Berthoud Animal Hospital offers puppy and kitten veterinary care and wellness plans for new furry family members in the Berthoud, CO area. We recommend a series of three new pet exams, each three to four weeks apart. These visits allow the veterinarian to evaluate the growth of your new pet while developing their immunity and answering your questions along the way.
PUPPY CARE TIPS
KITTEN CARE TIPS
FIRST EXAMS/VACCINES
Wellness Exam Series
We know that bringing home a new puppy or kitten can be extremely exciting, but also overwhelming. Our veterinarians take the guess-work out of puppy and kitten care by developing wellness care plans from the time you bring your new pet home to be set up for success for the rest of their life.
Exam One
The first exam is usually scheduled when your pet is around eight weeks old, but if your pet is younger than one year, their first visit with us is considered “exam one” of their series. Here is what you can expect at this visit:
For Kittens:
- FVRCP Vaccine #1
- Deworming #1
For Puppies:
- DA2PP Vaccine #1
- Deworming #1
Exam Two
Exam two is scheduled for three to four weeks after exam one, usually at the age of twelve weeks old. Here is what you can expect:
For Kittens:
- FVRCP Vaccine #2
- Deworming #2
For Puppies:
- DA2PP Vaccine #2
- Leptospirosis Vaccine #1
- Bordetella Vaccine #1
- Deworming #2
Exam Three
This will usually be the last exam in the series, around the age of sixteen weeks old. Your veterinarian will begin discussing future health plans for your pet and administer the following:
For Kittens:
- FVRCP Vaccine #3
- FeLV Vaccine
- Rabies Vaccine
For Puppies:
- DA2PP Vaccine #3
- Leptospirosis Vaccine #2
- Bordetella Vaccine #2
- Rabies Vaccine
Spay & Neuter
We recommend spaying and neutering of all dogs and cats to optimize their health. In most cases, we recommend this procedure around the age of six months, but depending on the breed and age of your pet, your veterinarian may suggest a customized plan. Please let us know if you have any questions regarding these procedures and their benefits.
New Puppy/Kitten FAQs
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 such as lilies, poinsettias, and pothos. Visit the ASPCA Pet Poison Control website to view a full list of 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
