Congratulations On Your New Family Member!
|
|
Many people ask when they should bring their new puppies and kittens in for their first veterinary exam. Have your puppy or kitten meet us within the first week of bringing him or her home. The most ideal time frame is within 72 hours if possible.
The purpose of new puppy and kitten visits is for our veterinarians to examine your new family member and establish whether or not there are any health issues to be concerned about. They will be looking for congenital abnormalities and birth defects. They will also look for evidence of parasites, both internal and external.
They will also use this first visit to review the vaccination and deworming history. Then, based on physical exam findings, vaccine history and any lab tests, they will make recommendations, a vaccination plan, and a treatment and prevention plan for parasites.
They will also discuss common normal behaviours and how to manage them. Please remember to bring any records pertaining to your new family member to the appointment.
We are your advocate and cheerleader in this new journey!
The final thing you should bring to the exam is your questions! This is huge. Our veterinarians already have a set list of things to talk about, but they don’t know what you already know. It’s so much more helpful (and more fun, actually) if you help guide the conversation so they can cover the topics you’re most concerned about.
To summarize, your new puppy or kitten exam checklist:
If your new family member is a puppy, please consider:
The purpose of new puppy and kitten visits is for our veterinarians to examine your new family member and establish whether or not there are any health issues to be concerned about. They will be looking for congenital abnormalities and birth defects. They will also look for evidence of parasites, both internal and external.
They will also use this first visit to review the vaccination and deworming history. Then, based on physical exam findings, vaccine history and any lab tests, they will make recommendations, a vaccination plan, and a treatment and prevention plan for parasites.
They will also discuss common normal behaviours and how to manage them. Please remember to bring any records pertaining to your new family member to the appointment.
We are your advocate and cheerleader in this new journey!
The final thing you should bring to the exam is your questions! This is huge. Our veterinarians already have a set list of things to talk about, but they don’t know what you already know. It’s so much more helpful (and more fun, actually) if you help guide the conversation so they can cover the topics you’re most concerned about.
To summarize, your new puppy or kitten exam checklist:
- Stool sample - please collect a sample within 12 hours of your pet's appointment and refrigerate.
- Records/Paperwork
- Diet Information
- Your Questions!
If your new family member is a puppy, please consider:
- Practicing good handwashing techniques.
- Picking up all stools until a negative fecal result is obtained.
If your new family member is a kitten, please consider:
- Practicing good hand-washing techniques
- Scooping out the litter box regularly throughout the day.
- If you have other cats, separate for periods of time as they adjust to each other and maintain separate litter pans until a negative fecal sample is obtained.
If you would like to book your new puppy or kitten visit with us, please call us or request an appointment online.
Once you have requested your appointment, please tell us about yourself and your new family member in the New Client and Patient Form.
If you are already a client, please fill out the New Patient Form.
We will be waiting to see you and your new addition!
Once you have requested your appointment, please tell us about yourself and your new family member in the New Client and Patient Form.
If you are already a client, please fill out the New Patient Form.
We will be waiting to see you and your new addition!
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEW PUPPY AND KITTENS OWNERS
INTESTINAL PARASITISM
COMMON PUPPY AND KITTEN QUESTIONS
For more information on all topics relating to puppies, kittens, dogs and cats, please visit our Pet Health Education!
