Welcome to the family! Pets are significant members of your family unit and becoming a pet owner is an unforgettable experience. Puppies and kittens bring joy and excitement into the home. They are full of energy and playful yet can be incredibly cuddly when they want to snuggle right up to you.

As new pet parents, you have our sincerest congratulations. We strongly recommend getting your new furry friend to the veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can be weighed, examined, and vaccinated. A robust immune system is essential for any animal's long-term wellbeing, so the sooner we start your fur baby get the right treatments, the better! Get ready for a fun and rewarding journey.

At Westlands Veterinary Clinic, we can't wait to meet your new pet! Come in as soon as you get your new puppy or kitten so that we get to know them and can start providing the highest level of care. This is when we'll develop a long-lasting relationship with your pet.

We will discuss several things with you, including but not limited to:

• Vaccine protocols
• Preventative parasite protection
• Feeding and diet
• Spaying and neutering
• Microchipping
• Teeth brushing
• Behavior and socialization
• Housetraining  

As part of your pet's wellness plan, schedule a wellness care exam with us. Our skilled veterinarians will perform a comprehensive look at your pet's overall health during this exam. Some of the areas we will be looking at include:

• Physical Exam: The doctor will check your pet's whole body, including their head, eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, skin, and back.
• Preventive Measures: To help prevent heartworm, fleas, and ticks, we can prescribe medications that can be administered to you monthly.
• Nutritional Counseling: Discuss a healthy nutrition plan and exercise recommendations based on the type of pet.
• Fecal Exam: To check for parasites and worms.   

We will be keeping careful tabs on your puppy's progress during visits at 4-6 weeks, 8-10 weeks, 12-14 weeks, and 16 weeks old. This gives us the chance to administer vaccinations, parasite control, prevent illness, and address any issues that might come up. You will always be informed about your puppy's behavior, health, and more! 

When puppies are young, they have an immature immune system. Therefore, we must keep them safe from diseases by getting them vaccinated.

To keep your puppy healthy and avoid spreading disease, don't take them places where they can encounter other dogs until they have had all of their shots.

Core vaccines are ones that all dogs should receive, and most laws require that your dog be vaccinated against them. These include Leptospirosis, Distemper, Parvovirus, Rabies, Hepatitis, and Parainfluenza.

We can discuss whether non-core vaccines—including Canine Influenza and Bordetella (kennel cough)—are suitable for your dog based on lifestyle.

Click here to find out more about vaccines and how they can keep your pet safe.