Puppy and kitten wellness care begins with the understanding that these young pets are vulnerable to diseases and parasites that threaten their well-being. The pet experts at Indian Creek Veterinary Hospital put wellness first in the care of these youngsters, beginning with proper nutrition, parasite preventives, and disease prevention through a vaccine protocol.

Proper Nutrition for Puppies and Kittens

During their first year, puppies and kittens need a diet tailored to promote the proper growth and development of young bones, muscles, and teeth. This is the stage when they will need extra protein and a variety of specific nutrients. At the wellness exam, we will counsel you on the proper diet of food and treats for your specific breed and type of pet, as well as exercise requirements for a happy, well-behaved pet.

Puppies and kittens should never be fed human food, and treats should be those specifically designed to prevent choking or intestinal upset. Tracking weight and growth progress is a fundamental part of the first-year wellness exam, setting the foundation for ongoing pet health. Any changes in your pet’s response to food should be reported to your veterinarian at once, as it may indicate the development of a more systemic problem. And all puppies and kittens require a constant source of fresh, clean water at all times.

Parasite Testing and Prevention in Young Pets

Parasites may be the external variety, such as fleas and ticks, or internal parasites, such as worms. Pet parasites are more than unpleasant—they threaten the animal’s health by damaging major organs and the digestive system, often causing long-term health issues or even death.

We take parasite detection and prevention seriously, especially in the fragile systems of young pets. The pet experts at ICVH understand the challenges owners face in maintaining a parasite prevention program and tailor your plan to your pet’s specific needs and lifestyle. Every puppy or kitten is thoroughly tested and monitored for infestations and the least-invasive treatment plan is implemented to protect your pet. If you suspect a parasite problem in your animal companion, contact our office at once to discuss your concerns or bring your puppy or kitten in for an exam without delay.

Disease Prevention Through Pet Vaccines

Young pets require a series of vaccinations during the first year of life to gently stimulate the immune system to develop the antibodies that fight off specific life-threatening diseases.

The professionals of ICVH believe each pet is unique. We tailor your vaccination protocol to address the exact needs of your puppy or kitten, assisting every pet owner in determining the best course of protection for your animal companion.

Typical vaccinations we recommend to protect against canine diseases may include:

DHLPP—Distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus
Bordetella—Tracheobronchitis or kennel cough
Lyme disease
Rabies
Influenza

Typical vaccinations we recommend to protect against feline diseases may include:

Feline panleukopenia—Feline distemper
Feline respiratory diseases—Rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydia
FeLV—Feline leukemia
Rabies
FIP—Feline infectious peritonitis

Our Puppy and Kitten Packets include extensive information about caring for your pet during the first year of life. Every puppy and kitten owner receives a copy of this packet at the first wellness visit.

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