Green Hills Veterinary Clinic

Puppy Care & Kitten Care in Moberly, MO

Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. However, it also comes with a lot of responsibility, including providing proper veterinary care for your new furry friend. We will discuss the importance of puppy care and kitten care, including vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and more!

The Importance of Veterinary Care for Puppies and Kittens

Green Hils Veterinary Center puppy and doctor

Puppies and kittens require special care and attention during their first few months of life. This includes regular visits to the veterinarian for check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care. These early visits are crucial for monitoring your pet's growth and development, as well as detecting any potential health issues early on.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an essential part of puppy and kitten veterinary care. They protect your pet from common and potentially deadly diseases, such as rabies, distemper, and feline leukemia. We will create a vaccination schedule for your pet based on their age and health status. It's important to follow this schedule and keep up with regular vaccinations to ensure your pet stays healthy.

Understanding Core and Non-Core Vaccines

Vaccines are divided into two categories: core and non-core. Core vaccines are those that are recommended for all puppies and kittens, regardless of their lifestyle or environment. These vaccines protect against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases.

Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are recommended based on a pet’s lifestyle and risk of exposure to certain diseases. These vaccines may be necessary for pets who spend a lot of time outdoors or in areas where certain diseases are prevalent.

Core Vaccines for Puppies

  • Distemper: This virus is highly contagious and can be fatal. It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
  • Parvovirus: This virus is highly contagious and can be fatal, especially in young puppies. It causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Adenovirus: This virus can cause respiratory and liver disease in puppies.
  • Rabies: This virus is fatal and can be transmitted to humans. It affects the nervous system.

Core Vaccines for Kittens

  • Feline Panleukopenia: This virus is highly contagious and can be fatal. It causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Feline Herpesvirus: This virus is highly contagious and can cause respiratory and eye infections in kittens.
  • Feline Calicivirus: This virus is highly contagious and can cause respiratory and oral infections in kittens.
  • Rabies: This virus is fatal and can be transmitted to humans. It affects the nervous system.

Non-Core Vaccines for Puppies

  • Bordetella: This bacteria can cause respiratory infections in puppies and kittens.
  • Leptospirosis: This bacteria can cause kidney and liver disease in puppies and kittens.
  • Lyme Disease: This bacteria can cause joint pain and fever in puppies and kittens.

Non-Core Vaccines for Kittens

  • Feline Leukemia Virus: This virus is highly contagious and can be fatal in kittens.

Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Kittens

The vaccination schedule for puppies and kittens is crucial for ensuring their protection against diseases. Here is a general guideline for when your pet should receive their vaccinations:

Puppies

  • 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Parainfluenza
  • 10-12 weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Bordetella
  • 14-16 weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Rabies
  • 12-16 months: Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Rabies (booster)

Kittens

  • 6-8 weeks: Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Leukemia Virus
  • 10-12 weeks: Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Leukemia Virus
  • 14-16 weeks: Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, and Rabies
  • 12-16 months: Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, and Rabies (booster)

It’s important to note that the vaccination schedule may vary depending on your pet’s lifestyle and risk of exposure to certain diseases. We will be able to provide you with a personalized vaccination schedule for your pet.

Proper Nutrition and Exercise

Proper nutrition and exercise are crucial for the health and well-being of your puppy or kitten. We can provide recommendations for a balanced diet that meets your pet's specific nutritional needs. It's important to avoid overfeeding your pet, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Regular exercise is also important for keeping your pet healthy and happy. Puppies and kittens have a lot of energy and need plenty of opportunities to play and explore. Make sure to provide your pet with toys and activities that will keep them active and engaged.

Microchipping

Microchipping is a simple and safe procedure that involves inserting a small chip under the skin of your pet, typically between the shoulder blades. This chip contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact information in a national pet registry.

When a lost pet is found, a microchip reader is used to scan the chip and retrieve the identification number. This number is then used to contact the pet registry and retrieve the owner's information, allowing for a quick and easy reunion.

Diagnostics - Parasites, FIV, and FeLV

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism, known as the host, and feed off of it. They can cause a variety of health issues in puppies and kittens, including diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, and even death. Some parasites can also be transmitted to humans, making it crucial to detect and treat them in pets.

Common Parasites in Puppies and Kittens

There are several types of parasites that can affect puppies and kittens, including:

  • Roundworms: These are the most common intestinal parasites in puppies and kittens. They can be transmitted from the mother to her offspring during pregnancy or through the mother's milk.
  • Hookworms: These parasites can also be passed from the mother to her offspring and can cause anemia and weight loss in puppies and kittens.
  • Tapeworms: These parasites are transmitted through the ingestion of infected fleas or rodents and can cause weight loss and irritation around the anus.
  • Coccidia: These are single-celled parasites that can cause diarrhea and dehydration in puppies and kittens.
  • Giardia: This parasite is transmitted through contaminated water and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Early Detection Is Key

Parasites can be difficult to detect in puppies and kittens, as they may not show any symptoms until the infestation is severe. This is why regular parasite testing is crucial, especially in young animals. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, preventing serious health issues and potential transmission to other pets or humans.

How Is Parasite Testing Done?

Parasite testing in puppies and kittens is typically done through a fecal analysis. This involves collecting a small sample of your pet's stool for analysis. The sample is examined under a microscope to look for the presence of parasite eggs or larvae.

FeLV and FIV in Kitens

One important aspect of kitten health is testing for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). These two viruses can have serious consequences for your kitten's health, so it's important to understand what they are and how to test for them.

Why is Testing Important?

Early Detection and Treatment

The most important reason for testing your kitten for FeLV and FIV is early detection and treatment. If your kitten is infected with either virus, early detection can help you start treatment and manage their symptoms before they become more serious.

Protecting Other Cats

FeLV and FIV are highly contagious, and infected cats can spread the viruses to other cats. By testing your kitten and knowing their status, you can take precautions to protect other cats in your household and community.

Peace of Mind

Knowing your kitten's FeLV and FIV status can give you peace of mind and allow you to provide the best care for your furry friend. If your kitten tests negative, you can rest assured that they are healthy and free from these viruses.

Spaying and Neutering

Green Hills Veterinary Clinic puppies

Spaying and neutering your puppy or kitten can have numerous health benefits. For female pets, spaying can prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are often cancerous. It also eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer. For male pets, neutering can prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostate problems. It can also decrease the likelihood of your pet developing certain behavioral issues, such as aggression and roaming.

Join the Green Hills Veterinary Clinic Family Today!

Phone: 660-263-9797

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