New Pet FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for New Puppy & Kitten Owners
Congratulations on your new puppy or kitten! What's next? Here's a list of some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
What does my new puppy or kitten need in the first 6 months?
Lots of attention and love!
Make an appointment with your vet and follow the recommended vaccination and deworming schedule.
Get started with heartworm prevention.
Schedule your pet’s spay or neuter.
Begin socializing and basic training (sit, stay, crate training)
Feed a good puppy or kitten food
At what age should I bring my puppy or kitten in for its first vet exam?
You should bring your puppy or kitten in as soon as you get them. It is important to make sure they are well and getting a healthy start to life.
When do I need to have my pet checked for internal parasites?
We'll ask you to bring in a fecal sample when you schedule your first visit. We recommend immediately testing all new pets for intestinal parasites when they come into your home. We are specifically looking for: Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, and Coccidiosis. If your pet is positive, we will make sure your pet gets the right deworming medication to treat them.
When does my puppy need Heartworm Prevention ("HWP?")
Puppies should be started on HWP at their first vet visit. This is a medication that should be given every 30 days for the life of your pet (or a 6 month ProHeart injection). Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos, which are present year round in North Texas and surrounding areas.
When should I vaccinate my puppy or kitten?
It is important to have your new puppy or kitten examined before beginning vaccinations to make sure it is healthy. At your new pet's appointment, our medical team will review any previous medical history to determine when vaccines are necessary. Typically vaccines start as early as 6-8 weeks.
What vaccinations does my puppy or kitten need?
Vaccines are determined by the lifestyle of your pet. We recommend all dogs be vaccinated with Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Leptospirosis, and Bordetella. Our feline companions should be vaccinated with Rabies, FVRCP, and Feline Leukemia.
Why is my new pet's lifestyle important?
Lifestyle choices can have a direct impact on what vaccines are considered to keep your pet well protected. Additional vaccines that we offer are Canine Flu and Rattlesnake, since these are common conditions in Texas and surrounding areas.
When do I need to spay or neuter my pet?
We recommend you spay or neuter your puppy or kitten once they are 6 months of age in most cases (we may recommend a few months longer in large breed dogs). Doing it during this time frame can prevent unwanted behaviors such as marking and heat cycles.
When can I bathe my puppy?
You can bathe your puppy as early as 1 month of age. We recommend a gentle shampoo. Make sure to pay special attention not to get shampoo in his/her eyes or ears. It is also important to make sure your puppy stays nice and warm after their bath!
When can a puppy or kitten go out in public?
Your new puppy or kitten should not go out in public until he/she has been vaccinated. Your pet is not considered "fully vaccinated" until 2 weeks after they receive their final vaccinations.
Can puppies and kittens have allergies?
It is very unlikely that your puppy or kitten is suffering from allergies. If your new pet appears to be showing allergy-like symptoms, we recommend a comprehensive exam with a doctor to look for signs of upper respiratory infection, fleas, ticks, mange, or skin infections due to bacteria or fungi.
How do I keep my puppy or kitten from biting myself or others?
If your puppy or kitten is displaying inappropriate biting, it is important to redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy. Getting your puppy into an age appropriate puppy class can also help deter unwanted behaviors.
How do I keep my puppy from chewing?
Redirection is key to deterring unwanted behavior. Make sure you are providing your puppy with plenty of chew-appropriate items in addition to supervision. Providing energy outlets, like walks and playing fetch can also help with unwanted behavior.
If I want to train my puppy, when should I start?
You can start training your puppy as soon as you get him/her. A well-mannered pooch is a happy one. We recommend starting with basic commands like "sit" and "stay" in addition to crate training.
Is crate training necessary for my puppy or kitten?
Crate training is ideal for puppies because you are creating a "safe zone" for them to relax. This can be beneficial when you travel with your pet, head to the vet, or need to board your pet. It also prevents them from getting into mischief when you are not around to supervise.
Why does my puppy eat poop?
Dogs are not discriminatory about what they eat. They will eat anything that smells good, bad, or terrible! You can discourage this behavior by picking up feces right away.
What do I do if my pet seems to be in pain?
Seek medical attention before giving your pet any pain medications. Do not give your pet over-the-counter medications before consulting your veterinarian. Some of these medications can cause liver and kidney failure.
When will my puppy or kitten start teething?
Puppies and Kittens will start growing their baby teeth soon after being born. Around 3-4 months of age, puppies and kittens will begin losing their baby teeth as their adult teeth begin to erupt. It is not uncommon for some baby teeth to be retained in smaller breed puppies. Sometimes surgical removal is needed, ideally at time of spay or neuter.
How do I socialize my puppy?
It is very important to begin socializing your puppy at an early age. Socializing can be with other people or animals. When socializing with other people, it is good to introduce your puppy to a variety of statures, men with hats, men with beards, women with long hair, etc.
When socializing with other pets, we recommend puppy classes (where age appropriate vaccines are required) or with pets of known vaccine status. It is also a good idea to expose your puppy to friendly cats.
How do I socialize my puppy if they can't go to dog parks or daycare?
You can still properly socialize your puppy at puppy classes (that require age appropriate vaccines) or with family/friend pets that are currently vaccinated. The goal is to reduce your puppy's exposure to distemper/parvo through the environment or from unvaccinated dogs.
When should I start brushing my new pet's teeth?
You should start brushing your puppy/kitten's teeth as early as possible. We recommend using a finger brush, and making teeth brushing time a fun treat. Being able to brush your pet's teeth daily can greatly improve your pets oral health and delay the need for professional dental cleanings.
Puppy and kitten food: How much do I feed? What brand do you recommend?
Rule of thumb: Follow the directions on the package, which are largely dictated by your pet's weight, but we can help tailor quantity and frequency in person. As for what type of food, we recommend feeding a diet that meets AAFCO standards and has been through feeding trials. We prefer Purina One, Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin, Science Diet, Iams and Eukanuba brands, which are also well-balanced and promote healthy teeth and gums. If you ever change brands or flavors, be sure to mix in small amounts of the old food and taper down over a week's time. Watch for any signs of dietary intolerance or GI upset. Always measure your food, as you'll be surprised at just how little your dog or cat needs of a quality diet. Bonus: Quality diets produce less stool!
How many times a day should I feed my dog?
The short answer is 2-3 times a day. But every dog is different. Age, activity level and general health can affect his/her dietary needs, as does the type of food you use. A consistent routine is important, too. Feeding at the same time (or close to it) each day helps keep your pet's digestive system regular, and makes the need to go outside more predictable. This schedule also helps your pet learn when to expect you home, which can reduce accidents. Feeding frequency also depends on your schedule. If you're home during the day, you may prefer feeding three meals a day (and your dog will likely oblige!). If you work outside the home, it may be more convenient to feed him twice per day, and that is fine.
How many times a day should I feed my cat?
Most cats can be fed one to two times per day. Which way you go will largely depend on age, activity level and general health. Your cat will very likely help you decide!
How long does my puppy or kitten stay on puppy/kitten food?
Your puppy or kitten should be on puppy/kitten food for the first year of their life. We can talk to you about how and when to transition to adult food.
There is so much to know! I'm worried I'll miss something!
Don't worry! We at Countryside Animal Medical Center are here for you every step of the way. At your wellness visits, we will give your pet a comprehensive exam and remind you about any issues that require your attention. We even have a smartphone app that keeps track of your pet's history and allows you to schedule appointments among many other features. We will be your partner in your new puppy or kitten's care!