When you bring home a new pet, it’s important to provide the necessary care to keep them happy and healthy in their new life with you. At Animal Medical Center of Woodland Park, we offer puppy and kitten care in a series of
THREE EXAMS
to help ensure your new furry friend receives the care they need. We typically recommend these exams to take place 3-4 weeks apart, but this can vary depending on your pet’s age. Your veterinarian can evaluate your pet’s health and growth, and make sure they are on the right track to living the healthiest life possible!
PUPPY CARE TIPS
KITTEN CARE TIPS
FIRST EXAMS/VACCINES
Initial Puppy and Kitten Exams
in Woodland Park, CO
Owning a pet is a big responsibility with lots of factors to consider. At Animal Medical Center of Woodland Park, we can help make sure your new pet is well taken care of and answer any questions you may have about your puppy or kitten’s care.
Exam One
We commonly see pets for their first exam around 8 weeks old, but if your pet is under 1 year of age, this is still considered their first exam. Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s health and administer the following vaccines:
Kittens:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotrachetitis, Calici virus, Panleukopenia) #1
- Deworming #1
Puppies:
- DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza)
- Deworming
Exam Two
The second exam occurs around 12 weeks old, during which your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s growth and further ensure they are developing properly. Your pet will also receive their second round of puppy and kitten shots:
Kittens:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotrachetitis, Calici virus, Panleukopenia)
- Deworming
Puppies:
- DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza)
- Leptospirosis
- Bordetella
- Final Deworming
Exam Three
The final exam of the kitten and puppy care happens when your pet is about 12 weeks old. Your veterinarian will perform an assessment of your pet’s overall health, begin discussing their care as adult dogs and cats, and complete their puppy and kitten shots:
Kittens:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotrachetitis, Calici virus, Panleukopenia)
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
- Rabies
Puppies:
- DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza)
- Leptospirosis
- Bordetella
- Rabies
When Should I Spay/Neuter My Pet?
All pets should be spayed or neutered, but your veterinarian can provide more specific recommendations on when the surgery can be most beneficial to your dog or cat. We will usually discuss this at your puppy or kitten’s third exam, but are happy to answer questions at any time.
How do I potty train my puppy?
HOW DO I SET A POTTY TRAINING SCHEDULE?
- First thing in the morning
- Last thing at night
- After spending time in a crate
- Upon waking up from a nap
- After eating or drinking
- Time between potty brakes
should be no more than 2-4 hours
HOW DO I CRATE TRAIN MY PUPPY?
- Dogs like clean “home” areas and are less likely to have accidents
- Place crate near exterior door for quick relief
- The crate should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lay down
WHEN SHOULD I REINFORCE GOOD BEHAVIOR?
- Don’t scold your puppy for having an accident
- Praise them for doing the right thing
- Reward them with treats, pats, and attention
How do I get my puppy to stop bad behavior?
WHAT CAN MY PUPPY CHEW ON?
- Chewing is a calming mechanism for puppies
- Keep chewing toys around the house; when they start to chew on toys instead of household objects, give them praise
HOW DO I STOP MY PUPPY FROM BARKING?
- Scolding your puppy when they bark can make it worse; instead, ignore barking and praise quiet
- Training your dog to sit helps them fight impulsive barking when they want something
HOW DO I STOP MY PUPPY FROM BEGGING AT THE TABLE?
- Feed them first before you eat
- Create a cozy “go-to” spot near the table where they can be comfortable
- Praise them with treats when they don’t beg
How do I feed my puppy?
HOW OFTEN DO I FEED MY PUPPY?
- 6-12 weeks: 4x a day
- 3-6 months: 3x a day
- 6-12 months: 2x a day
- After a year: 2 half portions a day
- Watch your puppy to gauge if they are eating healthy
WHAT FOOD SHOULD I FEED MY PUPPY?
- Look for AAFCO guidelines
- Look for age and health specific formulas
- Ask your vet for tailored recommendations
WHAT ARE HARMFUL FOODS FOR PUPPIES?
Dairy, chocolate, grapes, and sugary foods, snacks, or desserts
What do I need to do to prepare for a kitten?
WHAT THINGS SHOULD I BUY FOR A KITTEN?
- Scratch posts (helps preserve furniture!)
- Litter boxes, cat carriers, and food and water bowls
- Stain and odor remover
WHAT SHOULD I MOVE OUT OF THE WAY?
- Toxic plants
- Cleaners and sprays
- Any dog food that might be in the house
HOW CAN MY CAT BE COMFORTABLE?
- Bed and blanket
- Small, cozy space
- Grooming supplies
- Pheromone products
How should I play with my kitten?
HOW DO I PLAY SAFELY WITH MY KITTEN?
- Use balls, jingles, anything on a string, and cotton chew toys
- Avoid “play” with your hands to avoid injury when full grown
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLAYING WITH YOUR KITTEN?
- Strengthens your bond with your kitten
- Allows them to release energy that could lead to damage
- Builds trust and comfort for them within a new home
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PLAY WITH MY KITTEN?
- 20+ minutes of play per day
- Set aside at least two times a day preferably early in the morning and late at night
HOW DO I FEED A KITTEN?
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY KITTEN?
- Dry food only: leave available at all times
- Wet food only: feed at least four times a day
- Combo: feed wet food twice a day and leave dry food available
WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY KITTEN?
- Look for AAFCO guidelines
- Look for age and health specific formulas
- Ask your vet for tailored recommendations
WHAT ARE HARMFUL FOODS FOR KITTENS?
- Raw meats, eggs, raw fish
- Grapes, chocolate, and dairy
