Bringing a new puppy or kitten home is the most joyful time. This sweet, cuddly new member of the family will undoubtedly put a smile on everyone's face.
Fun as it may be, there is also some serious health care business to take care of during your new pet's first year of life.
Your vet will develop a custom health care plan to meet your puppy or kitten's specific needs during their first year, and provide you with plenty of support and guidance along the way!
Puppies should be taken to the vet for their first appointment around six weeks of age and kittens at approximately eight weeks.
During their first visit, your vet will perform a full physical exam to check their overall health, check for signs of congenital defects, and test for external parasites.
We will also administer deworming medications for roundworms and hookworms, and the first round of puppy or kitten vaccinations.
More About Vaccines & Prevention
Finally, for kittens, we will perform a blood test to check for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.
Puppies and kittens should attend 3 to 4 veterinary appointments between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks. These visits allow our vets to assess your pet's overall health and to administer vaccines on schedule.
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten comes with a lot of new responsibilities.
To help you navigate your puppy or kitten's first year, our team will provide plenty of guidance, support, and helpful information.
Our Kitten and Puppy information packs contain everything you'll need to know about your pet’s early development, including:
Our vets will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and put any concerns or worries to rest. We want to make sure that you and your puppy or kitten have everything you need to begin a wonderful life together!
We are happily accepting new patients at Red Rocks Animal Center! Our experienced vets are committed to the care of Lakewood pets. Reach out today to book your pet's first appointment.
Saturday Appointments Available