Your Pet's First Year

What to Expect During Your Pet's First Year

If you're a new parent of a puppy or kitten, you're sure to have some questions about their healthcare. At Northeast Animal Hospital, we offer a healthcare guide to help you get familiar with what to expect during your pet's first year.

Contact us today or fill out our online form to request an appointment for veterinary or wellness services!

Puppy Healthcare Guide

• Day 1: The day following a normal, uncomplicated delivery, the mother and puppies should have a general exam.
• Days 3 - 5: The puppy's tails and dewclaws are docked, if necessary.
• Week 3: Puppies are checked for intestinal parasites and we discuss weaning.
• Week 8: The puppy receives its first vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHPP), and coronavirus. A parasite test, deworming, and physical exam are also performed. Heartworm preventative is started. We also discuss dietary needs.
• Week 12: The puppy receives its second DH(L)PP vaccination (vaccine for leptospirosis may be discussed, depending on the dog's breed and risk of exposure), and coronavirus. A parasite test, deworming, and physical exam are completed.
• Week 16: The third DH(L)PP vaccination and Bordetella vaccine are provided, as well as a parasite test, deworming, and physical exam. We may discuss the optional Lyme vaccine.
• Week 19: A  rabies vaccine is provided along with the second Lyme vaccine, if applicable.
• Boosters: Puppies receive boosters for DH(L)PP and Bordetella. The rabies booster is provided with puppy vaccines in one year and then again every three years. A parasite test, heartworm test, and physical exam are provided.
• Months 5-15: Spaying or neutering is typically completed within this age range.

The first signs of illness are typically fatigue and unexplained loss of appetite. More pronounced symptoms follow. If your suspect your pet is sick, take their temperature with a rectal thermometer and examine their eyes, nose, mouth, and breathing rate. Call the veterinarian promptly so we 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) considered average. We encourage you to ask questions regarding your pet's care, dietary needs, fleas and other parasite control. Call us at (601) 258-3007.

Kitten Healthcare Guide

• Day 1: On the first day following a normal, uncomplicated delivery, kittens and their mother should receive a general examination.
• Weeks 4-5: Kittens are inspected for intestinal parasites and we discuss weaning.
• Week 8: The kitten receives its first vaccinations for panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and chlamydia (4 in 1or FVRCP). A parasite test, deworming, and a physical exam are completed.
• Week 12: The kitten receives its second 4-in-1 (FVRCP) vaccination, parasite test, deworming and physical exam.
• Week 16: The third 4 in 1 (FVRCP) vaccination and first feline leukemia vaccination are provided. A parasite test, deworming, and physical exam are completed.
• Week 19: The rabies vaccination and second feline leukemia vaccination are completed.
• Boosters: FVRCP (Panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydia) and leukemia shots are provided yearly. The rabies shot is provided with kitten vaccines in one year, and then again every three years. A parasite test and physical exam is completed.
• Months 5-15: Spaying or neutering is typically completed within this age range.

The first signs of illness are typically fatigue and unexplained loss of appetite. More pronounced symptoms follow. If your suspect your pet is sick, take their temperature with a rectal thermometer and examine their eyes, nose, mouth, and breathing rate. Call the veterinarian promptly so we can decide if your pet needs immediate treatment.

The normal temperature for cats ranges from  99.5 (F) to 102.5 (F), with 101.5 (F) considered average. We encourage you to ask questions regarding your pet's care, dietary needs, fleas and other parasite control. Call us at (601) 258-3007.