The Absolute Best Pet Care when Bringing a New Pet Home

New pets are incredible additions to the family, and here at Bayside Animal Hospital, we want to help you provide your new cat or dog with the best care as you begin your life together. Caring for a new kitten or puppy’s health requires collaboration with a veterinarian you can trust, as they become your point of contact for all of your pet’s health and wellness needs. At Bayside Animal Hospital, we offer everything from routine wellness exams to emergency services, pet dental, and more. As you embark on a new journey with your pet, please use this short guide to cover all the bases when creating your new cat or dog’s healthcare plan.

Vaccinations

If you have a new puppy or kitten, you’ll want to take them to the vet as early as possible to inquire about their vaccinations. A puppy or kitten ‘s vaccine schedule may start when your pet is between 6 and 8 weeks old. After the first round of initial shots to protect them from illness and disease, they will receive two or three additional booster shots to help build their immunity until they are around 16 weeks old.

All new pets you adopt should come with vaccination records, but if they don’t, please speak with our team about how to proceed with pet vaccinations in order to best protect your furry friends. A new puppy should receive their DAPP shots (Distemper, Adenovirus or Canine Infectious Hepatitis, Canine Parainfluenza, and Rabies. Kittens receive FVRCP vaccines, which protect against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis or the Herpes Virus, Feline Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, and Rabies. Vaccines are tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and need here at Bayside Animal Hospital, which means we won’t suggest vaccinations that aren’t necessary for your pet’s particular lifestyle. 

Wellness Visits

Annual wellness visits protect your pet from many common illnesses. Our veterinary staff checks your pet’s vitals, ensures they’re a healthy weight, and will address any concerns or abnormalities that come up during their exam. Humans should have a routine physical, and cats and dogs need wellness check-ups to identify any early symptoms and protect their health. Your new pet’s first vet visit is one of the most important ones. 

Adult cats and dogs should have an annual veterinary check-up at least once a year. Senior pets over the age of 7 will benefit from wellness exams every six months. These wellness visits can help prevent and treat many of the common health problems older pets can quickly develop, such as arthritis, diabetes, and vision problems.

Microchipping

Pets of all ages can be microchipped, which helps reunite them with you if they become lost. Microchips are inserted under the skin and come with a unique identification number, which is registered to the manufacturer’s database. Even if your pet runs away in another state, their information can be found so long as they’re scanned. Most adopted pets are already microchipped, but if yours isn’t, you can have the procedure done right here at Bayside. Microchips do not wear out, expire, or require surgery. The process is about as painful as having blood drawn and is done in a matter of seconds.

Parasite Prevention

Heartworm, tick, and flea prevention should be a part of every pet’s wellness plan. Bayside offers a variety of vet-approved products to provide your new kitten, puppy, cat, or dog with a lifetime of protection from parasites and illness. This preventative can also protect your pet against associated health problems such as weight loss, diarrhea, and heart damage.

Preventative care is one of our specialties. From curbside pick-up to our online store, we offer everything you need to make sure you always have access to your pet’s essential health supplies.

If you have any questions about pet care or would like to arrange an appointment, contact us at Bayside Animal Hospital today.