Puppy & Kitten Pet Care From Foster Animal Hospital, Serving Concord NC

Like You, We’re Softies for Puppies and Kittens

Welcoming a new pet into your home is an exciting time. Some people say getting a new pet is sort of like falling in love. We share your joy, but our primary role is to help you get that new puppy or kitty on the path of good health.

Count on Foster Animal Hospital to provide the necessary veterinary attention that is required in those early weeks and months. It’s also likely you’ll have questions on diet, behavior, grooming, training, and more. We’re here to help. Consider us your reliable resource for supportive and friendly advice.

Caring for Your New Puppy or Kitten

First Check Up

Generally, try to set your first visit within 24–72 hours from bringing your new pet home. Bring any medical or adoption records you have and a stool sample. During that first exam, we’ll examine your pet thoroughly. It is very common for puppies and kittens to have fleas and/or intestinal parasites. To avoid flea infestation or transfer of worms and parasites, you’ll want immediate treatment. We’ll also begin vaccinations. During a pet’s infancy, mother’s milk provides much-needed immunity from disease. Once the pet is weaned, vaccinations play a key role in ensuring health.

Spaying or Neutering

Unless you plan to breed your cat or dog, we highly recommend that pets are spayed or neutered at 5–6 months. Early spaying or neutering can prevent many health issues, such as mammary tumors and pyometra, and unwanted behaviors, such as roaming and territorial aggression. “Fixing” your pet also prevents overpopulation and unwanted heat cycles and pregnancies.

Read more about how to care your new puppy or kitten here, including the important step of puppy or kitten proofing your home to keep them safe from ordinary household toxins and dangers.