The Vet Practice

This is a popular time of the year for bringing home a new family pet. - namely a new Puppy or Kitten.

For some of you this is something you have done before so you probably know most of the responsibilities that come with playing mum or dad to the new family member.

For some of you however - this may be a totally new experience.

So here's an outline of some of the things you'll need to do over the next 6 months

Vaccinations

• All puppies & kittens need a series of vaccinations given at specific intervals during their first few months of life. Usually by the time you buy a new puppy they've already had their first puppy vaccination at around 6 weeks of age. (Check the records you're given at the time of sale)
• If you're not given any records such as a vaccination certificate then you need to assume that no vaccination has been given yet. Don't take the breeder's word on this as all puppies and kittens that have been vaccinated will have their own vaccination certificate to prove this.
• If the puppy has been vaccinated, the date when the next vaccination is due will also be written on the certificate. Make an appointment with your vet to have this done.
• Your vet will advise you of further vaccinations that are needed

Worming

• All puppies and kittens need to be wormed against intestinal worms every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age until they are 3 months old
• From 3 months until 6 months of age they need worming once a month
• From 6 months of age they only need to be wormed every 3 months

 Diet

• Buy a good quality puppy or kitten food (Canned or dry or both) and feed the recommended daily quantities spread over 3 - 4 times a day.

Puppy Classes

• Enrol your puppy in Puppy Classes. These are socialisation and basic training classes for puppies from 6 - 16 weeks of age. These represent great value to you as you'll learn all the necessary tips and tricks of raising a healthy and happy dog. Plus your pup will love the social interaction with other classmates!

Your first trip to the vet

This will most likely be for the first or second vaccination. During this visit your puppy or kitten will receive a full checkup as well as the vaccine.

(Please bring all your pet's records with you when you visit so your vet knows what needs to be done)

Your vet will also inform you about the importance of desexing, flea control and heartworm protection (for dogs)

Microchipping

All cats and dogs will need to be microchipped before registering them with your local council. This tiny chip is usually implanted at the time of vaccination. Once again, if your puppy has been microchipped before purchase, you will have received proof of this.

The first year of a puppy or kitten's life can often tend to be the most expensive in terms of routine health care as it incorprates the vaccinations, microchipping and desexing.

After this time (all being well of course) an annual check and vaccination will be all that is needed in terms of veterinary visits. Worming, flea control and heartworm (topical or tablets) products can be purchased without the need for a consultation.