Puppies & Kittens
Puppy & Kitten Care in Surprise, AZ
Bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting milestone! At Animal Medical Center of Surprise, we are here to support you through every step of your new companion's first year. From their first wellness exam to establishing a lifelong nutritional foundation, our team ensures your pet gets the best possible start.
Your First Puppy or Kitten Wellness Exam
The first visit is the most important. During this comprehensive exam, our veterinarians will:
- Perform a Nose-to-Tail Assessment: Checking for congenital issues, heart murmurs, and overall development.
- Establish a Vaccine Protocol: Tailoring a series of immunizations (like Distemper, Parvovirus, and Rabies) based on your pet's lifestyle.¹
- Screen for Parasites: Testing for intestinal worms and starting safe, age-appropriate preventatives for heartworms, fleas, and ticks.
Pediatric Nutrition: Fueling Growth
With so many options on the market, choosing the right food can be overwhelming. Puppies and kittens have higher caloric and mineral requirements than adult pets to support their developing bones, brains, and immune systems.
How we help you choose:
- Life-Stage Specificity: We help you find formulas that meet AAFCO standards for growth.²
- Breed-Specific Needs: Large breed puppies have different calcium requirements than small breeds to prevent joint issues.
- Veterinary-Approved Diets: For your convenience, we stock nutritionally balanced brands directly in our clinic.
Essential Steps for a Healthy First Year
Beyond medicine and food, there are several key milestones to prepare for:
- Microchipping: We recommend a permanent microchip ID for all puppies and kittens to ensure they can be returned to you if they ever get lost.
- Socialization & Training: The first 16 weeks are critical for "positive exposure" to new people, sounds, and other vaccinated pets.
- Spay & Neuter: We will discuss the optimal timing for your pet's procedure to prevent reproductive cancers and unwanted behaviors.³
New Pet Owner FAQ
- When should my puppy/kitten have their first vet visit? Ideally, within 48 to 72 hours of coming home. This ensures they are healthy and allows us to start their vaccine series on time.
- How often do they need vaccines? Most puppies and kittens require a series of boosters every 3–4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old.
- Is it safe to take my puppy to the park? We recommend avoiding public areas like dog parks until your puppy has completed their full series of vaccinations to protect them from highly contagious diseases like Parvovirus.
Start Your Journey With Us
We love meeting the newest members of your family! [Contact Animal Medical Center of Surprise] today to schedule your puppy or kitten’s first wellness appointment.
