The Top 6 Questions New Pet Owners Ask Veterinarians

We offer discount “puppy and kitten packages”. You will receive $50 off on your puppy or kitten’s first visit. Call our office at (513) 232-4550 for more details.

How can I choose the right puppy or kitten for my family?

First of all, ensure that the entire family is ready for the responsibility of a new puppy or kitten. Even experienced pet owners can forget how much time and attention they require, not to mention the financial investment. Are there older pets that may have a difficult adjustment to a new animal? Are there young children or people in the house with weak immune systems or allergies? Be sure to do some research about which animal is a good fit for your family. For instance, large, high-energy breeds such as Huskies, Pointers, Border Collies, etc. are not a good match for busy apartment dwellers. Likewise, marathon runners looking for a jogging partner should avoid short-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs. Nervous or potentially aggressive breeds are not suitable for young children. Also be aware of any potential health or behavioral problems associated with certain breeds or individuals. Be sure to make arrangements ahead of time for your pet’s care. If you work long hours, is there someone who can let your puppy out? Are you prepared for the ongoing expenses of feeding, grooming, and veterinary care for your new pet?

How and what should I feed my new puppy or kitten?

Puppies and kittens adopted at an appropriate age of about 8 weeks old will be fully weaned, and should not require any milk replacer or other supplementation. Luckily, there are so many quality pet foods available nowadays, although the choices can be overwhelming. The truth is, you don’t really need to spend and arm and a leg on grain-free, all organic premium pet foods, but we do recommend avoiding the very lowest quality grocery store brands if possible. Most importantly, make sure to feed puppies and kittens a diet specifically formulated for this life stage. Puppy and kitten diets are going to be higher in calories, vitamins like calcium, and brain boosting substances such as DHA. Kittens especially need high protein diets, and all pets should be fed foods with meat as the first ingredient. Try to transition to new brands or flavors slowly, by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old, over several days.

Puppies and Kittens under 3-4 months should be fed 3 times daily, but older puppies/kittens may be fed twice daily. Toy breed puppies should have food available at all times, since they are prone to bouts of low blood sugar. The total amount of food will depend on the size of your pet, their activity level, the caloric density of their food, and variations in individual growth rates and metabolism. Start with the recommendations on the bag or can of food as a loose guideline, and adjust as needed. Increase the amount of food if your pet’s ribs are clearly visible, decrease it if you cannot feel their ribs at all with your fingers. Also note that many pet owners find that they must reduce the quantity of food after spaying or neutering in order to maintain a healthy weight.

Which toys are safest for my puppy or kitten?

We all know that puppies and kittens need plenty of exercise and play, but inappropriate toys can pose health risks. Here are a few guidelines to help keep your pet safe. Make certain your pet does not have access to toys or other objects that are small enough for them to choke on, and that they aren’t swallowing large pieces of a chew toy or bone that may result in a blockage. Puppy or kitten proof the main play area by removing or hiding hazards such as electrical cords, toxic houseplants or chemicals, candles, garbage cans, etc. Know that very hard chew bones, even ones that may present a low risk of choking, can still result in broken teeth (although they will lose their first set of teeth between 4-6 months). Always remember that no toy is 100% safe. The most important thing you can do is SUPERVISE your pets during playtime to make sure they are not ingesting string, stuffing, squeakers, balls, cloth, etc. You may need to remove these items (including bed/blankets/towels) from the crate before leaving pets alone. Also supervise pets in the yard, as many will eat sticks, rocks, mulch, insects, wild animal carcasses and even feces.

When should my new puppy or kitten see the vet?

It is a good idea to bring your new puppy or kitten in for a visit right away, to make sure that they are healthy and so that we can answer any questions that you may have. We may recommend certain tests for infectious diseases (e.g. fecal exam, FIV/FELV test), vaccines, medications, or quarantine periods before introducing your new pet to others. Your puppy or kitten will likely need to return for preventative care every few weeks for the first few months. Very young animals do have weaker immune systems than adults, and any sign of illness is a concern. Please give us a call if you notice any diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, or any change in appetite, thirst, or activity level. Consider investing in pet insurance while your pet is still young, as this can be a real-life saver.

Why does my puppy/kitten need so many shots?

Puppies and kittens do get an initial boost to their immune system from their mother’s milk (if they are not orphaned), but their body eventually needs to make its own antibodies, and they become especially vulnerable during this transition period. This switch can occur over a range of several weeks, varying among individuals. Therefore, in order to ensure that your pet is fully protected, we booster shots every 2-4 weeks until they are approximately 4 or 5 months of age. The exact number and type of vaccinations your pet needs will depend on where you live, and your pet’s lifestyle. Ask your vet which ones are best for your puppy or kitten.

Similarly, please follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on parasite prevention and deworming. Young animals are particularly susceptible to parasites, and they can carry several diseases that may be passed to people. Make sure to have regular parasite checks (fecal exams, flea combing, and a heartworm test at 6 months) and give any monthly preventatives or parasite treatments on schedule. We often recommend deworming every 2 or 3 weeks for the first few months of life.

What else do I need to know about raising a happy, healthy puppy or kitten?

Early socialization is essential for developing animals, to help avoid future behavioral problems, and even medical problems triggered by stress or anxiety. To prevent the spread of disease, we do caution against frequenting places where large numbers of unfamiliar animals congregate e.g. dog parks, kennels, doggie daycare until your pet has had all of the recommended vaccinations. However, controlled exposure to other healthy, vaccinated, and friendly individual animals in the first several weeks of life can significantly decrease the chances of fearful or aggressive behavior in the future. Young animals also need many positive interactions with different people of all ages to prevent fearful responses. Regular handling at this age can also really help eliminate anxiety associated with procedures such as grooming, toothbrushing, nails trims, and ear cleaning. So make sure to invite all of your friends and family to engage in play sessions and give out treats. Keeping a very predictable routine of feedings, exercise, “potty breaks,” and sleep cycles will decrease stress for both you and your new pet.

If you need more information please call us at (513)232-4550.