Your Pet's First Year

What to Expect During Your First Year of Pet Ownership

Are you the proud new parent of a puppy or kitten? You surely have some questions about their healthcare, including shots and spaying or neutering. That's why at Lakeland Animal Clinic, we've created a healthcare guide to let you know what to expect during your pet's first year with you.

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Healthcare Guide for Your Puppy's First Year

• Day 1 - The first day after a normal, uncomplicated delivery, mother and puppies should have a general examination.
• Days 3 -5 - Pup’s tails and dewclaws are docked, if necessary.
• Week 3 - Puppies are checked for intestinal parasites and weaning is discussed.
• Week 8 - First vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHPP) and coronavirus. Parasite test, deworming and physical exam as well. Heartworm preventive started. Dietary needs are discussed.
• Week 12 - Second DH(L)PP vaccination (vaccine for leptospirosis may be discussed, depending on dog breed and risk of exposure) and coronavirus. Parasite test, deworming and physical exam all completed.
• Week 16 - Third DH(L)PP vaccination and Bordetella vaccine, along with parasite test, deworming and physical exam. Optional Lyme vaccine may be discussed.
• Week 19 - Rabies vaccination is give and second Lyme vaccine, if applicable.
• Boosters - Boosters for DH(L)PP and Bordetella. Rabies booster is given with puppy vaccines, in one year, then given every three years. Parasite test, heartworm test, and physical exam all given.
  
• Months 5-8 - This is the typical age for spaying or neutering.

The first signs of sickness are usually fatigue and unexplainable loss of appetite, then more pronounced symptoms follow. If you suspect your pet is ill, take their temperature with a rectal thermometer, then observe eyes, nose, mouth and breathing rates. Next, call the veterinarian promptly. With that information, our doctor can decide if your pet needs immediate treatment.

The normal temperature for dogs ranges from 99.5 (F) to 102.5 (F) with 101.5 (F) as average. We encourage our clients to ask questions concerning their pet’s care, dietary needs, fleas and any other parasite control. Give us a call at (601) 939-9322.

Healthcare Guide for Your Kitten's First Year

• Day 1- On the first day after normal, uncomplicated delivery, kittens and mother should have a general examination.
• Weeks 4-5 - Kittens are checked for intestinal parasites and weaning is discussed.
• Week 8 - First vaccination for panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and chlamydia (4 in 1or FVRCP). Parasite test, deworming and physical exam are all completed.
• Week 12 - Second 4-in-1 (FVRCP) vaccination, parasite test, deworming and physical exam.
• Week 16 - Third 4 in 1 (FVRCP) vaccination, first feline leukemia vaccination, parasite test, deworming and physical exam.
• Week 19 - Rabies vaccination and second feline leukemia vaccination are completed.
• Boosters - FVRCP (Panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydia) and leukemia shots are given yearly. Rabies shot is given with kitten vaccines, in one year, then given every three years. Parasite test and physical exam are included.
• Months 5-8 - Typical age for spaying or neutering.
  
  

The first signs of sickness are usually fatigue and unexplainable loss of appetite, then more pronounced symptoms follow. If you suspect your pet is ill, take their temperature with a rectal thermometer, then observe eyes, nose, mouth and breathing rates. Next, call the veterinarian promptly. With that information, our doctor can decide if your pet needs immediate treatment.

The normal temperature for cats ranges from 99.5 F to 102.0 F with 101.5 F as average. We encourage our clients to ask questions concerning their pet’s care, dietary needs, fleas and any other parasite control. Give us a call at (601) 939-9322.