Puppy and Kitten Wellness FAQ From Our Veterinarian in Scarsdale

If you’ve recently adopted a new puppy or kitten, or if you plan on doing so in the near future, our veterinarian in Scarsdale is here to help them get off to a great start in their health and wellness. At Central Animal Hospital, we have eight experienced and skilled veterinarians here to provide the best in care to your new pet. Furthermore, our AAHA-accredited veterinary office is open seven days a week for your convenience. 

We receive a number of common questions from new kitten and puppy owners, so we thought we’d take the time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions below!

Why is Puppy & Kitten Care Important?

Puppy and kitten care is vital because these tiny animals do a great deal of growing and developing during this stage of life. By making sure that your new puppy or kitten is developing as it should, you can make sure your pet is on track to a long, healthy life ahead. Early puppy and kitten veterinary care in the form of comprehensive exams can also spot potential signs of medical problems. With early diagnosis, we may have a better chance of successful treatment or management as well.

When Should My Pet Visit a Veterinarian?

Ideally, you should schedule your puppy or kitten’s first wellness exam with us as soon as you bring your new pet home. This remains true even if your newly adopted pet was “fully vetted” by the shelter or adoption agency when you signed the paperwork. We like to meet new puppies and kittens in our office as soon as possible because it helps us establish a baseline for their health. Plus, it’s good to get your new pet accustomed to our veterinary office at an early age.

What Shots Does My Puppy/Kitten Need?

Specific vaccinations will vary depending on your pet’s age, breed, and any vaccines it received before you brought it home. This is why we recommend that you bring in any veterinary paperwork that was given to you by your pet’s existing owners or shelter. This will allow us to review the paperwork and see which vaccines are needed and which have already been administered. Some examples of common vaccines for puppies and kittens include:

• rabies
• parvo (for puppies)
• panleukopenia
• feline and canine distemper
• feline leukemia

What Other Exams or Services Are Recommended for My Pet?

In addition to annual wellness exams, we also recommend having your pet spayed or neutered as soon as he or she is old enough. We also recommend having your pet microchipped, which will increase your chances of a happy reunion in the event that your pet runs away or otherwise becomes lost.

Schedule an Appointment With Our Veterinarian in Scarsdale Today

If you’d like to schedule your new pet’s first appointment with our veterinarian in Scarsdale, give our health care team at Central Animal Hospital a call today at (914) 723-1250!