Essential Tips for First-Time Pet Owners: Caring for Your New Puppy or Kitten
For first-time pet owners, taking care of a puppy or kitten can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are several important aspects to consider ensuring that your furry friend grows up healthy and happy. At Two by Two, we understand how crucial it is to educate clients on several topics to ensure best practices that will give pets a long and prosperous quality of life.
Vaccines, Deworming, and Anti-Parasitic Protocols
Vaccines, deworming, and anti-parasitic protocols are crucial to the health of puppies and kittens. Your veterinarian will always be your best source of vaccine and prevention recommendations to keep your pet and your human family safe. Vaccines and deworming start as early as 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. It’s important to keep your pet indoors until they are fully vaccinated. Additionally, your pet’s stool should be tested to rule out any intestinal parasites that can be harmful to you and potentially your human family if left undiagnosed and untreated.
About 50% of puppies are coprophagic, a condition where they ingest their own feces. Most will grow out of this behavior with time, maturity, and positive reinforcement. However, during the deworming phase, pets with this behavior may re-ingest the intestinal parasites expelled by the dewormer, causing extended autoinfection. Flea/tick and heartworm prevention are generally administered as once-a-month medications and come in topical and oral forms.
Nutrition and Growth
Puppies and kittens require a diet high in protein and fat to support their growth and development. It is important to choose a high-quality, age-appropriate food that meets their daily nutritional needs. We often recommend Royal Canin or Hill’s Science Diet for their quality and scientific studies behind their products, with the intention to transition to adult variations after 12 months.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying (ovariohysterectomy for females) and neutering (castration for males) can help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain behavioral and health problems, such as inappropriate urination, excessive libido, running away from home (which can result in being hit by a car), and various reproductive diseases and cancers. In states like Nevada, it is illegal to keep pets intact without a business license.
Wellness Plans and Pet Medical Insurance
Wellness plans and pet medical insurance are two important options for pet owners to consider. Wellness plans are a monthly fee paid to a veterinary clinic that covers routine preventive care, such as vaccines, deworming, and check-ups. Pet medical insurance is similar to human health insurance, with monthly premiums paid to assist in covering the cost of unexpected medical expenses. Both plans are beneficial over the life of the pet, but if you can only choose one, we recommend pet medical insurance.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations on your new addition! Take your furry loved one to your veterinarian as soon as possible for a proper physical exam, friendly conversation, and the best recommendations to further understand what you and your family have just acquired. Remember, the best time to sign up for pet medical insurance is after the first physical exam and/or before a health concern arises to avoid any stipulations on pre-existing conditions. By taking these steps, you will be well on your way to providing your furry family members with the best health care practices.
At Two by Two, we are dedicated to supporting new pet owners with guidance and care. Ensuring your pet’s health and well-being from the start will lead to a happy, healthy life for your new furry friend.
By: Dr. Owens
