At Taconic Veterinary Center, our team wants to help you establish your new puppy or kitten’s care to set the stage for a happy and healthy life. Our puppy and kitten care consists of series of exams 3 to 4 weeks apart so we can keep track of their growth and maintain their health. We provide essential care including physical exams and immunizations. Our veterinarians will create a vaccination plan that includes a set of core and lifestyle vaccines that best fit you and your new pet.
Schedule your puppy or kitten’s first appointment at Taconic Veterinary Center today!
PUPPY CARE TIPS
KITTEN CARE TIPS
FIRST EXAMS/VACCINES
INITIAL EXAMS
Puppies and kittens bring a lot of joy into our lives and providing proper care for our pets is crucial to their well-being. Our team is excited to meet your new companion and provide them with the high quality care they deserve.
First Exam
Your puppy or kitten’s first exam typically occurs at eight weeks of age. During this exam, we will establish a baseline for your new companion’s health and administer their first round of vaccinations:
For Puppies and Kittens:
- Distemper
- Deworming
Follow Up Exams
Your follow up appointments will be every 3 to 4 weeks. In these appointments, your veterinarian will continue to track your pet’s growth and development, as well as provide the necessary vaccinations to set the stage for your pet’s happy and healthy life with you. These vaccines include core vaccines and lifestyle vaccines:
Core Vaccinations:
- Distemper
- Rabies
- Feline Leukemia (Kittens)
Lifestyle Vaccinations:
- Leptospirosis (Puppies)
- Lyme (Puppies)
- Bordetella (Puppies)
- Influenza
- Feline Leukemia (Adult Cats)
Should I Spay or Neuter My Pet?
We recommend all pets be spayed or neutered to prevent health and behavioral problems. Your veterinarian can recommend when their surgery should take place according to your pet’s individual needs.
How Can I Potty Train My Puppy?
How Do I Set A Potty Training Schedule?
- First thing in the morning
- Last thing at night
- After spending time in a crate
- Upon waking up from a nap
- After eating or drinking
- Time between potty brakes should be no more than 2-4 hours
How Do I Crate Train My Puppy?
- Dogs like clean “home” areas and are less likely to have accidents
- Place crate near exterior door for quick relief
- The crate should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lay down
When Should I Reinforce Good Behavior?
- Don’t scold your puppy for having an accident
- Praise them for doing the right thing
- Reward them with treats, pats, and attention
How To Prevent Bad Behavior
Providing proper outlets for your puppy’s energy and praising them for good behavior is key to preventing unwanted behavior.
What Can My Puppy Chew On?
- Chewing is a calming mechanism for puppies
- Keep chewing toys around the house; when they start to chew on toys instead of household objects, give them praise
How Do I Stop My Puppy From Barking?
- Scolding your puppy when they bark can make it worse; instead, ignore barking and praise quiet
- Training your dog to sit helps them fight impulsive barking when they want something
How Do I Stop My Puppy From Begging At the Table?
- Feed them first before you eat
- Create a cozy “go-to” spot near the table where they can be comfortable
- Praise them with treats when they don’t beg
Tips for Feeding Your Puppy
A proper diet and nutrition provides your puppy with energy to play and explore.
How Often Do I Feed My Puppy?
- 6-12 weeks: 4x a day
- 3-6 months: 3x a day
- 6-12 months: 2x a day
- After a year: 2 half portions a day
- Watch your puppy to gauge if they are eating healthy
What Food Should I Feed My Puppy?
- Look for AAFCO guidelines
- Look for age and health specific formulas
- Ask your vet for tailored recommendations
What Foods Are Harmful to Puppies?
- Dairy
- Chocolate
- Grapes & Raisins
- Sugary foods or desserts
- Macadamia nuts
- Avocados
- No foods with xylitol
How Do I Prepare My House for a Kitten?
If you’re new to pet ownership, there are a few ways you can ease your kitten’s transition into their new home.
What Things Should I Buy for A Kitten?
- Scratch posts (helps preserve furniture!)
- Litter boxes, cat carriers, and food and water bowls
- Stain and odor remover
What Should I Move Out of the Way?
- Toxic plants
- Cleaners and sprays
- Any dog food that might be in the house
How Can I Make My Cat Comfortable?
- Bed and blanket
- Small, cozy space
- Grooming supplies
- Pheromone products
How Do I Play with My Kitten?
We recommend regularly engaging your kitten in playtime to help nurture your new relationship.
How Do I Play Safely with My Kitten?
- Use balls, jingles, anything on a string, and cotton chew toys
- Avoid “play” with your hands to avoid injury when full grown
What Are the Benefits of Playing with Your Kitten?
- Strengthens your bond with your kitten
- Allows them to release energy that could lead to damage
- Builds trust and comfort for them within a new home
How Often Should I Play With My Kitten?
- 20+ minutes of play per day
- Set aside at least two times a day preferably early in the morning and evening
Feeding Your New Kitten
Since there are a lot of choices when deciding what to feed your pet, we’ve included some tips on how to feed your feline friend.
How Often Should I Feed My Kitten?
- Wet food only: feed at least four times a day
What Should I Feed My Kitten?
- Look for AAFCO guidelines
- Look for age and health specific formulas
- Ask your vet for tailored recommendations
What Foods Are Harmful to Kittens?
- Raw meats, eggs, and fish
- Grapes, chocolate, and dairy
- Plants, for example lilies and poinsettias
