There’s nothing more exciting than bringing a puppy or kitten into the household. The first and most important thing you can do for your new companion is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian in Mokena at the Mokena Animal Clinic. Just like you, we want to ensure your pet to live a long, happy and healthy life.
Wellness Exams- During the first year of your kitten and puppy’s life, more frequent visits are necessary for several reasons. First is to give the necessary series of vaccinations and second, to make sure your pet is growing normally and healthily. Here’s more detail about your early visits to our Mokena veterinary.
Vaccinations- Vaccinations ensure your puppy or kitten gets the best possible start in life. They are also the best way to show you care because they are the only way to protect against dangerous and life-threatening diseases. More frequent vaccinations are necessary during their first year to prevent overwhelming their immune systems and gradually build up their resistance.
Types of Vaccinations
Core vaccines for puppies include:
Canine Parvovirus
Canine Hepatitis
Distemper
Rabies
Core vaccines for cats include:
Feline Distemper
Feline Calicivirus
Feline Herpesvirus
Rabies
Non-core vaccines are not required but suggested by your pet’s lifestyle. Example: the Lyme disease vaccine makes sense for puppies that will be spending time outdoors.
Parasite Protection- Worms are a common problem in young pets, so part of the plan at our Mokena animal clinic is to test for and treat them with oral medications. Flea & tick prevention is important for your kitten and puppy’s health and we supply products specially formulated for their young and still fragile systems. Heartworms are a dangerous parasite and it’s essential to begin preventative treatment with the right products at an early age.
Spaying/Neutering- As the Mokena veterinary forerunner for puppy and kitten care, we are passionate that every pet should be spayed or neutered, both for their health as well as to stop adding to the masses of unwanted pets crowding shelters. The benefits for your pet’s health are significant. Spaying can prevent serious illnesses including mammary gland tumors, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. Neutering helps reduce offensive behaviors such as marking, spraying, and roaming. It also eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer and reduces the chances of prostate cancer. The optimum age to spay or neuter your pet is around 6 months.
Special Diet Considerations- Perhaps your pup or kitty has problems with diarrhea or vomiting and if so, we can help you find the exact diet and dietary products to resolve the problem.
Dental Care- Proper dental care is an important element in your pet’s health. It’s never too early to start with thorough examinations and cleaning.
Competent, caring, and early care is the key to starting your puppy or kitten off for a long-term healthy and happy life. Call our veterinarian in Mokena and we’ll tell you lots more!
