There are many things to consider when bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home, and it can all be a little overwhelming. Here are a few ways City Pets Vets® the House Call Vets recommends to make the transition as smooth as possible and to ensure the best start for your new addition.
Veterinary Care
Whether you wisely adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder you should be provided at that time with a record of all vaccines, de-worming medication and anything done medically by the shelter or breeder to your pet. On your first visit to the vet be sure to bring all your paperwork; your City Pets Vets® Vet will use this information to create an appropriate vaccine schedule and treatment plan. She will also ask you to have a stool sample so she can make sure your new baby is parasite free, as well as to start them on flea and tick prevention (and heartworm prevention for dogs).
Basic Training for Puppies
When bringing a new puppy into your house it is important to socialize them early. City Pets Vets® recommends exposing them to other puppies and dogs as well as to new people and places, which can help prevent your puppy from being fearful or socially awkward. This is particularly true in Manhattan, where the sensory overload can be pretty high. Puppies also need to be taught how we want them to behave, which is critical also for their own safety. An obedience class or working with a certified trainer can give you the tools you need to give your puppy the structure they need. Your City Pets Vets® veterinarian can make appropriate recommendations for classes and trainers.
Talk to your City Pets Vets® veterinarian about the right time to start a puppy training class and socializing as you want to ensure they have completed all of their puppy vaccines.
Spay and Neuter
Spaying and neutering your pet, as appropriate, is one of the most important things you can do for your pet’s health, as well as for helping to decrease the homeless animal population. If you adopt from a shelter your puppy or kitten will likely be spayed or neutered before they come to you, though this is not the case if you buy from a breeder.
These simple and safe surgeries remove the reproductive organs, which science has shown has a direct positive impact on your pet’s health. Spaying and neutering eliminate the chances of some types of cancer and infections, thereby increasing your pet’s life expectancy. The procedures can also prevent behavioral problems, such as spraying, humping and aggression.
Talk to your City Pets Vets® veterinarian early about any questions you might have about spay and neutering and for our recommendation of the right age for your particular pet to have its surgery.
Finding a Veterinarian
Establishing a relationship with a vet right away – even before your new pet comes home -- is important, both for its first wellness exam and vaccinations, as well as to know in advance who you are going to call in the event your pet gets sick or is injured. City Pets Vets® provides this care in your own home, and, importantly, having your pet’s checkups and vaccinations done at home relieves much of the stress for both you and your pet that comes with visiting an animal hospital.
The most important factor in finding a veterinarian is to find one that you trust, in addition of course to finding a vet who is knowledgeable, compassionate and available to you when you need them. Many people rely on personal recommendations and online reviews, and City Pets Vets® the House Call Vets is proud that ours are of the highest rating.
We at City Pets Vets®, Manhattan’s premier veterinary house call practice, take genuine pride in our personalized approach and will work with you to create a health plan for your pet that works best for you and for the life of your pets. Call City Pets Vets®, Manhattan’s House Call Vets at (212) 581-7387 for an appointment for your new kitten or puppy or even just to talk about how to plan for their homecoming.