Veterinary Care for Puppies & Kittens
Bringing a new puppy or kitten home is an exciting time! This cute, cuddly new family member can't help but make everyone who interacts with them smile.
As enjoyable as it is, there is some important health care business to attend to during your new pet's first year of life.
During your pet's first year, your veterinarian will create a personalized health care plan to match their particular needs, as well as give you with lots of support and assistance along the way!
Your Pet’s First Appointment
Puppies should ideally have their first veterinary appointment around six weeks of age, and kittens around eight weeks.
During this first appointment, your pet will be given a thorough medical examination to assess their overall health, search for symptoms of congenital abnormalities, and check for external parasites.
We will also administer deworming medications for roundworms and hookworms, and the first round of puppy or kitten vaccinations.
More About Vaccines & Prevention
Finally, for kittens, we will perform a blood test to check for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.
Followup Appointments
Puppies and kittens should attend 3 to 4 veterinary appointments between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks. These visits allow our vets to assess your pet's overall health and to administer vaccines on schedule.
Puppy & Kitten Information
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten comes with a lot of new responsibilities.
Our experts will give lots of guidance, support, and useful information to assist you to manage your puppy or kitten's first year.
Our puppy and kitten information packages contain everything you'll need to know about your pet’s early development, including:
- Information on spaying and neutering your pet
- A vaccination and medical care schedule
- Tips for how to socialize your puppy or kitten with animals and people, including pets already living in your home
- Basic puppy training guidelines
- Information on common medical problems such as heartworm disease, feline leukemia, and zoonosis
- Nutrition information
Our vets will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and put any concerns or worries to rest. We want to make sure that you and your puppy or kitten have everything you need to begin a wonderful life together!
New Patients Welcome
Rivergate Veterinary Clinic is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of New York companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.