Puppy and Kitten Care
Comprehensive Care
for Your Newest Pet
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting experience! At Just For Pets Animal Hospital, we are here to help you navigate the early stages of pet parenthood by providing comprehensive veterinary care based on the needs of growing puppies and kittens. Partner with a trusted veterinarian for all your young pet’s needs.
What You Should Know: Medical Care for Kittens and Puppies
Early veterinary care sets your pet up for a long and happy life. Think of our veterinary team as a resource for getting your puppy or kitten on the right track for good health.
When should I schedule my young pet’s first vet visit?
Your puppy or kitten should visit the veterinarian within the first few days of bringing them home. If that is not possible, we strongly recommend that your newest pet come in by 6-8 weeks of age to start initial vaccinations.
What should I expect at my kitten or puppy’s first vet visit?
An initial visit to a veterinarian always begins with a physical exam and includes time to discuss any questions that you may have about your pet’s health. Depending on your fur kid’s age, we may also administer vaccines, perform microchipping, or run routine diagnostics to establish a health baseline.
Does my puppy or kitten need dental care?
Yes! Teething is a natural process, but chewing on inappropriate objects can lead to dental problems. We can provide guidance on safe chew toys, the appropriate age to start teeth cleanings, and early dental care to support strong, healthy teeth.
When should I spay or neuter my pet?
Spaying or neutering is typically recommended around 6 months of age, though this may vary based on breed and individual health factors. Timely spaying and neutering can prevent certain health and behavioral issues.
What is the vaccine schedule for puppies or kittens?
Because young pets have developing immune systems, they require a series of vaccine boosters over a few months of life to build strong immunity. Puppies and kittens typically receive their first vaccines around 6-8 weeks of age. Vaccination boosters are given every 3-4 weeks until they are about 16-18 weeks old for full protection. Around that time, your young companion will receive their final set of vaccines, including the rabies vaccine. Once the vaccine schedule is completed, your pet should get annual vaccinations to maintain immunity.
Following a structured vaccine schedule from a veterinarian ensures that your pet is fully protected against certain dangerous diseases. Please remember to closely follow your kitten or puppy’s vaccine schedule. If you wait too long between boosters due to rescheduling appointments, your pet’s vaccine series may need to be restarted, which leads to more cost to you and a longer at-risk period for your fur baby.
Deworming and Parasite Prevention for Young Pets
Puppies and kittens are commonly born with intestinal parasites, like roundworms or hookworms, or can become infected through their mother’s milk, making deworming a necessary part of early care. Our veterinary team will review a deworming schedule to eliminate any existing parasites and discuss preventative measures to keep your pet parasite-free.
Once your puppy or kitten is the appropriate age and weight, they should begin year-round parasite prevention.
Just For Pets Animal Hospital for Puppy and Kitten Care in Marietta, GA
Starting your pet off on the right paw with early veterinary care improves the odds of a healthy and happy future. Our team at Just For Pets Animal Hospital is ready to provide the highest level of care for your new furry friend. Call us today to schedule your puppy or kitten’s first exam! For same-day appointments or walk-in sick care, please give us a call.
Just For Pets Animal Hospital provides microchipping for cats and dogs in Marietta, East Cobb, Roswell, Westfield, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Powers Park, and the northern Atlanta area.
