Getting a new puppy or kitten is a very exciting time for pet owners. It’s also a huge learning experience for first time pet owners. We absolutely love seeing new puppies and kittens, and we do our best to answer any and all questions you may have.
When bringing home a new puppy or kitten, it’s important to remember that consistency is best. Kittens and especially puppies need to have a pretty strict routine. Your new pet may not adhere to your rules at first and patience is needed with these little guys. Having a feeding, potty, playtime routine really helps them acclimate to their new surroundings and helps keep your frustration level down. After you bring your little guy or girl home you will want to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have him/her checked out. It’s usually best to do this around a week after getting your furry friend.
You will need a few things to bring to your appointment so the vet can perform a thorough exam. We like to have all of the history that you have on your new pet, de-worming schedule, vaccines, medications, etc. This will help determine what vaccinations are needed and when. You will also need to bring a stool sample so that your vet can test for intestinal parasites. It is very common for a puppy or kitten to have an intestinal parasite. Most puppies and kittens will need to come back several times to get them up to date on their vaccines; keep that in mind when choosing a new pet. Adopting a new puppy or kitten requires time, money, and patience. If you feel that you cannot provide those things, then now may not be the best time to adopt a new pet.
Before bringing your pet to the hospital, it’s a good idea to write down all the questions you have, that way nothing is left out. You are going to get a lot of information on your first visit and it can be a little overwhelming. Writing your questions down will make sure that all of your concerns are addressed. We want to make this experience as positive as possible for you and your new pet!