Pediatric Pet Care
Puppy and Kitten Veterinary Care in Dacula, GA
Bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting experience, but ensuring they get the right start in life requires expert veterinary care. At Hog Mountain Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive veterinary services for puppies and kittens in Dacula, GA, including wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and early health screenings.
Our compassionate team, led by Dr. David Martinez-Jimenez, treats every pet like family. Whether you need guidance on vaccinations, spaying and neutering, or behavioral concerns, our experienced veterinarians are here to help. Schedule your puppy or kitten’s first vet visit today and give them the care they deserve.
When Should a Puppy or Kitten Have Their First Veterinary Visit?
Early veterinary care is essential for a puppy or kitten’s health and development. We recommend scheduling their first vet visit between 6-8 weeks of age. During this appointment, our team will:
- Conduct a comprehensive wellness exam to check overall health
- Discuss nutrition, training, and socialization tips
- Begin a vaccination schedule to protect against common diseases
- Screen for intestinal parasites, fleas, and other health concerns
- Provide deworming medication as many parasites can be transmitted to people when needed
- Screen for viral diseases like Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in kittens
Starting veterinary visits early helps identify any potential health issues before they become serious.
How Often Should Puppies and Kittens Visit the Veterinarian?
Puppies and kittens grow rapidly, requiring frequent vet visits to ensure they are developing properly. From birth to 16 weeks old, they should see a puppy or kitten veterinarian every 3-4 weeks.
These check-ups allow us to:
- Monitor growth and development
- Administer core vaccines
- Provide deworming medication, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Offer guidance on training, nutrition, and socialization
Once your pet reaches six months of age, they should transition to annual wellness exams.
What Are the Core Vaccines Recommended for Puppies and Kittens?
Vaccinations are a critical part of your pet’s preventive care plan. At Hog Mountain Animal Hospital, we follow veterinary guidelines to ensure your pet gets the best protection.
- Puppy Vaccines:
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- Leptospirosis (recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association, AAHA)
- Rabies (required by law)
- Bordetella (recommended for social puppies)
- Kitten Vaccines:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
- Rabies
- Feline Leukemia (recommended for outdoor cats)
Following the correct kitten or puppy vaccination schedule ensures lifelong protection against dangerous diseases.
When Should Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention Begin?
Parasites can pose a serious health risk to puppies and kittens. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention should begin at 6-8 weeks of age. Our veterinarians will recommend vet-approved parasite control tailored to your pet’s needs.
Common issues prevented by early treatment include:
- Fleas & Ticks – Can lead to itching, anemia, and Lyme disease among other
- Heartworms – Transmitted by mosquitoes, causing life-threatening heart disease
- Intestinal Parasites – Roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms can affect a pet’s growth and health as well as being transmitted to people.
Protecting your pet from parasites keeps them safe and comfortable year-round.
What Developmental Milestones Should Be Expected in Puppies and Kittens?
Understanding your pet’s growth and behavioral stages helps ensure a smooth transition into adulthood.
- 2-4 Weeks: Eyes open, beginning to explore
- 4-8 Weeks: Weaning, socialization, learning basic behaviors
- 8-16 Weeks: House training, first vaccinations, early training
- 16 Weeks+: Teething, increased activity, reinforcement of training
Our team provides guidance on training, diet, and socialization to help your pet develop into a happy, well-adjusted companion.
Common Health Issues in Puppies and Kittens:
Young pets are vulnerable to a variety of health issues, which is why regular check-ups are so important. Some common concerns include:
- Respiratory infections
- Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Congenital conditions
- Parasite infestations
Our veterinarians conduct thorough puppy and kitten check-ups to detect and address any health problems early.
How to Recognize When Your Puppy or Kitten is Unwell:
Early detection of illness can prevent complications. If your puppy or kitten is experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact our veterinary team immediately:
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration
- Coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge
Our team at Hog Mountain Animal Hospital provides comprehensive diagnostics and treatment to ensure your pet stays healthy.
When Is the Right Time to Spay or Neuter a Puppy or Kitten?
Spaying or neutering is an important decision for your pet’s long-term health and behavior. Our veterinarians recommend:
- Spaying/Neutering at 4-6 months of age for small and medium-sized dog breeds and cats
- Spaying/Neutering at 12 months of age for large-sized dog breeds.
- Benefits include reducing unwanted behaviors, preventing certain cancers, and decreasing overpopulation
We provide safe, professional spay and neuter procedures with a focus on comfort and recovery.
Why Choose Hog Mountain Animal Hospital for Puppy and Kitten Care?
When it comes to veterinary care for puppies and kittens in Dacula, GA, Hog Mountain Animal Hospital stands out for its:
- Experienced veterinary team led by Dr. David Martinez-Jimenez
- Comprehensive preventive care, from vaccines to parasite prevention
- Compassionate, family-oriented environment where every pet feels safe
- Flexible scheduling options, including online booking and same-day appointments
We are committed to helping pets grow up healthy and strong.
Schedule Your Kitten or Puppy’s First Check-up Today!
Give your new pet the best start in life with comprehensive veterinary care at Hog Mountain Animal Hospital. Our team is here to support you and your pet every step of the way.
Call us today to schedule your puppy check-up or kitten check-up in Dacula, GA!