Adding a new puppy or new kitten to your Durham, NC, or Chapel Hill, NC, home is a wonderful experience. Puppies and kittens add entertainment and general love to our homes. To ensure your new pet enjoys a long, healthy life, it can be important to see that he receives the proper medical care and training attention from day one.
Let's take a look at a few of the aspects of puppy and kitten care that our veterinarian team at Vine Veterinary Hospital might recommend.
Wellness Pet Exam
It is generally recommended that every new kitten and puppy to have a wellness exam early in life. This is a physical exam that will ensure they aren't carrying any parasites and are free of disease and physical ailments. If your pet is dealing with worms or similar parasites, a vet on our veterinary team can recommend the right parasite control medications to get your pet back to full health. During this wellness pet exam, a vet on our veterinary team can also talk to you about any other concerns you might have, such as special diet considerations as well as recommendations like pet insurance. Getting pet insurance early on when your pet is a couple of months or even a couple of weeks old might offer some benefits like reduced expenses over the entire course of his life.
Vaccinations
During the pet exam, a veterinarian on our veterinary team may also talk about getting your new pet on a vaccination schedule. A few types of vaccinations your veterinarian may talk to you about include vaccinations against rabies, Bordetella, and more.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering is a way to control the unwanted pet population and can help your pet live a longer, happier life without unwanted behavior issues like spraying or marking. Our veterinarians will work with you to determine the best age to schedule your new kitten or puppy's spay or neuter surgery.
Behavior Training and Socialization
Behavior training is something pet owners should consider strongly. Behavior training doesn't mean teaching your puppy how to roll over, although that is a fun trick, but rather working on instilling desired behaviors that will ensure they fit well into your household. For example, most puppies will need help working on not jumping up and not relieving themselves inside. Kittens may need some encouragement to use their litter box. Additionally, both species of pets should be exposed to different sounds, smells, and experiences. This might help prevent fear and anxiety towards new things when they are older.
Get a Pet Exam and Vaccinations from a Veterinarian on Our Veterinary Team
For more information about new pet wellness or to schedule your pet's first exam, give our team at Vine Veterinary Hospital, serving Durham, NC, and Chapple Hill, NC, a call today. Call us at (919) 942-5117 for more information.
