Puppy & Kitten Wellness

Starting your puppy or kitten on a wellness plan is an investment in their future. Our team at Pet Doctors Animal Clinic in Minneapolis, MN, is here to support you every step of the way.

Puppy and Kitten Wellness Services in Minneapolis, MN

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting adventure filled with fun, affection, and new experiences. Pet Doctors Animal Clinic provides dedicated care for your youngest family members. Our Puppy and Kitten Wellness services in Minneapolis, MN, are designed to ensure your new pets are healthy and strong in their formative years. Whether you have a new puppy or kitten, our team is here to help you through their crucial early stages with expert care and advice tailored to their specific needs.

Why Early Wellness Care is Important

Puppies and kittens experience rapid growth and development during their first year, so this is the best time to establish a foundation of good health. Early veterinary visits are essential for establishing baseline for health, detecting potential health issues (congenital or genetic), administering necessary vaccinations, addressing behavioral issues and beginning preventative care. Starting wellness visits at 6-8 weeks of age allows us to monitor your pet’s development closely and address any concerns promptly. Visit us at Pet Doctors Animal Clinic to start!

Vaccinations: Protecting Your Pet’s Future

Two kittens asleep on a gray blanket, nestled closely together.

Vaccinations are a vital part of your puppy or kitten’s early care regimen. These vaccines are their strongest defense against dangerous diseases that young pets are especially vulnerable to. Puppies and kittens receive some immunity from their mothers at birth and these maternal antibodies eventually decrease. That is why it’s important to maintain that protection through a series of vaccinations.

Core Vaccines

All puppies and kittens need core vaccines regardless of their lifestyle or environment. These vital shots protect against the most common and severe diseases that threaten their health. Essential vaccines include the following:

Distemper Combo Vaccine

This vaccine protects against multiple diseases, including distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), and parvovirus in dogs, and distemper, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis in cats. Timing and Frequency: 6-8 weeks, boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks.

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Administered at 16 weeks, legal requirement in Minneapolis and Minnesota.

Additional Vaccinations

Your pet’s lifestyle, environment and risk of exposure to certain diseases determines which additional vaccines are needed. These non-core vaccines are important for pets who have a higher likelihood of encountering specific pathogens.

Lyme Disease

This is spread through the bite of infected ticks. If your dog spends time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas, your veterinarian may recommend the Lyme disease vaccine. This vaccine helps protect against the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, which can lead to joint pain, lameness, and, in severe cases, kidney disease.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough)

This is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads quickly in places where dogs are in close contact like boarding kennels or dog parks. If you frequent these places, consider the Bordetella vaccine. Symptoms include a persistent cough, nasal discharge, and in severe cases, pneumonia.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV is a contagious virus that can weaken a cat’s immune system and lead to various health problems, including anemia and cancer. This is especially recommended for those who will have outdoor access or live with other cats.

At Pet Doctors Animal Clinic, we’re committed to making your pet’s health care as convenient as possible. That’s why we’re excited to offer our online store, where you can easily purchase vaccination products and other essential items for your puppy or kitten from the comfort of your home.

Parasite Prevention: Keeping Your Pet and Family Safe

Intestinal parasites are a common concern for puppies and kittens, and early detection is key to preventing health issues. Common culprits are roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. They can affect your pet’s digestive system, skin, and even internal organs, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and anemia.

Moreover, many parasites carry zoonotic potential. This means that some of these parasites can be passed from pets to humans, posing a risk to your family’s health as well. These zoonotic risks highlight the importance of regular deworming, routine fecal testing, and strict hygiene practices, such as washing hands after handling pets and cleaning up pet waste promptly.

Fecal Flotation Test

A simple way to check for intestinal parasites is a fecal flotation test. A small stool sample is analyzed under the microscope to check for parasite eggs. This test is recommended to be done at least twice during your pet’s first year to confirm that your pet is parasite-free. Regular parasite screenings are still highly recommended. If we do find any eggs, we’ll prescribe a safe and effective treatment to eliminate the parasites.

External Parasites

External parasites like fleas and ticks can impact your pet’s health and comfort. Fleas and ticks are not only a nuisance, causing itching and irritation, but they can also transmit serious diseases.

Flea Prevention

Fleas are small insects that feed on your pet’s blood, causing itching, allergic reactions, and even anemia in young animals. Fleas also spread tapeworms, making them a persistent problem in your home. Effective flea prevention includes regular use of products like topical treatments, oral medications, or collars, which kill adult fleas and stop their eggs from hatching. Our expert veterinarian can recommend the best approach for your pet.

Tick Prevention

Ticks attach to your pet’s skin and feed on their blood, potentially transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. Regular use of tick prevention products, along with checking your pet’s coat after outdoor activities, helps protect them from these risks. Our vets can suggest effective tick prevention methods, such as spot-on treatments or collars.

A veterinarian in blue gloves administers an injection to a black cat on a table.

Microchipping: Permanent Identification for Your Pet

The sad reality is that thousands of pets go missing every year, and only a small percentage are ever reunited with their owners. Many lost pets are found without any form of identification so it is impossible for them to reunite with their owners.

At Pet Doctors Animal Clinic, we make precautionary measures to protect your furry friend, and microchipping offers a reliable and permanent way to identify your pet if they ever get lost. Unlike your traditional collars and tags, a microchip cannot be easily removed for it is a tiny device implanted between your pet’s shoulder blades.

Microchip Procedure

The procedure is quick, safe, and involves minimal discomfort. The microchip contains a unique ID linked to your contact information in a national database. If your pet is found, a simple scan will reveal their ID number, increasing the likelihood of a happy reunion if your pet ever goes missing.

Health Certificate Process

Obtaining a health certificate isn’t something that can be done at the last minute. Depending on the destination and the requirements, it may take multiple visits and several months to complete the necessary tests, treatments, and paperwork. At Pet Doctors Animal Clinic, we encourage you to contact us as soon as you start planning your trip to ensure a smooth process. Our veterinarians will guide you through the process and make sure your pet is fully prepared for travel.

Comprehensive Care Throughout Your Pet's Life

Comprehensive wellness care doesn’t end after your pet’s first year. At Pet Doctors Animal Clinic, we build long-term relationships with our patients and their families. As your puppy or kitten grows, we’ll continue to provide regular wellness exams, preventative care, and any other medical services they may need.

Nutrition and Weight Management

Proper nutrition is vital for your growing pet. We’ll work with you to find the perfect diet for your puppy or kitten, taking into account their breed, size, and activity level. We’ll also monitor their weight to ensure they’re growing at a healthy rate and address any dietary concerns you may have. Let’s give your furry friend the best start possible!

Behavior and Training

Early training and socialization are essential for the development of your puppies and kittens, shaping them into a confident and well-behaved adult. During wellness visits, our team can offer advice on common behavior issues, such as housebreaking, chewing, and scratching, and recommend training resources or classes to help your pet develop good habits. Our goal at Pet Doctors Animal Clinic is to support your pet’s behavioral health throughout their life, ensuring they remain a happy and well-adjusted member of your family.

Give Your Little One a Pawsitive Start | Schedule Your Puppy or Kitten's First Visit Now!

Starting your puppy or kitten on a wellness plan is an investment in their future. Our team at Pet Doctors Animal Clinic in Minneapolis, MN, is here to support you every step of the way. Call us today at (612) 607-0044 to schedule your pet’s first wellness exam. Together, we’ll ensure your new companion grows up healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy and Kitten Wellness

What vaccinations does my puppy or kitten need?

Your puppy or kitten will need several vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks of age. Core vaccines include the distemper combo vaccine and the rabies vaccine, administered by 16 weeks of age.

How often should my puppy or kitten have a fecal flotation test?

We recommend two fecal flotation tests in the first year to ensure your pet is free of parasites. After that, routine checks should be performed twice a year.

Is microchipping painful for my puppy or kitten?

Microchipping is a quick procedure with minimal discomfort. The chip is small, about the size of a grain of rice, and is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades.

Why do I need a health certificate for my pet?

A health certificate is required for travel to confirm that your pet is healthy and free from contagious diseases. It’s essential to start this process early, as it may require multiple visits and can take several months to complete.

How can I schedule my puppy or kitten’s wellness visit?

You can schedule a wellness visit by calling Pet Doctors Animal Clinic at (612) 607-0044. Our team is ready to help your new pet start life on the right paw!