Puppy & Kitten Care
in Clarion, PA

Puppies and kittens need plenty of care and attention in their first year of life. To help them grow up physically and mentally healthy, it’s important for them to see their veterinarian for three initial exams roughly three to four weeks apart. During these exams, we monitor your pet’s development and provide services including vaccinations and parasite preventative to increase their resistance to various illnesses. 

Or give us a call today at (814) 227-2603

PUPPY CARE TIPS

KITTEN CARE TIPS

First Exams & Vaccines

First Exams & Vaccinations

Your puppy’s or kitten’s first exam is our opportunity for establishing their care and building a plan for maintaining their health well into the future. Bringing your new pet to the vet shortly after adoption also gives them the chance to meet new people and experience new sights, sounds, and smells.

Exam One

The first exam typically happens when your puppy or kitten is about eight weeks old. This initial appointment tends to run longer than the average visit, as we cover lots of ground to answer your questions, establish a care plan for your pet, and administer the necessary treatments to keep them healthy as they grow into adulthood.

Below are the vaccines and treatments we generally provide at the very first visit.

Puppies

Kittens

Exam Two

The second exam, or recheck exam, is usually scheduled three to four weeks out from the first, when your puppy or kitten is around 12 weeks old.

Services typically provided at exam two include:

Puppies

Kittens

Exam Three

The third exam visit usually takes place when your puppy or kitten is around 16 weeks old. During this visit, your veterinarian will want to finalize your pet’s immunizations and discuss spaying/neutering and other steps to improve your pet’s health into adulthood.

Services provided at the third exam typically include:

Puppies

Kittens

Spaying & Neutering

Clarion Animal Hospital recommends spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce risks for reproductive cancers and infections. Click below for more information about these procedures, and why they’re beneficial to dogs and cats.

House Training Your Puppy

HOW DO I SET A TRAINING SCHEDULE?

  • First thing in the morning and last thing at night
  • After spending time in a crate/upon waking up from a nap
  • After eating/drinking
  • Time between restroom breaks should not exceed 2-4 hours

HOW DO I CRATE TRAIN MY PUPPY?

  • Dogs like clean living spaces and are less likely to have accidents
  • Place your pet’s crate near an exterior door for quick relief
  • The crate should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lay down in

WHEN SHOULD I REINFORCE GOOD BEHAVIOR?

  • Don’t scold your puppy for having an accident
  • Praise them for doing the right thing
  • Reward them with treats, pats, and attention

Promoting Positive Puppy Behaviors

WHAT CAN MY PUPPY CHEW ON?

  • Chewing is a calming mechanism for puppies and can keep them from chewing on furniture and other household items
  • Keep chewing toys around the house for your pet; when they start to chew on toys instead of household objects, reward them with pats and a treat

HOW DO I STOP MY PUPPY FROM BARKING?

  • Scolding your puppy when they bark can make it worse; instead, ignore the barking and praise your puppy when they’re quiet
  • Training your puppy to sit helps them fight the impulse to bark

HOW DO I STOP MY PUPPY FROM BEGGING AT THE TABLE?

  • Feed your puppy before you eat
  • Create a cozy place near the table where your puppy can relax and be comfortable
  • Praise your puppy with treats when they behave themselves

Feeding Your Puppy

HOW OFTEN DO I FEED MY PUPPY?

  • 6-12 weeks: 4x a day
  • 3-6 months: 3x a day
  • 6-12 months: 2x a day
  • After a year: 2 half portions a day

WHAT FOOD SHOULD I FEED MY PUPPY?

  • Look for and review AAFCO guidelines to gauge nutritional content and safety
  • Look for age-appropriate, health-specific formulas
  • Ask your veterinarian for recommendations

WHAT ARE HARMFUL FOODS FOR PUPPIES?

  • Dairy, chocolate, grapes/raisins, sugary foods, snacks, desserts, fatty foods, and garlic/onions can all be harmful to your puppy.

Preparing Your Home for a Kitten

WHAT SHOULD I BUY FOR A KITTEN?

  • Scratching pads and posts to protect your furniture
  • Litter boxes, cat carriers, food and water bowls, and toys
  • Stain and odor remover in case of accidents

WHAT SHOULD I MOVE OUT OF THE WAY?

  • Toxic plants
  • Cleaners and sprays
  • Any dog food that might be in the house, including dog food

HOW CAN MY CAT BE COMFORTABLE?

  • Get them a soft bed and blanket
  • Make sure they have a small, cozy space for curling up
  • Invest in grooming supplies, including a brush and nail clippers
  • Try pheromone products to help your kitten feel more calm

Playing with Your Kitten

HOW DO I PLAY SAFELY WITH MY KITTEN?

  • Use balls, jingles, anything on a string, and cotton chew toys
  • Avoid “play” with your hands to avoid encouraging your cat to see your hands as toys and causing injury

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLAYING WITH YOUR KITTEN?

  • It strengthens your bond with your kitten
  • Play allows your kitten to release energy that could otherwise lead to damage
  • It builds trust and comfort for your kitten in their new home

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PLAY WITH MY KITTEN?

  • At least 20+ minutes of play per day
  • Set aside at least two times a day for play, preferably early in the morning and in the evening

Feeding Your Kitten

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY KITTEN?

  • Dry food only: leave available at all times
  • Wet food only: feed at least four times a day
  • Combo: feed wet food twice a day and leave dry food available

WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY KITTEN?

  • Check for AAFCO guidelines for nutritional information and safety
  • Look for age- and health-specific kitten formulas
  • Ask your vet for tailored recommendations

WHAT ARE HARMFUL FOODS FOR KITTENS?

  • Raw meats, eggs, raw fish, grapes/raisins, chocolate, and dairy can all be harmful to kittens.

Your pet, our passion.

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