Pet Wellness

Puppies and kittens hold a special place in our hearts. Every puppy and kitten requires regular wellness care to grow and thrive.

We recommend puppy and kitten vaccines as a general preventive measure. These vaccines are given as a series of vaccinations, beginning at eight weeks of age, and completed around the 6-month mark to build immunity as your young pet grows.

With your puppy or kitten wellness exam, your new pet will receive the following services:

• Series of nose-to-tail exams with a doctor:
  • Discuss general health concerns for breed/species
  • Discuss the importance of vaccinations with your doctor and administering age-appropriate vaccines
  • Nutritional counseling for your growing puppy or kitten
  • Behavioral counseling
    • Housebreaking puppies and training kittens to use their litter box
    • Preparing your pet for trips to the vet to make their visit less stressful
• Discussing bad habits like chewing, biting, and scratching
• Series of appropriate vaccines for pet’s age.
• Establishing a vaccine routine with your veterinarian at Paws and Claws Pet Care

Vaccine schedule for puppies

• Distemper/Parvo vaccine is given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks old. Boosted at one year of age**
• Oral Bordetella vaccine is given by mouth to prevent kennel cough; this is a 1-year vaccine.
• Rabies vaccine is the last vaccine your puppy will receive in their series between 16 to 18 weeks old; this is a 1-year vaccine.

Vaccine schedule for kittens

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) test is ALWAYS performed before the FELV vaccine is first done.
• FVRCP, the feline distemper vaccine, is given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Boosted at one year of age**
• FELV vaccine is given at 12 and 16 weeks of age**
• Rabies 1-year vaccine is given between 16 to 18 weeks old.
• Fecal examination for intestinal parasites
  • Fecal samples are sent out to the laboratory for testing of parasites.
• De-worming and intestinal parasite prevention

**Please recognize not all breeders give vaccines on the same schedule. Your veterinarian will assess and review past given vaccines; we will review all records to ensure your puppy or kitten is properly immunized.

Please call today to schedule an appointment for us to meet your new pet!

Did you know that pets age faster than people and can be considered “seniors” at just seven years of age? Just as our healthcare needs change as we age, your pet’s needs also change. Nutritional needs, exercise habits, and many aspects of your pet’s daily routine can change as your pet ages. But how can you tell the difference between “normal” aging and a medical problem? As in humans, some health issues that affect older pets can begin with very subtle changes that may go unnoticed until the problem has become severe. As your pet age, they need special senior pet health care. During your senior pet’s bi-annual exam, you and your doctor will discuss the best ways to keep your senior pet in top shape.

• Twice yearly examinations are recommended to monitor any changes in your pet’s health
• Comprehensive diagnostic testing
• Nutritional counseling
• Weight control and monitoring weight gain or loss
• Exercise and accommodations for changes in a pet’s mobility
• Home dental care
• Monitoring and understanding possible changes in an aging pet’s mental health and brain function
• End-of-life concerns

Older pets make wonderful companions; thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, our pets are living longer than ever! You are an essential ally in your senior pet’s health care. We are here to help ensure your pet is safe and happy throughout its “golden years.”