Giving your puppy or kitten a paw up in life with early, proactive care
Congratulations on your new addition to the family! Upper Village Veterinary Hospital looks forward to giving your puppy or kitten a paw up in life. Our preventative care services in Toronto, Ontario, are essential to your pet’s wellness and set the tone for their lifelong health, safety, and happiness.
When should I first bring my puppy or kitten to the vet?
The sooner, the better. Around three out of four puppy deaths are estimated to occur in the first 18 days after birth. With proactive care and tailored guidance and services, we can minimize those risks and the avoidable factors that lead to the worst (for instance, ineffective nursing on the mother’s part and poor handling). In fact, it’s generally advised to visit the vet within the first week of your pet’s life when possible.
What is done during the first visit?
We want to ensure your kitten or puppy is healthy and free of any concerns, from external parasites like fleas to intestinal parasites like worms. It’s important to identify issues such as the feline leukemia virus, which can be transmitted to other cats in your home. By doing this, we can ensure that the affected kitten remains healthy and prevent illness in your other pets. A thorough physical examination should also include checking for congenital issues specific to certain breeds of dogs or cats.
When will my new pet get vaccinated?
The initial vaccinations should be given when the puppy or kitten reaches 16 weeks. Bordetella vaccines should not be administered before four weeks, while most require a minimum age of six to eight weeks. Once the initial series of vaccinations is completed, we will establish a healthy routine for your new pet, which includes a booster shot one year later, followed by annual boosters or boosters every three years, depending on the type of vaccine.
How often do I need to visit you?
It is generally recommended that you visit us every three to four weeks during the first few months of your pet’s life. This allows us to go through the early vaccination schedule and ensure your pet is developing properly. During these visits, we will also discuss when to start incorporating preventive measures, such as heartworm, flea, and tick treatments, as well as the timing for important procedures like microchipping, spaying, and neutering. These procedures are crucial for your pet’s safety and health, well beyond their puppy or kitten stages.
We recommend scheduling a wellness exam at least once a year for most of your pet’s life. However, some pets may require more frequent examinations due to specific health risks or as they age and have increased care and monitoring needs.
Is there anything I should watch for at home?
Yes. Your puppy or kitten can’t tell you with words when they are sick. They will express their sickness in certain behaviours. You should immediately consult Upper Village Veterinary Hospital if you notice that a puppy or kitten tends to be cold or limp, has a potbelly appearance, lacks skin/muscle tone, and frequently squirms or cries. Healthy young animals are generally warm and plump (with good skin and muscle tone), sleep restfully, and do not vocalize excessively.
Of course, what you feed your pet, how you socialize them, and your puppy- and kitten-proofing skills at home can all either support or hinder your new fur baby’s ability to start life on the right paw. We know it can be a scary and overwhelming process. So, we are here at 430 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON, to help you with guidance whenever possible and as needed! Please contact us today at (647) 560-9276 with any questions or concerns. When you phone our team, ask about our affordable in-house wellness plans, which are perfect to help protect your kitten’s or puppy’s health during these critical early weeks and months.
