Puppy & Kitten Care

Give your new pet the best start in life.

Although every puppy or kitten will need routine veterinary care during their first year, each of them will require an individualized plan. Let’s work together to determine how we can give your new furry friend the best start in life possible.

What should my pet’s first year look like?

During their first year, your kitten or puppy will require regular visits with their veterinarian. These visits are comprised of physical exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing – all of which allow us to keep tabs on your pet’s health as they grow and develop.

Puppies (Birth-1 year)

8 WEEKS:

Wellness exam – 1st Deworming (roundworms/hookworms) – Fecal Parasite Exam and Giardia Test
1st DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) vaccination
1st Flu and 1st Bordetella (tracheobronchitis) vaccinations
Feed premium quality puppy diet (e.g.. Science Diet, Iams, Royal Canin, Nutromax)

12 WEEKS:

Wellness exam – 2nd Deworming – Fecal Parasite Exam
2nd DHPP, 2nd Flu and 2nd Bordetella vaccinations
1st Lyme Disease vaccination (for dogs with potential tick exposure)
1st Leptospirosis vaccination (for dogs exposed to wildlife contaminated ground water-ponds, streams, etc.)

16 WEEKS:

Wellness exam – Fecal Parasite Exam
3rd DHPP (1 year), 2nd Lyme and Leptospirosis vaccinations and 1 year Rabies vaccination

6 MONTHS:

Spay/Neuter – recommended for all pets not intended for show or breeding
Hip X-ray-screening test for hip dysplasia, recommended for all medium to large breeds
Microchip for permanent pet identification, recommended for all pets

Kittens (Birth-1 year)

8 WEEKS:

Well pet exam – 1st Deworming (roundworms/hookworms)
Fecal parasite exam and giardia tests
1st FVRCP (Distemper, Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus) vaccination
Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunosuppressive Virus (FeLV/FIV) blood test
Ear mite and ringworm exams
Begin monthly heartworm preventative and flea/tick control measures
Feed premium quality kitten diet (e.g., Science Diet, Iams, Royal canin)

12 WEEKS:

Well pet exam – 2nd Deworming – Fecal parasite exam
2nd FVRCP vaccination
1st Feline Leukemia and 1st FIV vaccinations (recommended for outdoor cats)

16 WEEKS:

Well pet exam – Fecal parasite exam
3rd FVRCP (1 year) and Rabies (1 year) vaccinations
2nd Leukemia and 2nd FIV vaccines as indicated (see above)

5 MONTHS:

3rd FIV vaccination as indicated (see above)

6 MONTHS:

Spay/neuter (recommended for all cats not intended for breeding or show)
Onchyectomy (surgical declaw) can be discussed with your veterinarian
Microchip for permanent pet identification (recommended for all pets and – especially for outdoor and FIV vaccinated cats)
Repeat Leukemia/FIV blood test (4-6 months after last potential exposure)

Call us at (301) 948-2828 to schedule your pet’s first physical exam.