Congratulations on the arrival of your new fur friend!

We have put together some important information below to ​help get you started on the path towards preventative care.

By bringing in your new pet for their first exam, you will receive a FREE packet of helpful information, a FREE bag of puppy/kitten food, and a FREE dose of monthly preventative(s).
We would love to have a puppy/kitten photo for your pets account. This allows us to have a cute memory to look back on when we are a senior. We can take it in clinic or you can send an adorable picture to vets@newtonanimalclinic.com. Thank you!

For additional questions, or to schedule your pet's first appointment, ​please call us or stop in!

        Very young animals are highly susceptible to infectious disease because their immune system is not yet fully mature. They receive protection through antibodies in their mother’s milk, but the protection is not long-lasting and there may be gaps in protection as the milk antibodies decrease and their immune system is still maturing.
        In many instances, the first dose of a vaccine serves to prime the animal’s immune system against the virus or bacteria while subsequent doses help further stimulate the immune system to produce the important antibodies needed to protect an animal from diseases.
        To provide optimal protection against disease in the first few months of life, a series of vaccinations are scheduled, usually 3-4 weeks apart. For most puppies and kittens, the final vaccination in the series is administered at about 4 months of age; however, a veterinarian may alter the schedule based on an individual animal’s risk factors, age, or previous vaccination history.
        An incomplete series of vaccinations may lead to incomplete protection, making puppies and kittens vulnerable to infection.
There are two types of vaccinations:
        1. “Core” vaccines are recommended for most pets in a particular area or geographical location because they protect from diseases most common in that area. Examples: Canine or Feline Distemper vaccine, Rabies vaccine.
        2. “Non-core” vaccinations are for individual pets with unique needs.  Examples: Lyme disease vaccine or Rattle Snake vaccine, or the Feline Leukemia vaccination for multi-cat households/outdoor cats.
        Your veterinarian will consider your pet’s risk of exposure to a variety of preventable diseases in order to customize a vaccination program for optimal protection throughout your pet’s life.​

​Source: AVMA

New Puppy Information

• Many puppies like the security of a crate, providing your dog with a safety zone while you are busy or away. It's also a great tool when housebreaking because it is unusual for a puppy to defecate where he sleeps. It is best NOT to let a puppy sleep with you because this can create problems later.
• If your puppy has problems sleeping at night, put a clock in his bed. The tick tock emulates the mother's heartbeat and can sometimes soothe an anxious puppy.
• Baby gates can be a good training tool to "block off" areas that are off limits to your puppy.
• Puppies are known to chew so it's best to remove any hazards such as power chords or small items that can be easily ingested. Never use old shoes or socks as chew toys. A puppy can't tell the difference between old and new so you may end up losing your favorite pair. Also, remember that certain garage items (such as antifreeze) can be toxic and killers. Just like child-proofing your house for an infant that is learning to walk, you have to puppy proof your home.
• Get your puppy a pet ID tag and microchip in case he runs away.
• In the first 24 - 48 hours in his new home, your puppy may have some acclimation issues such as housebreaking. Be patient and don't yell at him. He needs to get a little more comfortable in his surroundings.
• It is important to put your puppy on a schedule right from the start, particularly for bathroom breaks (every two - three hours), eating and sleeping. In the beginning, he/she may sleep a lot. Take advantage of nap time!
• Remember to exercise your puppy daily.
• Call all of the family together and establish your ground rules right from the start. Make sure everyone sticks to the rules to avoid confusion for your puppy. 
• Source: Bark Busters

New Kitten Information

• Kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks from 3-9 weeks of age; then monthly until 6 months of age. Keep in mind that we offer a monthly flea and tick preventative that serves as a general dewormer as well. 
• Fecal exams should be performed 2-4 times during the first year of life. 
• A Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus should be performed on new kittens with an unknown history. Refer to the Feline Vaccination information page to learn more about these diseases by clicking here.
• Kittens require socialization with humans and other animals, just like dogs. 
• In multiple cat households, it is recommended to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra box. So if you have 3 cats, you should offer 4 (appropriate sized) litter boxes in various locations. This will help decrease the chances of behavioral inappropriate elimination (aka going to the bathroom outside of the box). 
• Daily cleaning of litter boxes will help keep everyone happy, and decrease the risk of behavioral inappropriate elimination.
• Providing plenty of toys for your kitten will be beneficial, as they are curious creatures. You may also think about providing a scratching post or mat, to get your kitten used to only using it's claws on these items.
• Cats in general are known to be pickier eater's than their canine companions. If your kitten isn't loving it's new diet, you may consider offering various types of food until you find what works best. There are more than several options- from hairball control, urinary care, kitten to senior diets- which can be overwhelming, so involving your veterinarian in this decision will be beneficial.
• Source: AAHA Guildlines for Feline Preventative Care