Puppy Care & Kitten Care in Fenton, MO

Regular Vet Visits

The first step in caring for your new pet is to schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. These visits are important for monitoring your pet's health and ensuring they are up to date on vaccinations. We can also provide you with personalized advice on how to care for your specific breed of puppy or kitten.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are crucial for the health and well-being of your new pet. They protect them from potentially life-threatening diseases and help build their immune system. Puppies and kittens are particularly vulnerable to diseases as their immune systems are not fully developed.

Vaccinations protect your pet against a variety of diseases, including:

• Canine Distemper: A highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects a dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
• Feline Panleukopenia: A viral disease that affects cats and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
• Rabies: A deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans and other animals through the bite of an infected animal.
• Feline Leukemia: A viral disease that affects cats and can lead to anemia, cancer, and other serious health issues.
• Canine Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that affects a dog's gastrointestinal tract and can be fatal if left untreated.

Recommended Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Kittens

The recommended vaccination schedule for puppies and kittens may vary depending on their age, health, and lifestyle. It is important to consult with us to determine the best vaccination plan for your pet. However, here is a general guideline for the recommended vaccinations for puppies and kittens:

Puppies

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Parainfluenza (DHPP) vaccine
• 10-12 weeks: DHPP vaccine, Leptospirosis vaccine, and Bordetella vaccine
• 14-16 weeks: DHPP vaccine, Leptospirosis vaccine, and Rabies vaccine
• 12-16 months: DHPP vaccine, Leptospirosis vaccine, and Rabies vaccine (booster)

Kittens

• 6-8 weeks: Feline Distemper (FVRCP) vaccine
• 10-12 weeks: FVRCP vaccine
• 14-16 weeks: FVRCP vaccine, and Rabies vaccine
• 12-16 months: FVRCP vaccine and Rabies vaccine (booster)

FeLV and FIV Testing in Kittens

FeLV and FIV are two of the most common and serious infectious diseases in cats. These viruses can weaken a kitten's immune system, making them more susceptible to other illnesses and infections. If left untreated, these diseases can be fatal.

How Do Kittens Get Infected with Felv and Fiv?

FeLV and FIV are primarily transmitted through saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids. Kittens can become infected through:

• Mother's milk: If a mother cat is infected with FeLV or FIV, she can pass the virus on to her kittens through her milk.
• Bites: Kittens can become infected if they are bitten by an infected cat.
• Shared food and water bowls: If an infected cat shares food and water bowls with a healthy kitten, the virus can be transmitted.
• Grooming: Cats can also transmit the virus through mutual grooming, especially if there are open wounds or sores on the skin.

Symptoms of Felv and Fiv in Kittens

It's important to note that not all kittens infected with FeLV or FIV will show symptoms. However, some common signs to look out for include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Pale gums
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Respiratory infections
• Dental problems
• Poor coat condition

If you notice any of these symptoms in your kitten, it's crucial to take them to a veterinarian for testing and treatment.

Parasites

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism, known as the host, and feed off of them. Puppies and kittens are particularly vulnerable to parasites as their immune systems are still developing. Parasites can cause a range of health issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, and even death. Some parasites can also be transmitted to humans, making it crucial to detect and treat them early on.

Parasite Testing

There are several methods available for parasite testing in puppies and kittens. The most common methods include fecal testing, blood testing, and skin scraping.

Proper Nutrition

Just like humans, pets need a balanced and nutritious diet to thrive. It is important to choose a high-quality pet food that is appropriate for your pet's age and size. We will recommend the best food for your pet and guide portion sizes and feeding schedules. It is also important to avoid giving your pet table scraps or human food, as this can lead to health issues.

Socialization and Training

Proper socialization and training are crucial for puppies and kittens. It is important to expose them to different people, animals, and environments at a young age to help them become well-adjusted adults. We can guide how to socialize your pet and recommend training classes or techniques to help them learn basic commands and behaviors. It's important to make sure you pet is up-to-date on vaccinations prior to exposing them to other animals. Check with us first to make sure it's safe to expose your new pet.

Exercise and Playtime

Puppies and kittens are full of energy and need plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. Regular walks, play sessions, and interactive toys can help keep your pet physically and mentally stimulated. We will recommend appropriate exercise routines and provide tips on how to keep your pet entertained and engaged.

Health Concerns

It is important to be aware of any potential health concerns that may affect your pet. Puppies and kittens are more susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases, so it is important to keep an eye out for any symptoms. We will provide you with information on common health issues and how to prevent them, as well as what to do if your pet shows signs of illness.