Essential Tips for New Puppy and Kitten Pet Parents

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is one of life's most rewarding experiences. These early months are crucial for establishing healthy habits, building trust, and ensuring your new family member grows into a happy, well-adjusted pet. Here's your comprehensive guide to starting this journey on the right paw!

Preparing for Your First Veterinary Visit

Your first veterinary appointment sets the foundation for your pet's lifelong health. Here's what you need to prepare:

9 Essential Steps for Pet Care

1. Choosing the Right Veterinarian

   • Research local veterinary clinics
   • Read reviews from other pet parents
   • Consider location and emergency services
   • Look for vets experienced with your pet's breed

2. Visit the Clinic Ahead of Time

   • Familiarize yourself with the location
   • Meet the staff and veterinarian
   • Understand their services and policies
   • Check their hours and emergency protocols

3. Bring Complete Health Records

   • Previous vaccination records
   • Medical history from breeder or shelter
   • Any known allergies or sensitivities
   • Current medications or supplements

4. Microchip Information

   • Essential for pet identification
   • Permanent form of ID that can't be lost
   • Increases chances of reunion if lost
   • Update registration with your contact details

5. Dietary Details

   • Current food brand and type
   • Feeding schedule and portions
   • Any known food sensitivities
   • Treats and supplements being used

6. Transportation Accessories

   • Secure carrier or crate
   • Comfortable bedding
   • Water bowl for longer trips
   • Favorite toy for comfort

7. Reward Treats

   • Bring healthy treats for positive reinforcement
   • Make the vet visit a positive experience
   • Help your pet associate visits with good things
   • Ask your vet for treat recommendations

8. Professional Training Considerations

   • Discuss socialization strategies
   • Ask about puppy/kitten classes
   • Learn about basic obedience training
   • Get advice on common behavioral issues

9. Prepare Your Questions

   • Write down concerns before your visit
   • Ask about breed-specific health issues
   • Discuss preventive care strategies
   • Inquire about pet insurance options

What to Expect During the Examination

10 Key Aspects of Veterinary Examination

1. Comprehensive Physical Examination

   • Head-to-tail health assessment
   • Checking ears, eyes, and teeth
   • Listening to heart and lungs
   • Palpating abdomen and joints

2. Vaccination Administration

   • Core vaccines for disease prevention
   • Schedule for booster shots
   • Discussion of optional vaccines
   • Monitoring for adverse reactions

3. Parasite Control

   • Flea and tick prevention
   • External parasite examination
   • Treatment options discussion
   • Year-round protection planning

4. Deworming

   • Fecal examination for internal parasites
   • Appropriate deworming medication
   • Prevention strategies
   • Re-treatment schedule if needed

5. Nutritional Guidance

   • Age-appropriate diet recommendations
   • Portion control advice
   • Supplement discussions
   • Weight monitoring plan

6. Microchipping

   • Safe, permanent identification
   • Quick, minimally painful procedure
   • Registration information
   • Importance of keeping info updated

7. Movement and Sleeping Habits

   • Gait and mobility assessment
   • Joint health evaluation
   • Rest patterns discussion
   • Exercise recommendations

8. Dental Health Assessment

   • Teeth and gum examination
   • Dental care recommendations
   • Home dental care tips
   • Future dental procedure planning

9. Creating Comprehensive Health Records

   • Documenting all findings
   • Establishing baseline health data
   • Creating vaccination schedule
   • Planning future care

10. Addressing Your Questions

    • Discussing your concerns
    • Providing educational resources
    • Creating personalized care plan
    • Scheduling follow-up appointments

Understanding Vaccinations

Vaccinations are your pet's first line of defense against serious diseases:

For Puppies:

• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
• Rabies (required by law)
• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Leptospirosis (in high-risk areas)

For Kittens:

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
• Rabies (required by law)
• FeLV (Feline Leukemia) for outdoor cats

Remember: Prevention is always better than treatment!

Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines

Dietary Recommendations

For Puppies:

• High-quality puppy food formulated for growth
• 3-4 meals daily until 6 months old
• Transition to adult food around 12 months (varies by breed)
• Avoid human food and toxic items (chocolate, grapes, onions)

For Kittens:

• Kitten-specific formula for proper development
• 3-4 small meals throughout the day
• Fresh water always available
• Transition to adult food around 12 months

Feeding Best Practices

• Establish consistent feeding times
• Measure portions to prevent overfeeding
• Monitor body condition and weight
• Limit treats to 10% of daily calories
• Avoid sudden diet changes

Special Offer at MyPeterinarian!

Get 50% discount on your first bag of puppy or kitten food, plus receive 1 stamp on our loyalty card (klippekort)!

Building a Strong Foundation

The first few months with your new pet are crucial for:

• Establishing routine and structure
• Building trust and bonding
• Socializing with people and other animals
• Creating positive experiences
• Setting behavioral expectations

Ready to give your new puppy or kitten the best start in life? Contact MyPeterinarian in Copenhagen today to schedule your first wellness visit!