Caring for Your New Puppy or Kitten Part 1

There is so much to know before you add a pet to your family. It is really important to do your research on everything regarding taking on a pet, as they can be quite expensive when you take in to account vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, food, desexing, micro chipping etc. – not to mention any unforeseen medical expenses that may happen.

However, adopting a pet can be one of the most fun and rewarding experiences in your life. It is adding another member to your family which also means it is a lifelong dedication.


Sometimes breeders or pet shops don’t give the best or detailed advice on what to do once you bring your new puppy or kitten home, so I’ve to put together some tips for you and your new pet. As there is so much information, I’ve divided my article into two parts.

In Part one, I will focus on your pet’s medical history, vaccination protocols and micro chipping your pet.

Pet Medical History
Find out from the breeder or pet shop the medical history of your new pet. Usually pets being purchased from these sources will already have been vet checked and given their first vaccination. If this has been done then you should be supplied with the vaccination record so as to know when the next vaccination is due. You should also be made aware of any medical problems that your pet may have.

Vaccinations
Puppies and kittens are given a course of three vaccinations to make sure they are immunised against deadly diseases.
The first vaccination should be given between 6-8weeks of age, the second vaccination is given between 10-12 weeks of age, and the final vaccination is to be given between 14-16 weeks of age.


There are many different types of vaccinations available for pets. The main ones we see in Australia at the moment for dogs is the C5 vaccination and the F5 vaccination for cats.

The C5 vaccinates against Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Kennel Cough.
The F5 vaccinates against feline enteritis, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Feline Leukaemia and Chlamydia.


Microchip Your Pet
In Western Australia it is now compulsory for all dogs and cats to be microchipped. There isn’t really a definite age of when you can microchip your pet. A lot of the time, vets will decide depending on the weight of the animal at the time. As the microchip implanter is quite a large needle, it is often nicer to implant when the pet has a little more loose skin and fat on them. However, a lot of people opt to do the implantation when their pet comes to their vet for their final vaccination or at six months of age when they are being desexed as the animal is under a general anaesthetic.

Microchipping is a fantastic means of pet identification. If your pet goes missing, a microchip is a great asset to have in being reunited with your pet. However you should always make sure to update your details with the microchip company if you change address or contact details. A local council identification tag is also a great means of identification which you will get once you register your pet with your local council.

Read more about worming and flea prevention, nutrition and desexing for your new Puppy or Kitten .

Categories:
#new_pet
#medical_history
#vaccination
#microchip
#how_to
#cats
#dogs
#pet_care
#family_pets


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