Everyone adores a new puppy or kitten, whether it is because of the puppy’s sweet breath or the kitten’s rough kisses. What should you do once you have brought your new pet home?
How can you keep your new pet healthy and fit?
Each new puppy or kitten owner should take the following precautions to keep their pet healthy and on track:
Veterinary Consultation
Every puppy and kitten should see a veterinarian within the first week if you are moving into a new home. A veterinarian will perform a standard wellness exam to ensure your new puppy’s or kitten’s health. Furthermore, if you bought your pet from a breeder, make sure the breeder fulfilled all of its initial health guarantees.
Vaccinations for dogs and cats typically begin around the age of eight weeks and follow a schedule that includes all necessary vaccinations. Vaccinations given before eight weeks are generally ineffective because the mother’s immunity is still active. Puppies are given a combination shot and a Rabies vaccination at eight, twelve, and sixteen weeks. Depending on the risk in your area or your dog, vaccinations against Bordetella, Corona, and Leptospirosis are optional.
Kitten veterinary care is essential. They are given a combination vaccine that includes a Feline Leukemia vaccination and a Rabies vaccination. A veterinarian will examine your new puppy or kitten for several conditions in addition to vaccinations. If your dog is more than six months old, he should be tested for heartworms, and he should also be tested for Feline Leukemia.
During the initial visit, it is also a good idea to check for intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Furthermore, a stool sample or examination will rule out parasites that cause Giardia and Coccidia.
Your Pet’s Nutrition
All puppies and kittens should be fed high-quality, age-appropriate food. Large-breed puppies should eat food formulated for their size to avoid excessive growth. If you are still undecided about what to feed your pet, seek advice from your veterinarian from a reputable facility like Stoney Pointe Pet Hospital. Many pet food stores provide free samples of various foods.
Your new pet will require more than one or two meals per day. Most puppies need three to four meals daily, depending on their age. Kittens are comparable and can be fed freely. Many cats enjoy free feeding because they are natural grazers who prefer to eat small amounts at once. Inadequate food distribution throughout the day will prevent your puppy or kitten from becoming drowsy. To avoid hypoglycemia in small puppies like Chihuahuas, feed them small amounts of food regularly.
Train Your Pet
Training should begin as soon as your pet arrives. Between their first and second vaccinations, puppies should begin puppy training classes. Socialization is critical, especially between the ages of eight and twelve weeks. Kittens cannot attend physical training classes but should start training for litter box use and other household rules like furniture climbing, plant digging, and biting.
Kittens and cats, like dogs and other pets, can be trained using positive reinforcement and clickers. Adhering to a strict veterinary visit schedule to keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date and to schedule a spay or neuter operation by your pet’s sixth month birthday will keep it on track for adulthood.
Continue socializing and training your aging puppy or kitten to prevent undesirable behaviors from developing before they reach adulthood. When your pet is one year old, you can transition them from puppy or kitten food to adult formula. As your pet grows older, keeping these suggestions in mind will ensure his happiness and health. Check this page if you’re interested in pet boarding to help your pet socialize.
Conclusion
Puppies and kittens, unsurprisingly, make excellent house pets and are the best animals for the entire family. Consider your family and your needs before purchasing puppies or kittens. Remember that owning a pet is a big responsibility; only get puppies and kittens if ready.
