Puppies, Kittens & Ferrets

The veterinary team at PawSteps Veterinary Center wants to make sure that your puppies and kittens get the absolute best start in life. A healthy puppy or kitten has the greatest chance of thriving in your home and growing up to be a well-loved member of your family. To ensure this, we make sure to meet the physical and behavioral needs of your youngest pets. Even the healthiest puppy or kitten needs to be seen by our veterinary team within a few days of entering your home. This way we can assess the little one's health, answer any questions, and forge a special bond between your young pet and PawSteps Veterinary Center

The Right Start Requires the Right Care!

ALL puppies and kittens require veterinary care to make sure that they get the best start for a long and healthy life. Their moms’ milk is not adequate protection against disease!

ALL puppies and kittens need a complete physical examination and a few laboratory tests to make sure that any potential problems are promptly diagnosed and quickly treated.

ALL puppies and kittens need a series of several vaccinations and de-wormings, along with laboratory tests.

Dr. Sawyer and his team recommend the following first steps for your young pets:

Puppies need:

  1. First physical examination at approximately 6-8 weeks of age to make sure that the little one is growing properly and that no congenital problems exist. This hands-on physical is quite extensive and includes examining the eyes, ears, mouth and teeth for proper development, as well as checking the heart for murmurs, and making sure that the pet's organs and musculoskeletal system are growing correctly.
  2. First vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3 weeks until at least 15-17 weeks of age. For most pets, the vaccinations will be a combination injection of several protective vaccines. Some will be injected under the skin; others may be given as nose drops.
  3. First rabies vaccination at 13 weeks of age or older. All dogs require a vaccination to protect against rabies. This vaccine is boostered one year later.
  4. Firsts for Puppies – In addition to vaccines, puppies need fecal testing for intestinal parasites and to receive regular treatment as recommended. Most treatments are given by mouth, right in the office. Also, all puppies will be started on heartworm preventive, as well as flea and tick control, on one of their first visits.

Kittens need:

  1. First physical examination at approximately 6-8 weeks of age to make sure that the little one is growing properly and that no congenital problems exist. This hands-on physical is quite extensive and similar to the physical examination performed on young puppies.
  2. First vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3 weeks until at least 15-17 weeks of age. For most kittens, the vaccinations will be a combination injection of several protective vaccines.
  3. First rabies vaccination at 13 weeks of age or older. All cats, including indoor cats, require a vaccination to protect against rabies. This vaccine is boostered one year later.
  4. Firsts for Kittens – In addition to vaccines, kittens need testing for intestinal parasites and to receive regular treatment as recommended. Testing for feline leukemia and FIV is also highly recommended and usually performed on the first visit to our office. Moreover, heartworm, flea, and tick prevention is started as early as possible.

Ferrets need:

  1. First physical examination at approximately 8-10 weeks of age to make sure that the little one is growing properly and that no congenital problems exist. This hands-on physical is quite extensive and similar to the physical examination performed on young puppies and kittens.
  2. First vaccination at 8-10 weeks of age, then every 3 weeks until at least 15-17 weeks of age. For most ferrets, the vaccinations will be a combination injection of several protective vaccines.
  3. First rabies vaccination at 13 weeks of age or older. All ferrets require an annual vaccination to protect against rabies.
  4. Firsts for Ferrets – In addition to vaccines, ferrets also need testing for intestinal parasites and to receive regular treatment as recommended. Moreover, heartworm prevention is started as early as possible.
  5. Extra Care – While ferrets need vaccinations as much as dogs and cats, they unfortunately have an increased risk of allergic reactions to vaccines. To help assure the health of your pet, pre-vaccination medication may be given and you will be asked to wait for 20-30 minutes after vaccination appointments so that we may monitor your ferret's health.

In addition, Dr. Sawyer and his team are thrilled to discuss nutrition and behavior and to make recommendations regarding diet, early training, socialization, and house-training. The veterinary care team is eager to provide practical tips and suggestions for all issues. We welcome questions and look forward to meeting the newest additions to your family.