Kittens and Puppies

Congratulations - you have a new friend in the house! There's so much to learn about proper care and health for your tiny sweetheart. At a puppy/kitten wellness appointment, Dr. Liz will do a comprehensive exam of your new baby so you know all is well, and if anything is needed. We are here to assist you. Call if we can be of service!

On their first visit, we encourage all kittens and puppies to have their complete series of vaccinations, and parasite prevention treatment. The good news is that we have protection available for potentially life threatening diseases. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association has declared that vaccinations are the most effective preventative health measure for pets.

Spay/Neuter & Microchips

Dr. Liz recommends you have your kitten or puppy spayed/neutered at 6 months of age, as well as microchipping at this time. Microchips safeguard your pet if they get lost. Spaying protects your female kitten from the risk of mammary, uterine and ovarian cancers, and spares her the stresses of pregnancy. Neutering a male reduces his risk of prostate cancer, and he won't "spray" to mark his territory. Microchips safeguard your pet if they get lost.

Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks, heartworm, and worms - ugh! Not only are these unwelcome, but parasites such as fleas, ticks and heartworm can become a serious health concern for both you and your new friend. Irritating to your pet, they can cause skin problems and even carry disease. Thankfully with today’s medications, they can be effectively prevented and treated.

Dr. Liz recommends:  Revolution, should be applied monthly for your kitten’s parasite prevention. Annual heartworm testing should be done on all dogs. See list below for products for puppies and dogs:

Puppy/Kitten Insurance

Prepare for the life and health of your new friend by purchasing health insurance. We have many clients who are very happy they did! 

Dr. Liz recommends: Nationwide or Embrace.

House Training for Puppies

Patience and consistency are the key to a house trained puppy. When mistakes happen (and they will) do not punish. Puppies forgot they need to go potty. Spend your efforts on positive reinforcement when they eliminate appropriately. Consistent voice commands are helpful, like, “Go potty, Pepper.” When s/he eliminates on command, give lots of praise and a special small treat. Always use your puppy’s name with praise, “Good job, Peaches!” For safety when you are not available to supervise, confine your puppy in a crate or puppy pen. First give them adequate exercise/play time and potty them before confining. Always provide water in the puppy area.

Litter Box Training for Kittens

Litter training is easy because cats instinctively bury their waste. We just need to provide them a safe and clean box to do their business. Most kittens prefer the “clumping litter” and they are habitual creatures; once you decide on a kind and brand of litter, maintain the same one or they may not use the box. The litter box should be cleaned daily. If you have more than one cat, you will need one litter box more than the number of cats you have. So two cats = 3 litter boxes.

Steps to Litter Box Training
Put a clean litter box in a corner or other secluded spot. After your kitten has awakened from a nap, or shortly after it has finished eating, place it in the box. If it doesn't dig or scratch, gently take one of her front paws and simulate digging with it. Praise your kitten if the box gets used, but never punish if it doesn't. Your kitten will get the idea, and your patience and consistency is the key to success. Continue to place your kitten in the box at hourly intervals until they use it on their own.

Puppy Training Classes

Training classes will help you build a strong and loving bond with your puppy, establishing a common language so your puppy understands what you need and you will grow to understand what s/he is trying to tell you. Look for a trainer who uses gentle, positive methods.

Dr. Liz recommends: Timko Pet Training: 360-271-0316 (Molly Timko), or Petco: group classes available at most stores.

Diet

Puppies: Dr Liz recommends feeding growth (puppy food) until your dog reaches approximately 80% of their anticipated adult size. This generally occurs at 12 months of age for small/medium dogs (less than 50# as an adult), and at 18 months for large breed dogs (more than 50# as adult).One of the most important aspects of diet is knowing how much you are feeding. Make sure to measure out the food using a measuring cup for accurate feeding. Remember that treats are to be included in calorie consumption. Feeding guidelines on the back of the food bag are generally a good guideline for quantities of food.

Kittens: Growing kittens need as much as three times the calories as adult cats. An excellent kitten food is the simplest way to ensure that your friend gets the nourishment they need.  Be sure the food you choose has proper levels of taurine, an essential amino acid that is critical for normal heart muscle function, vision, digestion and reproduction in kittens. The AAFCO seal displayed on the package tells you that the food is nutritionally complete.

Dr. Liz recommends:  Purina One and Royal Canin brands. Both have strict quality control and reputable research to ensure that the food is made from quality ingredients and nutrients are well balanced.

Vaccinations

At the first visit, we encourage all puppies and kittens to have their first series of vaccinations. Unfortunately, we see too many fall ill to potentially life threatening viral diseases because of lack of protection. The good news is that we have protection available for these diseases. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association has declared that vaccinations are the most effective preventative health measure for pets.

Kittens should also be blood tested for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus before they are put in a house with other cats.

Dr Liz recommends: