Puppy & Kitten Care
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting. Our team will guide you through everything they need in their first year, from vaccinations and parasite prevention to desexing, microchipping and nutrition.
A Healthy Start for Your New Family Member
The first few months of your pet’s life lay the foundation for a long, happy and healthy future. A good preventative health plan protects your puppy or kitten from serious, often fatal diseases and parasites, many of which they can catch without ever coming into direct contact with another animal.
Your puppy or kitten will receive a full physical examination at every vaccination to make sure they are healthy and developing normally. It’s also a great time to ask our team any questions about caring for your new addition.
Vaccination Schedules
Puppy Vaccinations
What we vaccinate against:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper virus
- Adenovirus Type 1 & 2
- Parainfluenza & Bordetella (Canine Cough)
When:
- 1st vaccination at 6–8 weeks
- 2nd vaccination at 10–12 weeks
- 3rd vaccination at 14–16 weeks
- Followed by yearly boosters (C5)
Your puppy is safe to go for walks in public places and meet unknown dogs two weeks after their last puppy vaccination.
Kitten Vaccinations
What we vaccinate against:
- Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus
- Feline Calicivirus
- Feline Panleukopenia Virus
Depending on your kitten’s lifestyle, we may also recommend protection against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Chlamydia. Ask our team which vaccine is right for your kitten.
When:
- 1st vaccination at 6–8 weeks
- 2nd vaccination at 10–12 weeks
- 3rd vaccination at 14–16 weeks
- Followed by yearly boosters
Parasite Prevention
Desexing & Microchipping
Desexing
Desexing helps prevent roaming, aggression, urine spraying and unwanted litters, and reduces the risk of cancers of the testicles and prostate in males and the ovaries and mammary glands in females. It is not necessary to let a female have a litter first – this has no effect on temperament.
Desexing is required by law under the Fraser Coast Regional Council. We recommend desexing males and females at 5–6 months of age.
Microchipping
A microchip is a permanent ID the size of a grain of rice, implanted under the skin. It’s quick, causes very little discomfort and is mandatory in Queensland. It can be done at any age – the earlier the better.
Remember to update the microchip registry if you move or change your phone number, and add an engraved ID tag to your pet’s collar.
Feeding, Training & Socialisation
Feeding
A high-quality premium dry food uses a fixed formula to support healthy growth and immunity while minimising upset tummies. Budget foods often vary in formula and are less digestible.
We stock Hill’s Science Diet and are happy to recommend other brands. Feed puppy or kitten food until 12 months of age. Puppy/kitten milk and home-cooked diets are not recommended.
Kitten Toilet Training
Start early – kittens usually learn quickly. Place the litter tray somewhere quiet and easy to reach, away from food and bedding, and pop your kitten in it each morning, night and after meals.
Having trouble? Try a different litter and clean the tray regularly. In multi-cat homes, follow the 1 tray per cat + 1 rule.
Puppy Preschool
Our 4-week Puppy Preschool course is designed for puppies aged 7–16 weeks, when they learn the most. It covers general puppy care in a fun, social setting for you and your puppy.
Bookings are essential.
Becoming ‘Vet Friendly’
Besides Puppy Preschool, there are some things you can do as a pet owner to reduce any stress & anxiety associated with going to the vet. Some of these things include:
- Desensitization - Get your puppy used to being examined by playing with their paws, between their toes, lifting up their lips, gently lifting their tail, and feeling their legs & tummy.
- Car rides - Get your puppy accustomed to the car by taking short drives and rewarding them.
- Just drop in for a weigh in & treat! - Show them it is not always needles & thermometers up their bottom!
- Be calm! - Lead by example, dogs are very intuitive!
