Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it is also a lot of work. Puppies and kittens should be cared for in a manner that is appropriate for their ages, stages of development, and breeds. At Oxford Animal Hospital, serving The Villages and Oxford, FL, our veterinarian provides kitten and puppy care to ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy. We will also guide you on how to care for your new pet at home and answer any questions you have. Here are some tips to get you started.
Puppy Care
Puppies grow quickly, and because of this, they need to eat several times a day, up to four times a day. Their diets need to be well-rounded and full of all the nutrients needed to grow. High-quality puppy food will need to be given to them until they reach one year of age, first with moist or wet food until the ages of about four or five months. Our veterinarian will guide you on how and what to feed your puppy to make sure it develops correctly.
As they grow, puppies will need special veterinary care. This includes vaccinations, specifically against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and sometimes other diseases, depending on where you live. Puppies also require flea and tick prevention medications to avoid infestations.
You'll want to provide your puppy with safe toys to chew on, plenty of clean water, and behavioral training, along with ample socialization. This includes regular walks and playtime outside. While your puppy is young, consider getting it used to regular dental brushing for easier pet dental visits as it ages.
Kitten Care
Kittens need less medical attention at the beginning of their lives compared to puppies, but still benefit from routine examinations with our veterinarian. We will monitor your kitten’s growth and make sure it is healthy. Kittens need certain vaccinations, and our vet will guide you on when your pet needs them.
Provide your kitten with its very own safe space, like a covered kennel with an open door and a bed, or a kitty house on top of a tall post made especially for cats. Kittens will also need specially formulated kitten food until they are about a year old, being fed around three times a day until they reach about six months. Then, you can back off to two servings per day until they are around one year old. Start transitioning from wet food to dry food around the six-month mark.
Spend time every day cuddling and playing with your kitten. Kittens enjoy toys and games and getting treats from you when they listen to you. Try getting your kitten accustomed to having its nails clipped early. Even though most kittens do well with the litter box from the start, it's essential to make sure your kitten uses it consistently and correctly before letting it roam to multiple levels of your home.
Visit Our Veterinarian in The Villages, FL for Puppy and Kitten Care
If you have a new pet, it is important that it gets an initial checkup. Instead of searching for a ‘veterinarian near me’, visit our team at Oxford Animal Hospital, serving Oxford and The Villages, FL. We will answer any questions you have. Call us today to schedule an appointment.