North Jersey Animal Hospital is happy to offer puppy and kitten wellness care and customized vaccination plans to your new furry family member. For new puppies and kittens, our veterinarians will perform a series of three exams, each three to four weeks apart, though this may vary depending on your pet’s age at their initial visit. These exams are to make sure your new pet is developing and aging well and immunized with the correct puppy/kitten shots for their lifestyle.
Our veterinary team is here to help provide you with advice on appropriate puppy/kitten care at home, answer any questions you have, and ensure your new pet is healthy and happy.
PUPPY CARE TIPS
KITTEN CARE TIPS
FIRST EXAMS/VACCINES
FIRST EXAMS & VACCINES
Exam One
The first new puppy/kitten exam is usually performed around the age of eight weeks old. In addition to a full physical exam, the veterinarian will provide the following:
Cat
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccine #1
- 1st deworming (if needed)
Dog
- DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) vaccine #1
- 1st deworming (if needed)
- Bordetella vaccine #1
Exam Two
A recheck exam will be performed about three to four weeks later, when your pet is around twelve weeks old, and will include the following:
Cat
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccine #2
- 2nd deworming (if needed)
- FeLV/Fiv Testing
Dog
- DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) vaccine #2
- Leptospirosis vaccine #1
- Bordetella vaccine #2
- 2nd deworming (if needed)
Exam Three
Another recheck exam will be scheduled when your pet is about sixteen weeks old. Final immunizations will be given, and we will discuss topics such as spay/neuter procedures, parasite prevention, and future routine visits for your pet. The following will be performed during exam three:
Cat
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccine #3
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) vaccine
- Rabies vaccine
Dog
- DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) vaccine #3
- Leptospirosis vaccine #2
- Rabies vaccine
Spaying & Neutering
Depending on the breed and age of your new puppy/kitten, your veterinarian will help you decide when it is most beneficial to have your pet spayed (female) or neutered (male). Please let your veterinarian know if you have any questions regarding this procedure.
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
