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Like their human counterparts, growing dogs and cats have their
own unique needs. Developing pets require time sensitive
vaccinations to ensure immunity from a number preventible diseases.
Getting your veterinarian involved during these early stages is
important in keeping your pet healthy as it matures.
If you're thinking about getting a puppy or a kitten, there are a
couple of factors that you will want to take into account:
Purebred dogs, though beautiful, may not necessarily be the best
choice for you and your family. Purebred dogs will be more prone to
inherit diseases and personality disorders characteristic of their
breed. Certain breeds, for example, are more susceptible to
infections or parasites, while others have a predisposition to hip
dysplasia. It is important to bring dogs purchased from a breeder into
the clinic as soon as possible. Here we will be check for heart
murmurs and other breed specific problems that may not be initially
apparent. Most breeders have a return period in the event that a
defect is detected.
While mixed breeds are less inclined to have the characteristic
appearance of any specific breed, their more diverse genetic makeup
reduces the likelihood of breed specific disorders. While we strongly
encourage adoption from animal shelters, it is important to carefully
observe a prospective pet to determine whether or not it has compatible temperament. Pets adopted from shelters should also be immediately checked by a veterinarian for parasites and other disorders.
Even if your puppy or kitten is too young to begin it's vaccinations, an early first appointment is recommended to touch base with your veterinarian and discuss the basics of good pet ownership and proper pet care. During this meeting we address a variety of subjects, including proper nutrition and exercise,spaying and neutering, and house and behavioral training.
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