You just adopted a new puppy or kitten – congratulations!
This page will highlight what you need to know to keep your new furry family member happy and healthy!
General Health Exam
One of the most important parts of the first visit with your veterinarian is the physical exam. Your veterinarian will check your pet from nose to toes, and have a discussion about your new pet’s lifestyle. An exam can help detect congenital issues, diseases, or general things that you may want to monitor as your pet grows. Some things your veterinarian might check include:
- Teeth – does your pet have a normal bite? Do they still have all of their baby teeth? Do they have a cleft palate or other abnormalities in the mouth? These are all important things to check to ensure their adult teeth erupt normally.
- Heart – does your pet have a murmur or arrhythmia? Some young animals can have a low grade “physiologic” murmur, meaning it will go away with growth. Other animals can have congenital heart murmurs that will be present for life. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you about your pet’s heart health after taking a good listen to their chest!
- Abdomen – is the abdomen soft and comfortable? Does you pet have lots of gas and fluid in their belly? Sometimes this can indicate intestinal worms, other times it may mean your pet has a sensitive tummy to food and treats. Your veterinarian can make recommendations based on your pet’s physical exam and lifestyle!
- Muscle and bones – is your pet an ideal weight for growth? Are there any concerns with their bones or joints? Your veterinarian will often check the knee caps to make sure they are in a normal position, check for extra toes, and often check for breed specific conditions.
- Genitourinary – does your male pet have both testicles, and does your female pet have a normal vulva?
These things are only part of the first visit! The first visit is also an excellent opportunity to discuss vaccines, parasites, spay or neuter procedures, and so much more!
Vaccines
The following vaccines may be recommended for your pet:
| Dog Vaccines | What does it mean? |
| Rabies | All mammals including humans are at risk of contracting the Rabies virus. Infection with Rabies is inevitably fatal. In Ontario, the Rabies vaccine is required by law in all domestic species. |
| DHPP or DAPP | DAPP stands for Distemper, Adenovirus/Herpesvirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. These are all viral diseases, some of which can be fatal. The DAPP vaccine is considered a “core” vaccine, meaning these diseases are widespread, can cause serious illness, and are highly contagious. It is recommended in all dogs no matter the lifestyle. |
| Lepto | Lepto or Leptospirosis is a bacteria that can be found in soil and water. It is typically transmitted through wildlife urine. Your puppy may be at risk if they live in an area with wildlife, will be spending time outdoors, going hiking/camping, or have any opportunity to drink from contaminated water. This vaccine is highly recommended in most dogs, but is a “non-core” vaccine. |
| Bordetella | Bordetella or Bordetellosis is one of the bacterial causes for “kennel cough”. Kennel cough is spread through direct contact with infected dogs. Your puppy may be at risk if they are going to puppy classes, grooming, boarding or kennel facilities, dog parks, or dog shows. This is a “non-core” vaccine. |
| Lyme | Lyme disease or Borreliosis is spread through the bite of infected ticks. The Lyme vaccine is recommended for dogs who will be travelling to high risk tick areas. Tick control remains the most important method to prevent infections. This is a “non-core” vaccine. |
| Cat Vaccines | What does it mean? |
| Rabies | All mammals including humans are at risk of contracting the Rabies virus. Infection with Rabies is inevitably fatal. In Ontario, the Rabies vaccine is required by law in all domestic species. |
| RCP | RCP stands for Rhinotracheitis (or Herpesvirus), Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. Herpesvirus and Calicivirus are considered “cold” viruses – they may cause runny eyes, nasal discharge, sneezing, oral ulcers, and sometimes decreased appetite. Panleukopenia can be a fatal virus in cats. The RCP vaccine is considered a “core” vaccine, meaning these diseases are widespread, can cause serious illness, and are highly contagious. It is recommended in all cats no matter the lifestyle. |
| FeLV | FeLV or Feline Leukemia Virus can cause serious illness in cats, and once infected, they carry the virus for life. FeLV is transmitted through bodily fluids, like cat bites or scratches. Kittens are at higher risk of infection. All kittens under one year of age should be vaccinated against feline leukemia virus (FeLV) because they are at greatest risk for infection. Adult cats that go outside or that live with any FeLV-infected cat should be vaccinated. This is a “non-core” vaccine. |
For more information about the vaccines and diseases listed above, please visit the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association website at:
CVMA: Vaccination and your dog
CVMA: Vaccination and your cat
Why do we recommend booster vaccines?
Young animals typically require 3 sets of booster vaccines. When they are very young, puppies and kittens receive most of their immune protection from their maternal antibodies. As a puppy or kitten ages, they begin to lose their maternal antibodies and start developing their own immune system.
By 7-8 weeks of age, there is a window of susceptibility where the maternal antibody levels decline, but the puppy or kitten has not developed their own immune system yet. The first DAPP or RCP vaccine is typically given around 8 weeks of age in order to stimulate the immune system so that your puppy or kitten has some protection against these viruses.
By 11-12 weeks of age, the maternal immunity is just starting to fall low enough that it no longer blocks the vaccine from producing an immune response. Your puppy or kitten may have a partial or full immune response to their vaccines. This is why other vaccines like Lepto, Lyme, Bordetella, or FeLV are added to their vaccine protocol at this stage.
By 15-16 weeks of age, the maternal immunity has fallen low enough to allow a full immune response to vaccines. Final booster vaccines are given if indicated, and the Rabies vaccine is typically given at this visit.
Parasite Prevention
Ticks, fleas, and worms, oh my!
Parasites are also a major topic of discussion at the first visit. Did you know that puppies and kittens can actually get infected with worms through their mother? Even if your pet will be spending a lot of time indoors, there is still risk of parasite exposure from the moment they are born.
Here is a brief overview of some of the parasites we see in puppies and kittens. For more detailed information, visit our Parasite Page.
Roundworms:
Roundworm larvae can be passed through the placenta or through milk! Pets can also pick up roundworms from grooming, directly from their environment, or from scavenging/hunting. Roundworm infections in young animals can cause stunted growth, a pot-bellied appearance, and diarrhea. In addition, roundworms are zoonotic meaning they can be passed to humans! We routinely deworm puppies and kittens for roundworms.
Hookworms:
Similar to roundworms, hookworms can be transmitted through the placenta or through milk, from the environment, through grooming, etc. However, hookworms feed on blood in the intestines and can cause significant blood loss. A young animal with a hookworm infection may present with pale gums and weakness (signs of anemia), weight loss, bloody diarrhea, or failure to thrive. Hookworm larvae can also be transmitted to humans. We routinely deworm puppies and kittens for hookworms.
Tapeworms:
Unlike roundworms and hookworms, tapeworms need to pass through an intermediate host before it can infect your pet. So how would your puppy or kitten be infected with tapeworms? Mainly by ingesting fleas, rodents, or fecal material containing tapeworm larva. Tapeworm infection in young animals can lead to poor growth, anemia, or intestinal blockages (in severe cases). We do not routinely deworm puppies and kittens for tapeworms, however if your pet might be considered higher risk for tapeworm infection, your veterinarian will often suggest alternative deworming options.
Giardia:
Giardia is a microscopic parasite (not a worm) that can live in your pet’s intestines. Puppies and kittens can be infected with giardia by ingesting water or other substances that have been contaminated with infected feces. Many pets will not develop any clinical signs from giardia, but some may present with diarrhea, weight loss, or poor condition. We do NOT routinely treat for giardia. If your veterinarian suspects giardia, they may suggest testing a fecal sample. Once giardia has been diagnosed, your veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate medications.
Ticks:
Ticks are active whenever it is above 4 degrees Celcius, and they are certainly prevalent in our area. It is a misconception that ticks are only found in long grasses; they can be in piles of leaves or even in mowed grass. For any pet that is spending a lot of time outdoors, we are recommending year round tick prevention. For pets who spend more time indoors, your veterinarian will discuss their tick risk and can recommend when to give tick prevention.
Fleas:
Fleas are one of the most common parasites in cats and dogs! Your pet may be exposed to fleas just from being outdoors, or around other animals that have fleas. Animals with fleas can be quite itchy, especially on their sides and by the base of the tail. You may also notice a black “dandruff” – this is flea dirt, or flea poop! There are many different options for treating and preventing fleas. Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s flea risk and prevention options!
Training
With young puppies and kittens comes lots of training! Working on training and positive reinforcement when they are young can help prevent unwanted behaviours as adults. We often use training tips from Dr. Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM (CA), a veterinarian and behavourist. Check out some of his training resources below!
Puppies:
Dealing with Problem Behaviours – Jumping up, Getting on Counters and Furniture
Guide to Crate and Confinement Training
Puppy mouthing, nipping, and biting – Bite Inhibition and Teaching off
Socialization for puppy owners
Kittens:
Socialization for kitten owners
Spay/Neuter
Once your puppy or kitten’s booster vaccines are completed, the next visit is usually the spay or neuter surgery!
In cats, it is recommended to spay/neuter around 6 months old.
In female dogs, it is recommended to spay around 6 months old, before their first heat cycle.
In male small breed dogs, it is recommended to neuter around 6 months old.
In male large breed dogs, it is recommended to neuter around 1 year old
Spay/neuter surgery comes with some medical benefits! Spaying can help prevent uterine infections and mammary cancer, while neutering prevents testicular cancer and prostate disease. For more information about the medical benefits of spay/neuter surgery, check out the ASPCA website here.
Prior to surgery, your veterinarian may recommend pre-anesthetic blood work. We routinely do blood work before surgery, as it allows us to make adjustments to your pet’s anesthetic plan if anything flags as abnormal. It is also an excellent way to get normal baseline blood work while your pet is young, which we can refer to if they are sick in the future. At Norwich Veterinary Service, we can perform pre-anesthetic blood work the morning of surgery!
We also offer microchipping and ear tattoo identification at the time of spay/neuter surgery.
All of our surgery patients receive IV fluid therapy and pain management.
References:
norwichvet.com 