Puppy & Kitten Veterinary Care in Aptos
There’s nothing more exciting than bringing home a newborn puppy or kitten. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of having your new best friend, it’s important not to forget about bringing them in for veterinary care.
The first weeks and months of a kitten or puppy’s life are an important time, as a variety of vaccinations and tests need to be administered for their health and safety. Contact our office today to book your pet’s first appointment to help set your pet up for a healthy and happy life.
The Importance of Regular Veterinary Care for Puppies and Kittens
Newborn puppies and kittens are at a vulnerable time in their lives, and regular checkups from a veterinary professional are needed. During these visits, our professionally trained team can give your pet the required core vaccinations which include rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus, and leptospirosis (for dogs) and rabies, panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis (FHV), calicivirus, and leukemia (FeLV) (for cats). Additionally, we may administer deworming medications for roundworms and hookworms.
Early vet checkups can also help new pet parents understand proper pet nutrition, and our experienced team can also offer behavioral and training guidance.
We realize that pet care, and chiropractic care especially, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our vets practice a personalized approach to ensure each pet receives the best possible care. Each animal’s unique anatomy, condition, and health history plays a key role in what types of treatment our team recommends and performs.
Why Choose Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital for Your New Pets Care?
At Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital, we deliver professional, compassionate care for your new pet. We strive to be a place where your pet can feel safe and secure, and you can feel confident they’re getting the treatment and care they deserve.
We help develop a custom care plan for your puppy or kitten to help them meet their specific needs during this important time. We provide guidance, empathetic care, and support during the first year of your new pet’s life and beyond.
Our services go well beyond physical examinations and vaccine administration. We can also provide nutrition and training advice, information on spaying and neutering, tips on socializing and helping your pet adjust to a new environment, and more.
Veterinary Care for Puppies in Aptos
We provide puppy care and services for all residents of Aptos. Our experienced, local staff understands the climate, environment, and general lifestyle of this specific area, and can provide guidance on how to best get your new dog started on a happy and healthy life.
When to Schedule Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit
Once you’ve adopted your pet, speak to a veterinarian about when to schedule your first appointment, as it will vary depending on the age of the pup. During your first visit, your vet can continue to monitor the dog’s growth and development and provide any additional core vaccinations that are needed.
Wellness Exams for Puppies
Here’s what you can expect from one of our veterinarians during a routine wellness exam for your puppy.
Examination of pup’s coat and skin.
A thorough check of the ears, nose, and eyes.
Observing the dog’s general behavior, alertness, and body condition.
Listening to the sounds of the heart and lungs.
Full oral examination of the mouth, gums, and teeth.
Consultation about behavior, diet, and bowel habits.
Check urine and stool samples (please bring these with you to the appointment)
Vaccination and/or deworming administration.
Examination of the paws and nails.
Vaccination Schedule for Puppies
Age
Vaccine
Purpose
Age
6-8 Weeks
Vaccine
Bordetella
Purpose
Protects against kennel cough.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
FVRCP (Booster)
Purpose
Strengthens immunity against core viral diseases.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
Purpose
Protects against feline leukemia.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
Rabies
Purpose
Protects against rabies.
Age
12-16 Weeks
Vaccine
FVRCP (Second Booster)
Purpose
Further protects and boosts immunity against core viral diseases.
Age
12-16 Weeks
Vaccine
FeLV (Booster)
Purpose
Strengthens immunity against Feline Leukemia.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
Rabies
Purpose
Continues protection against rabies.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
FVRCP
Purpose
Continues protection against core viral diseases.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
FeLV
Purpose
Continue protection against feline leukemia.
Check with your veterinarian for any additional vaccines they recommend for your pup based on their breed, lifestyle, or living environment.
Veterinary Care for Kittens in Aptos
Just like for young pups, we also provide professional care for newborn kittens in Aptos. Our team of feline experts can help check your kitten for common illnesses, administer vaccines, and help provide you with customized care and behavior guidance.
When to Schedule Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit
Kittens should have their first appointment with a vet at around eight weeks of age. In this appointment, your kitten will undergo a physical exam, check a stool sample for parasites, and map out a schedule for vaccinations.
Wellness Exams for Kittens
Here’s what to expect when you bring your kitten in for their wellness exam at Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital
Examination of pup’s coat and skin.
A thorough check of the ears, nose, and eyes.
Observing the dog’s general behavior, alertness, and body condition.
Listening to the sounds of the heart and lungs.
Full oral examination of the mouth, gums, and teeth.
Consultation about behavior, diet, and bowel habits.
Check urine and stool samples (please bring these with you to the appointment)
Vaccination and/or deworming administration.
Examination of the paws and nails.
Vaccination Schedule for Kittens
Age
Vaccine
Purpose
Age
6-8 Weeks
Vaccine
FVRCP
(Feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia)
Purpose
Protects against core viral diseases.
Age
6-8 Weeks
Vaccine
Bordetella
Purpose
Protects against kennel cough.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
FVRCP (Booster)
Purpose
Strengthens immunity against core viral diseases.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
Purpose
Protects against feline leukemia.
Age
9-12 Weeks
Vaccine
Rabies
Purpose
Protects against rabies.
Age
12-16 Weeks
Vaccine
FVRCP (Second Booster)
Purpose
Further protects and boosts immunity against core viral diseases.
Age
12-16 Weeks
Vaccine
FeLV (Booster)
Purpose
Strengthens immunity against Feline Leukemia.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
Rabies
Purpose
Continues protection against rabies.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
FVRCP
Purpose
Continues protection against core viral diseases.
Age
Annual
Vaccine
FeLV
Purpose
Continue protection against feline leukemia.
When to Schedule Follow-Up Veterinary Appointments
Follow-up appointments for both kittens and puppies should be made around 2-4 weeks after your initial appointment. During follow-up appointments, veterinarians can begin administering vaccines, monitor growth status changes, and provide further guidance on behavioral training.
After your first follow-up, you can talk with your vet about when to schedule your next visit. Typically, the second follow-up appointment occurs around 6-8 weeks after your first wellness exam (2-4 weeks after the first follow-up).
Payment Options for Vaccination & Prevention at Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital
At Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital, we offer flexible financing and insurance options for Vaccination & Prevention. Sign up today with any of our payment plan partners or contact us for specific questions about insurance coverage. Read more about our financing options here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy & Kitten Care
Early on, puppies and kittens have yet to develop antibodies that keep them protected against diseases that they could be exposed to. Early vaccination triggers the puppy or kitten’s immune system to start manufacturing the necessary antibodies to fight disease.
Puppies and kittens can begin a pest prevention program for fleas and ticks at around four weeks of age, or at their first wellness exam. Until then, try to limit their exposure to potentially harmful invaders and maintain a proper grooming routine with your pet.
As soon as you bring a puppy home, you can begin to potty train them to use the bathroom outside. For kittens, litter box training can begin at 3-4 weeks of age.
To reduce risk, you should avoid taking new dogs for a walk until they have received all the required vaccinations. This typically occurs at around 16 weeks.
Book an Appointment at Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital
Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Santa Cruz County companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.
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