Puppy & Kitten Veterinary Care in Ocala
There’s nothing more exciting than bringing home a newborn puppy or kitten. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of having your new best friend, it’s important not to forget about bringing them in for veterinary care.
The first weeks and months of a kitten or puppy’s life are an important time, as a variety of vaccinations and tests need to be administered for their health and safety. Contact our office today to book your pet’s first appointment to help set your pet up for a healthy and happy life.
Why Choose Paddock Park Animal Care Center for Your New Pets Care?
At Paddock Park Animal Care Center, we deliver professional, compassionate care for your new pet. We strive to be a place where your pet can feel safe and secure, and you can feel confident they’re getting the treatment and care they deserve.
We help develop a custom care plan for your puppy or kitten to help them meet their specific needs during this important time. We provide guidance, empathetic care, and support during the first year of your new pet’s life and beyond.
Our services go well beyond physical examinations and vaccine administration. We can also provide nutrition and training advice, information on spaying and neutering, tips on socializing and helping your pet adjust to a new environment, and more.
The Importance of Regular Veterinary Care for Puppies and Kittens
Newborn puppies and kittens are at a vulnerable time in their lives, and regular checkups from a veterinary professional are needed. During these visits, our professionally trained team can give your pet the required core vaccinations which include rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus, and leptospirosis (for dogs) and rabies, panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis (FHV), calicivirus, and leukemia (FeLV) (for cats). Additionally, we may administer deworming medications for roundworms and hookworms.
Early vet checkups can also help new pet parents understand proper pet nutrition, and our experienced team can also offer behavioral and training guidance.
Veterinary Care for Puppies in Ocala
We provide puppy care and services for all residents of Ocala. Our experienced, local staff understands the climate, environment, and general lifestyle of this specific area, and can provide guidance on how to best get your new dog started on a happy and healthy life.
When to Schedule Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit
Once you’ve adopted your pet, speak to a veterinarian about when to schedule your first appointment, as it will vary depending on the age of the pup. During your first visit, your vet can continue to monitor the dog’s growth and development and provide any additional core vaccinations that are needed.
Wellness Exams for Puppies
Here’s what you can expect from one of our veterinarians during a routine wellness exam for your puppy.
- Here’s what you can expect from one of our veterinarians during a routine wellness exam for your puppy.
- Examination of pup’s coat and skin.
- A thorough check of the ears, nose, and eyes.
- Observing the dog’s general behavior, alertness, and body condition.
- Listening to the sounds of the heart and lungs.
- Full oral examination of the mouth, gums, and teeth.
- Consultation about behavior, diet, and bowel habits.
- Check urine and stool samples (please bring these with you to the appointment).
- Vaccination and/or deworming administration.
- Examination of the paws and nails.
Vaccination Schedule for Puppies
| Vaccine | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bordetella | Protects against kennel cough. |
| DHPP (Combo) | Combo vaccine that prevents contagious viruses such as distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. |
| DHPP (Booster) | Strengthens immunity against contagious viruses. |
| Rabies | Protects against rabies. |
| Leptospirosis | Ensures lasting protection against leptospirosis bacteria. |
| Canine Influenza | Protects against contagious respiratory flu viruses. |
| Lyme | Protects against Lyme disease. |
| DHHP (Booster) | Provides full immunity against core viral diseases. |
Veterinary Care for Kittens in Ocala
Just like for young pups, we also provide professional care for newborn kittens in Ocala. Our team of feline experts can help check your kitten for common illnesses, administer vaccines, and help provide you with customized care and behavior guidance.
When to Schedule Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit
Kittens should have their first appointment with a vet at around eight weeks of age. In this appointment, your kitten will undergo a physical exam, check a stool sample for parasites, and map out a schedule for vaccinations.
Wellness Exams for Kittens
Here’s what to expect when you bring your kitten in for their wellness exam at Paddock Park Animal Care Center:
- Examination of kitten’s coat and skin.
- A thorough check of the cat’s ears, nose, and eyes.
- Observing the cat’s general behavior, alertness, body condition, and response to stimuli.
- Listening to the sounds of the heart and lungs.
- Full oral examination of the mouth, gums, and teeth.
- Monitoring weight for obesity, malnutrition, and underlying conditions.
- Consultation about behavior and diet.
- Check urine and stool samples.
- Vaccination and/or deworming administration.
- Examination of the paws and nails.
Vaccination Schedule for Kittens
| Vaccine | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FVRCP(Feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia) | Protects against core viral diseases. |
| FVRCP (Booster) | Strengthens immunity against core viral diseases. |
| FeLV (Feline Leukemia) | Protects against feline leukemia. |
| Rabies | Protects against rabies. |
| FVRCP (Second Booster) | Further protects and boosts immunity against core viral diseases. |
| FeLV (Booster) | Strengthens immunity against Feline Leukemia. |
When to Schedule Follow-Up Veterinary Appointments
Follow-up appointments for both kittens and puppies should be made around 2-4 weeks after your initial appointment. During follow-up appointments, veterinarians can begin administering vaccines, monitor growth status changes, and provide further guidance on behavioral training.
After your first follow-up, you can talk with your vet about when to schedule your next visit. Typically, the second follow-up appointment occurs around 6-8 weeks after your first wellness exam (2-4 weeks after the first follow-up).
Financing & Payment Options for Puppy & Kitten Care in Ocala
Caring for a new puppy or kitten can get costly. However, we offer flexible payment and financing options that can help reduce the financial burden of a new pet by spreading the costs out over time. Learn more about the financing options we offer here.
Pay for treatments and routine visits over time with convenient monthly payments.
Scratch offers simple, transparent payment plans for your veterinary needs.
Ask us which insurance plans we accept for exams, treatments, and emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy & Kitten Care
Why does my kitten or puppy need to be vaccinated?
Early on, puppies and kittens have yet to develop antibodies that keep them protected against diseases that they could be exposed to. Early vaccination triggers the puppy or kitten’s immune system to start manufacturing the necessary antibodies to fight disease.
Can I start my puppy or kitten on a pest prevention program?
Puppies and kittens can begin a pest prevention program for fleas and ticks at around four weeks of age, or at their first wellness exam. Until then, try to limit their exposure to potentially harmful invaders and maintain a proper grooming routine with your pet.
When should I start potty training my new puppy or kitten?
As soon as you bring a puppy home, you can begin to potty train them to use the bathroom outside. For kittens, litter box training can begin at 3-4 weeks of age.
When can I take my new puppy outside?
To reduce risk, you should avoid taking new dogs for a walk until they have received all the required vaccinations. This typically occurs at around 16 weeks.
Book an Appointment at Paddock Park Animal Care Center
New pets are always welcome at Paddock Park Animal Care Center. Our friendly veterinary staff looks forward to providing our neighbors in the area and surrounding communities with the veterinary care they need.
