Puppy & Kitten Care

Newly adopted puppies and kittens should visit Animal Clinic of Rapid City in Rapid City for a complete physical examination as soon as possible. The goal is to screen for fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites or any other health problems to ensure that your new family member is healthy and that disease is not transmitted to other animals or humans in your household. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to parasitic infections that can threaten their health. Proper screening and preventive products can help protect them against intestinal worms, fleas and heartworm disease.

Juvenile pets also have immature immune systems which makes it difficult to fight off disease. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, vaccinations are the most effective preventive measure you can take for the health of your pet.

A visit to your veterinarian is imperative if you notice any of the following:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive drinking and / or urination
• Loss of appetite or lethargy
• Behavior changes
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Skin lumps, bumps or irritation
• Bad breath, plaque on teeth or bleeding gums
• Ear odors, redness, scratching or head shaking
• Trouble urinating or defecating
  

Important Animal Vaccines

Some of the most important vaccines for your young pet include:

Dogs

• Rabies
• Canine Distemper
• Canine Parvovirus
• Canine Bordetella
• Canine Influenza

Cats

• Feline Distemper
• Feline Rhinotracheitis/Feline Calicivirus
• Feline Leukemia Virus
• Rabies

Additional vaccines may be necessary based on lifestyle (indoor or outdoor pet) and regional considerations. Finally, puppies and kittens are in a high growth stage therefore they require specially formulated food to meet their nutritional needs. Talk to your veterinarian at Animal Clinic of Rapid City about the best food for your pet.