What can be better than puppy kisses? Adopting a new pet is always an exciting time. Adding a four-legged family member is usually a happy memory for everyone involved. Puppies are great companions for young and old alike. As your pup matures into adulthood, they become even more a part of your family. They make you smile, laugh and even cry, the same as anyone else you call family. Getting any new pet is a big responsibility, it is no different when you get a new puppy.

Get your home ready

Just like children, puppies do not come with a manual, but there are things that you can do to make the arrival of your four-legged child easier for you and for the animal. Getting your home ready is one of the ways to relieve your stress, which will make your puppy calmer too. Here is a list of things you need to do to get your home puppy ready.

• Make sure that anything toxic, including poisonous house plants such as arrowhead and peace lily are moved out of reach. If you are unsure then our friendly vets are ready to advise. Remember this will be indoors and outdoors.
• Get your puppy bedding – for your benefit get one that is easy to clean. Regular cleaning of your dog’s bedding keeps them clean and the area hygienic.
• Puppy training mats help keep things hygienic, stain free and clean while you are house-training your new addition. It is a good idea to keep a good supply of these puppy mats.
• Food and water bowls – if your puppy is not sensitive to loud noise you can get stainless steel bowls. These bowls won’t rust, are difficult to chew and are very tough to break. Puppies that do have a problem with noise will need plastic bowls.
• Nutrition – it is important to try and keep the puppy on the same food they had at their previous home. If you cannot keep them on the same food for any reason, ween them onto the new food slowly.
• Toys – get age appropriate toys for your puppy. Remember that rubber toys are more durable, but puppies will play with almost anything, so make sure they have their own toys. This will discourage them from ruining your items.
• A collar and lead are very important. Taking your dog for a walk is not only important exercise for pet and owner, it is also a good way to bond and socialise your pet.

Before you leave home to go and collect your puppy, you need to take a few things with you. A bowl for some water, some puppy treats to keep puppy busy in the car, a blanket or towel to keep your puppy warm and your car seats clean. Poop bags in case of an accident and a toy.

You need to know all about your new puppy before you take them home. The breeder or shelter will be able to answer most questions relating to your fur baby. You will need to know if the pup has any problems with solid foods, if they are fully weaned, what kind of dog food they are eating now. Vaccinations are important, you need to know if your puppy has had their first round of vaccinations and exactly what vaccinations they were.

We are ready to welcome you and your new puppy to our Crofton Downs veterinary clinic. Our experienced vets and friendly staff will not only look after your pet’s physical needs but be there to help you and your puppy be happy together.

Contact us to make an appointment before you bring your puppy home, it will help to put your mind at ease. The more relaxed you are, the more secure and comfortable your puppy will be.

Once you have brought your puppy home you need to make an appointment soon after. Make sure you have the following information for the Veterinarian:

• History of vaccinations
• Food brand and quantities that your puppy is eating.
• History of parasite treatments
• Any behavioral concerns or bonding concerns.

The vet will give your puppy a thorough physical examination and review the information you have provided. From this information all vaccinations and parasite treatments can be scheduled. The vaccinations will need to be administered in the first 16 weeks and then annual booster shots will need to be given.

While you are at the vet’s office, make an appointment to have your puppy microchipped, it is a quick in office procedure.

Doggies can get motion sickness, that means that it is a good idea not to let your puppy eat anything for an hour or two before you leave. Having a dog crate for the car is a good way to keep everyone safe. Make sure the crate is big enough for your pooch to be able to stand up and stretch their legs. Take a toy and a blanket to help your furry friend feel comfortable.

Dental health, overall health and vaccinations are vital to keep your puppy healthy and with your family for a long time to come. We will assist with all the needed information.

Playing with your puppy is a way to teach your puppy too, as an added bonus it is bonding time and is often a way to relieve stress. Taking them for a walk helps to teach them to listen and to socialize. You need to be patient with your puppy to train them. You can take your pet to a training facility or puppy school if you have difficulties training on your own. Our vets and staff are standing by to give you any advice you need on training or any other concerns or questions you have.

The first few weeks of your puppy’s time with you, your pup will show some separation anxiety and it will take lots of love and care to comfort them as they adjust. Being taken away from their family and home is sure to cause some stress. Making sure your puppy is introduced slowly to the family and any other pets will to help the transition go a little easier.

It is still likely that your puppy will get overwhelmed. When this happens, they need a place where they feel safe. The dog bed needs to be in a draft free place which is quiet. This quiet warm place will give your puppy a chance to calm down and feel comfortable again.

Most of all show your puppy lots of love and affection. Enjoy spending time with your new best friend!

A new edition to the family is always exciting, it is no different with furry additions to the family. Kittens are fun and playful and bring a sense of joy. Rescuing kittens has its own special reward. Deciding to get a kitten is the easy part. You need to make sure that you and your family are ready for the responsibility of taking care of the little bundle of energy.

You need to make sure that you have everything in place to make the kitten feel safe and comfortable.

Preparing your home for your new kitten

You must remember when you bring your new kitty home, they have just left their mum, siblings and first home. With this in mind, making them comfortable and relaxed is very important. You want your pet to bond with you and feel at home with you and your family.

• A litter tray or two – house training a cat is usually quite easy. Kittens have an instinct to use sand to go to the toilet, so it is generally a case of showing them where the litter tray is.
• Kitty bed – especially in the first few weeks, during this time your kitten may become overwhelmed. That is why it is important to have a safe space for your kitten to go to. A bed that is out of the way of drafts and other elements. This does not have to be an expensive pet bed, but safe, warm and dry are the most important things to remember.
• Toys for your kitten – little feline fur balls love to play. When you are choosing toys for your kitten make sure they are age appropriate. A stuffed toy for your kitty’s bed might be a good idea as well, it will help him or her feel more secure. The toys you choose should be able to entertain your kitten when you are not there too. No one likes to be bored and your cat will keep mind and body active this way.
• Pet food is very important. To help ease your kitten into its new home, try and keep the food the same. If you feel you need to make changes to your cat’s diet, do not make the change all at once. Gradually change the food to what your vet recommends to ensure the health and happiness of your kitten.
• Food and water bowls – make sure you get bowls that your kitten can easily reach the food and water when they need it.

Please do not give your kitten large amounts of fresh milk, it potentially causes diarrhea, ensure there is always fresh water available.

Finding a vet may seem like something you should do after your kitten is home, but finding a vet before your cat comes home is a good thing. We believe that finding a Vet that you are comfortable with will make your kitten feel more secure on their visits.

Other pets will need to be introduced slowly; this ensures you do not overwhelm your new kitten. Training new pets can be time consuming and is a big responsibility. You need to train your kitten not to scratch your furniture and that scratching in general is not acceptable, unless it is on their scratching post.

Playing with your kitten is not only bonding time, it also helps to hone your kitten’s natural instincts. The games you play with your little cat helps to keep them fit and healthy too, it is important to set aside time to play with your new pet.

Remember to clean out their litter box daily of any solid waste and if you use clumping litter to clean out the whole box every 3 to 4 weeks.

Kittens are commonly homed at 6 weeks or after. This is when they will be able to eat solid foods, run, play and learn.

During the first few weeks of your kitten’s time with you, you will be a regular visitor to your vet. Crofton Downs Veterinary clinic is capable and ready to take care of all your kitten’s needs all the way through to adulthood and maturity.

Your first visit will be a check-up to make sure your kitten is in good health, if your kitten has already been vaccinated before you took it home, you will not need any vaccinations during this visit. If not, the vet will discuss with you which vaccinations are due and if your kitten is healthy enough.

Your kitten, even if they are an indoor fur baby, will get their first dose of deworming medicine at the first Vet visit. They will get checked for external parasites like ticks or fleas and be given treatment if necessary.

After the initial visit your vet will set up a schedule with you to bring your kitten in on a regular basis between the age of 6 weeks and 16 weeks. It is usually 4 visits. This is to make sure that your pet is getting enough nutrition and. This will give your vet the opportunity to give your kitten all the vaccinations they need during this period.

After the initial examinations and vaccinations, we suggest that you bring your kitten in every 12 months for a full examination and their booster shots.

If you ever have any concerns or if your kitten seems to be lethargic or acting differently, we have skilled veterinarians standing by to give your pet the best possible care. If you have any questions about the care or training of your kitten, our friendly staff and vets are happy to give you all the advice you need.

We look forward to meeting you and your furry family member and hearing all the wonderful stories about your kitten’s antics. Remember to bond with your new fur baby, it is therapeutic, not only for your kitten, but for you too.