten the rabies vaccination can help protect members of your family because rabies can spread from pets to humans.

Where can you bring your puppy or kitten for veterinary care in Troutdale and Gresham?

If you have a new puppy or kitten and are seeking veterinary services like spaying and neutering, vaccinations, wellness exams and other services, bring your pet to Paws and Claws Pet Medical Center. Contact us today at 503-661-1833 to make an appointment with your pet's veterinarian.