Getting young pets off to the best-possible start is one of our favorite things to do at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital. Quite simply, pets that start healthy have a better chance of staying healthy because we get the chance to create a life-long plan for wellness that works for you and your family.

And although every pet is different, there are some basic wellness benchmarks we recommend for every puppy or kitten:

• Deworming: The majority of puppies and kittens are born with intestinal worms that were passed from their mothers before birth or while nursing. These worms can cause pain or discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, and may even cause death if left untreated. Easy-to-administer oral medications are very effective at successfully deworming young pets.
• Spay and Neuter: The population of stray animals continues to rise, which means there are increasing numbers of animals infected with contagious diseases which can harm your pet. Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted pets, but can also keep your animal from roaming and may help prevent aggressive or unwanted behaviors. In addition, spaying and neutering has health benefits for your pet, including the prevention of some cancers. Your Turkey Creek veterinarian can make a recommendation about the best age for altering your pet. 
• Vaccinations: We cannot stress enough how important it is for young animals to be vaccinated. Just like newborn babies, the immune systems of puppies and kittens are not fully developed. This means they are more susceptible to disease, and therefore they need a series of vaccinations given at monthly intervals to be protected. 
• Diet and Nutrition: All babies (even animal ones) have special nutritional needs to ensure they grow into healthy adult pets. On your visit, we’ll make some customized recommendations on how you can make sure your puppy or kitten is getting the essential nutrients he or she needs.
• Training and Socialization: These early weeks and months of a pet’s life are the most important when it comes to socialization and training. We can advise you on how to begin this process, help with housebreaking tips, and provide you with the information you need to help your pet get off on the right paw!

Adding a new furry family member? Give us a call at (813) 752-1010 and set up their first important vet appointment as soon as possible!