Puppy And Kitten Wellness Programs

Congratulations on your new puppy or kitten! Do you know what needs to be done for your new pet? You should make an appointment with us as soon as possible for a complete physical exam. Deworming should begin at 3 weeks of age and vaccinations should begin at 6 weeks of age. Be sure to bring any medical records your puppy or kitten may have so that we can best determine exactly what he/she may need.

On your first visit to our office:

• Your new pet will receive a new puppy or kitten kit. This kit contains product samples and information about the care of your pet.
• Our nurses/technicians will ask you a few pertinent questions about your new puppy or kitten. They will also answer any questions you may have and advise you on the care of your pet.
• The nurse will then weigh your puppy or kitten. She will also take a stool sample to test for intestinal parasites and start your pet on a parasite prevention program to protect you, your family, and your pet.
• Your puppy or kitten will then meet one of our veterinarians. The doctor will evaluate everything about your new pet including eyes, ears, skin, heart, lungs, etc. If there are no serious problems, the veterinarian will then administer your pet's first vaccination. He/she will also answer any other questions you may have.

Vaccination / Wellness Schedule For Puppies:

• A combination vaccine that protects against Parvovirus, Canine Distemper Virus, Adenovirus type 2, Parainfulenza, and Coronavirus is administered at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, and 12 weeks. Depending on your puppy's environment, we may use a vacine that also protects against Leptospirosis. We also strongly recommend and additional booster for parvovirus at 15 weeks of age
• Rabies vaccine is administered at 12 weeks of age. It is state law that your dog receive this vaccination and be registered yearly.
• Bordetella vaccine is recommended for puppies that are going to be in close contact with other dogs (boarding and grooming facilities, obedience classes, etc.) This vaccination can be given at 12 weeks of age and needs to be boosted 6 months later.
• On the 9week visit, your puppy will also recieve his/her first dose of heartworm prevention.

Vaccination / Wellness Schedule For Kittens:

• We recommend that all kittens be tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodefiency virus. These are deadly diseases and no treatments are available. They are also easily transmitted to other cats.
• A combination vaccine that protects against Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia psittaci is administered at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, and 12 weeks.
• Feline Leukemia vaccine is administered at 9 weeks and 12 weeks. It is recommended that all cats that may go outdoors or that may contact other cats that go outdoors receive this vaccination.
• Rabies vaccine is administered at 12 weeks of age. It is state law that your kitten receive this vaccination and be registered yearly.

Spaying & Neutering

We strongly recommend spaying or neutering your pet when he/she is 6 months old. This age is recommended for several reasons. It is important that your pet be current on all vaccinations and be healthy before undergoing an elecive surgery. We believe that 6 months is the earliest that these conditions may be met. Female cats and dogs should be spayed before their first heat cycle(the first heat cycle is usually between 6 months and 2 years of age). Studies show that the chance of mammary cancer later in life is decreased by 66% if the pet never comes into heat. Male dogs and cats are less likely to have behavioral problems (marking, agression, roaming, etc.) if they are neutered before the bad habits develop. You will be given specific drop off and feeding instructions when you make your spay/neuter appointment.

Thank you for choosing Brogli, Lane, Weaver, & Alexander Animal Hospital to care for your new puppy or kitten. We are fully commited to the lifelong care of your pet and believe that this care begins now. Please let us know if you have any questions about the care of your new pet.