Veterinary care
Next to you and your family, your veterinarian is one of the most important people in your pet's life. You should identify a veterinarian for your new pet before you bring it home and arrange for a first appointment as soon as possible. The first vet visit gives you and your veterinarian an opportunity to establish your pet's baseline level of health and identify any potential long-term or chronic health problems. This visit can confirm the health status identified when you purchased your pet.
When you meet with the vet, be sure to discuss your daily care routines, home environment, any anticipated problems or concerns you may have, ask questions about any behaviors about which you need more information and your grooming preferences, including nail clipping. Your vet will examine your petg to ensure healthy bones, joints and muscles, and good heart, eye, ear and other organ functions. The vet will also may do a blood test to check to make sure your pet has the right levels of nutrients and minerals.
Vaccinations
A basic vaccination series should be a part of your puppy or kitten's schedule during the first four months. A combination vaccine is given once a month from two months through four months and then once annually. It protects your pet from leading infections and illnesses, including distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Your pet will also need a rabies vaccination. However, laws around the country differ about when this vaccination must be given, so check with your vet about scheduling a rabies vaccination for your pet.
Spaying & Neutering
Most pets are spayed (females) or neutered (for males) to remove reproductive organs and prevent pregnancy. But health issues provide other compelling reasons for spaying and neutering pets. Spaying and neutering are common surgeries. Pets are put under general anesthesia and monitored continuously in surgery, recovery, and post-op. Pets who are spayed or neutered can usually go home the same day, and recovery time is normally 10 - 14 days.
ULTRASOUNDS
Your pet is likely to have some health issues during its life. The worst can be prevented through vaccinations and spaying and neutering. Others, such as cancers and other diseases may not be avoidable. That's why it is important to maintain your pet's diet, nutrition and exercise at all times. You should keep the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center 24/7 hotline in your phone in case of emergency. You can call toll free 1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-424-4357).
