Puppies and kittens are some of the most adorable creatures on earth. But as any pet owner knows, they require much care and attention. At Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital in Bailey, we understand the special bond between pet and owner. That's why we offer a wide range of services to keep your furry friend happy and healthy, including pet exams, vaccinations, dental care, and more.
What Are the Best Ways to Care for a Puppy or Kitten?
If you are a new pet owner, you might be wondering how to best care for your new puppy or kitten. It's important to take your pet to a veterinarian for regular checkups, vaccinations, and other preventive measures. It's also important to feed your pet a high-quality diet and keep them up-to-date on their flea and tick and heartworm prevention. Puppy and kitten care can be a bit overwhelming, but the following are the best ways to ensure your pet has a long and healthy life:
1. Vaccinations
Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations to help them build immunity against diseases. Most pet vaccinations are given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Vaccine boosters are time sensitive and must be given between 3-4 weeks after the vaccines are given. Our veterinarians can help you create the right vaccination schedule for your pet.
2. Regular Pet Care Exams
It's important to take your pet to the veterinarian’s office for regular checkups. Pet exams help identify health problems early when they are more easily treatable. During the pet exam, your veterinarian will check your pet's weight, body condition, temperature, heart rate, and more.
3. High-Quality Diet
A veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your pet based off their breed and lifestyle. Puppies and kittens need a diet high in protein and fat to help them grow. As your pet ages, their diet may need to be changed to ensure they get all of the necessary nutrients.
4. Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention
Pet care for puppies and kittens includes preventing fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks can cause various health problems for your pet, including skin irritation, anemia, and Lyme disease. Several products are available to help prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworms such as topical and oral medication. Heartworm disease can be deadly, therefore year-round heartworm prevention is recommended.
5. Dental Care
Dental care is an important part of pet care for puppies and kittens. Dental disease can cause pain, tooth loss, and other health problems. To help prevent dental disease, brush your pet's teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste. You should also take your puppy or kitten to a veterinarian’s office for pet exams and dental cleanings.
Get Your Puppy or Kitten Started on the Right Foot
Puppies and kittens are a joy to have in the family, but they require a lot of care and attention. Our veterinarians at Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital in Bailey offer a wide range of pet care services to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy for years to come. We offer wellness plans for puppies and kittens that help break down the cost of vet visits across monthly payments. Call our team today at (303) 838-4677.
