Caring for your new puppy or kitten
Congratulations on getting your new puppy or kitten and welcome to the Southill Vets family – we look forward to being there for them, and you, as they grow into young adults.
Your first Vet visit
At your puppy or kitten’s first visit, our experienced Vet will do a thorough health check. They will also record your new pet’s weight to make sure they are growing at a healthy rate.
The Vet will talk to you about what your puppy or kitten needs next in terms of vaccinations and flea & worm treatments and administer anything needed at this appointment.
Our Vets and Veterinary Nurses have decades of experience between them when it comes to caring for puppies and kittens. You can rest assured that your new bundle of joy will receive a first-class service and lots of love and attention at every visit.
Our team can also offer you advice on:
- Behaviour
- Dental care
- Flea & worm treatments
- Microchipping
- Nutrition
- Neutering
- Pet insurance
- Toileting
Discover the nursing clinics we offer at Southill Vets
Southill Vets Pet Health Club
Save money on your puppy or kitten’s routine preventative care with our Pet Health Club – find out more.
Puppy & kitten vaccinations
Following the first health check consultation we will book your puppy or kitten in for their vaccination. Depending on which type of vaccination your pet has already received, they will either need the next dose in this initial course, or they may need to start a new initial course.
Puppy vaccinations
Vaccinations for puppies & dogs cover:
- Canine Parvovirus
- Canine Distemper Virus
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis
- Leptospirosis
- Parainfluenza
- Kennel Cough*
Your puppy can go for their first walk outside your home one week after the 2nd injection. We advise avoiding standing water for a further two weeks after this. Annual booster vaccinations are important to maintain protection.
*Kennel cough is an extremely contagious disease that causes an unpleasant dry hacking cough that typically lasts about a month. In rare cases it can make puppies and dogs very unwell. Despite the name ‘kennel cough’, your puppy could catch this anywhere, even the park. Kennel cough is a separate vaccine that is given via the nasal passage, usually at the 2nd vaccination appointment.
Kitten vaccinations
Vaccinations for kittens & cats cover:
- Cat Flu Viruses (Feline Herpes & Feline Calici Virus)
- Infectious Enteritis
- Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)
In kittens, an initial course of 2 injections is given three weeks apart, typically at 9 and 12 weeks of age, but can be anywhere from 8 weeks of age. Annual booster vaccinations are important to maintain protection against diseases such as cat flu and leukaemia.
The earliest your kitten could go outdoors is two weeks after their 2nd injection however, we recommend waiting until they have been neutered. Kittens can get pregnant as young as 4 months old.
Emergency pet care for your new pet
As a Southill Vets client you will have access to 24/7 out of hours emergency care – learn more.
Free pet advice
You can receive free pet healthcare advice from Southill Vets when you sign up to our monthly email newsletter – learn more and sign up.
