Pet Wellness

Puppy & Kitten Wellness: Exams, Vaccinations & More for New Pets

As soon as you choose a new puppy or kitten, contact your Ramsey Animal Clinic veterinarian to schedule the first appointment. This initial wellness exam determines your new pet’s overall health and identifies any congenital problems or medical conditions that will require attention.

We begin with a complete physical exam, including an intestinal parasite test and discussion of such topics as proper feeding, socialization, potty training, behavioral concerns, and disease prevention.

Vaccinations for Puppies & Kittens

Puppies, starting at about six weeks of age, may receive the following basic vaccines:

Distemper/hepatitis/parainfluenza/parvovirus (DHPP) vaccine: 4 vaccinations
LEPTO vaccine: 2 vaccinations, starting at 12 weeks
Rabies vaccine: at 16 weeks of age
Bordetella vaccine: if risk of exposure to other animals

Kittens, starting at about six weeks of age, may receive the following vaccines:

Rhinotracheitis/calicivirus/panleukepenia (FVRCP) vaccine: 4 vaccinations
Rabies vaccine: at 16 weeks of age
Feline leukemia testing: at first visit
Feline leukemia vaccine: two vaccinations

In addition to vaccines, we perform diagnostic tests and procedures as needed, including basic blood work, health tests such as fecal exams, and deworming. Parasite prevention is often initiated at the first visit and continued throughout the patient’s life.

The AAHA Healthy Pet website offers articles about vaccinations for your pets or dog.

Spay & Neuter Pets

If you are not a breeder, we recommend spaying or neutering your young pet before he or she reaches maturity. We typically schedule this procedure after the six-month wellness visit. We are pleased to discuss your concerns or questions about spay or neuter surgery at any time.

Spaying renders your female dog or cat infertile through the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus under a general anesthetic. Neutering renders your male dog or cat infertile through the surgical removal of the testicles under a general anesthetic. Read more about our advanced surgery and anesthesia.

The process of spaying or neutering is quite safe and affords many benefits to pets and owners, such as leaving pets healthier by preventing cancer, uterine infections, prostate problems, and more; reducing or eliminating many behavioral problems including urine marking, aggression, and roaming; and helping reduce feral and domestic pet overpopulation and extermination.

Learn more reasons to spay and neuter your puppy or kitten from Pet Health Network.

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Ramsey Animal Clinic