Recommended Veterinary Care for Every Stage
Puppies and Dogs
Under 6 Weeks
Puppies should remain with their mother for at least six weeks of age, preferably to eight weeks. They should receive regular human handling during this time.
6 – 8 Weeks of Age
First visit to the veterinarian! At this time, your vet will recommend vaccines for your area (distemper, adenovirus type 2, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus, otherwise known as DA2PP or DHPP). Your puppy will provide a stool sample to check for intestinal parasites and will receive deworming medication if necessary. The veterinarian will start your pup on heartworm preventative and flea control if needed. The veterinarian should discuss proper nutrition with you and start offering information on house-training. During this time, you’ll want to keep your puppy’s feet off the floor in public spaces like the vet’s office, and away from pet stores and dog parks until she is fully vaccinated. Your vet will discuss spaying/neutering.
9 – 11 Weeks of Age
At your puppy’s second veterinary visit, she will receive boosters of needed vaccinations (DHPP or DA2PP, or DHLPP adding leptospirosis if your pup is more than ten pounds) and a kennel cough or bordetella bronchiseptica and lyme vaccine if needed. Your veterinarian may perform another fecal exam and will give and second dose of worming medication (if necessary). The veterinarian will discuss dental care for your pup and schedule your pup’s spay or neuter surgery.
12 – 15 Weeks of Age
Your puppy will receive their third DHLPP vaccine (adding lepto pending size/breed), kennel cough and lyme disease plus the state-required rabies vaccine. The first rabies vaccine is good for one year; each subsequent vaccine lasts for three years. Rabies vaccines must be current in order to obtain a dog license. Puppies under six months old do not require a heartworm test. Puppies seven months are recommended to get a heartworm test if they have not been on heartworm preventative.
Annual Adult Exams
Your adult dog requires a yearly wellness exam. During this exam, your veterinarian will physically examine your dog, checking over for any issues including weight, skin, eyes, heart – everything you would get at your own annual exam! Additionally, your veterinarian will examine your dog’s mouth and teeth and may recommend a cleaning. As needed, your dog will receive recommended vaccine boosters (one year or three year), be tested for heartworm, and you will be provided a prescription for heartworm preventative. HSSCM recommends year-round heartworm preventative for dogs in Michigan.
Senior Dogs
It is recommended that senior dogs visit the veterinarian two times a year. During these visits, your vet will perform bloodwork. These checks will help determine disease at an earlier point and allow for medication and pain relief to ensure you have many more happy years with your pet.
Kittens and Cats
Under 6 Weeks
Kittens should remain with their mother for at least six weeks of age, preferably to eight weeks. They should receive regular human handling during this time.
6 – 8 Weeks of Age
First visit to the veterinarian! Your vet will perform a basic examination of your kitten and start the first round of vaccines including rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia, otherwise known as FVRCP. Your kitten will provide a stool sample and a fecal examination will be performed to check for intestinal parasites. If needed, your kitten will receive deworming medication. The veterinarian will start your kitten on heartworm preventative and flea control if needed. The veterinarian should discuss proper nutrition with you and you will be taught to learn to trim your cat’s nails (declawing is NOT a manicure! it is an amputation of the first digit of your cat’s toes and is an unnecessary and painful surgery that is not recommended by the AVMA or American Association of Feline Practitioners). Your vet will discuss spaying/neutering.
9 – 11 Weeks of Age
At your kitten’s second veterinary visit, she will receive boosters of needed vaccinations. Your veterinarian may perform another fecal exam and will give and second dose of worming medication (if necessary). The veterinarian will discuss dental care for your kitten and schedule your kitten’s spay or neuter surgery..
12 – 15 Weeks of Age
Your kitten will receive their third vaccines plus the rabies vaccine. The first rabies vaccine is good for one year; each subsequent vaccine lasts for three years. Many vets are now recommending heartworm preventative for cats as the first symptom of heartworm in cats is often death. There is not treatment for heartworm in cats.
Annual Adult Exams
Your adult cat requires a yearly wellness exam. During this exam, your veterinarian will physically examine your cat, checking over for any issues including weight, skin, eyes, heart – everything you would get at your own annual exam! Additionally, your veterinarian will examine your cat’s mouth and teeth and may recommend a cleaning. As needed, your cat will receive recommended vaccine boosters (one year or three year), and you will be provided a prescription for heartworm preventative. HSSCM recommends year-round heartworm preventative for cats in Michigan.
Cats are experts at hiding pain or illness! If you notice bad breath, abnormal behavior, and/or different litterbox habits, contact your veterinarian right away!
Senior Cats
It is recommended that senior cats visit the veterinarian two times a year. During these visits, your vet will perform bloodwork. These checks will help determine disease at an earlier point and allow for medication and pain relief to ensure you have many more happy years with your pet.