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.

• Physical Exams
  A lifetime of wellness starts with your pet’s very first physical exam. Unlike adult pets, puppies and kittens require approximately 3-4 exams during their first 8-16 weeks. At those exams, your pet will receive important vaccines and assessments of their overall health.
   
• Vaccines for Life Program
  Vaccinating your pet keeps your puppy healthy by preventing serious diseases.  Puppies have different lifestyles and need to be given individual attention and consideration at vaccination time.  At South Arbor Animal Hospital, vaccine programs are tailored individually for each pet.

  We offer a unique wellness plan that makes it a little easier to keep your puppy healthy.  Enroll your puppy in our Free Vaccines for Life program and every year they come in for their wellness exam – any vaccines they need are free! For more details, please see our “Free for Life Vaccination Program” page.

• Diagnostic Testing
  Both puppies and kittens should have certain diagnostic tests over the course of their first year. Puppies should be tested for heartworm by 12 months of age, if not before. Kittens, on the other hand, should be tested for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) during their first exam. 

In addition to examining your new pet and providing them with vaccines and diagnostics, your veterinarian will discuss other services that could help them live a longer, healthier life, such as spaying and neutering.

What to Bring With You For Your New Pet's First Exam

We ask that you bring the health information provided to you by the seller or shelter, which should include a previous history of vaccines and deworming, as well as a fresh stool sample.  And don’t forget your new puppy on a leash or your new kitten in a carrier!

Signs that Your Puppy or Kitten Needs Immediate Care

Please also be alert to the following symptoms, as they are signs that your pet needs immediate care:

• Any respiratory problems, such as coughing, trouble breathing
• Multiple episodes of  vomiting or diarrhea
• Allergic reactions, such as swelling around the face, or hives, are most easily seen on the belly
• Any eye injury, no matter how mild
• Seizure, fainting, or collapse
• Thermal Stress, either too cold or too hot, even if the dog seems to have recovered
• Trauma received from any incident, even if the dog does not appear to have been physically harmed

Call us at (734) 973-7224 to schedule your pet’s first physical exam.