Your new kitten or puppy depends on you to help him or her live a healthy, happy life. Next to you, your Veterinarian (Dr. Rush & Dr. Dreewes) is your pet’s best friend. By establishing a preventative health care program with your veterinarian as soon as you acquire your new pet, you can help protect your pet from contagious diseases, parasites and other health problems.

• Schedule a Veterinary appointment as early as possible.
• Give your Veterinarian as much information as possible about your new pet – age, where acquired, and vaccination records.
• Follow your Veterinarian’s schedule on your pet’s preventative health care. Your puppy or kitten received some immunity from its mother, but this decreases quickly after weaning. It is important to have your pet inoculated against contagious diseases as early as possible. Some vaccinations require initial and booster inoculations, so be sure your pet receives the full series.
• Take a Fecal sample to your veterinarian (Dr. Rush & Dr. Dreewes) to be examined for internal parasites on you puppy’s/kitten’s first visit. Some parasites are passed from mother to babies. It is important to have your Veterinarian treat them early. It is not recommended that you treat your pet yourself with over-the-counter products.
• Your Veterinarian will examine your pet’s eyes, ears, mouth, nose, body and hair coat for any abnormalities.
• Discuss the benefits of spaying/neutering your pet with your Veterinarian and at what age this procedure should be scheduled.
• Ask your Veterinarian (Dr. Rush & Dr. Dreewes) for behavior and training advise and housebreaking tips.