Vaccines:  Your new puppy or kitten will need a series of 2 or 3 boosters to be fully protected against a number of common disease typically start between 6 and 8 weeks of age. We vaccinate puppies against distemper, adenovirus,leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and coronavirus. Kittens are vaccinated for feline leukemia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Both puppies and kittens should receive a rabies vaccine between 4 and 6 months old. Deworming: Your new puppy or kitten should be dewormed for roundworms. This is a common parasite that can pass from the mother to the babies in the uterus and through their milk. They may need one or two treatments. Spay/Neuter:  Dogs and cats can be "fixed" at 5-6 months of age. Refer to our Spaying and Neutering Your Pets page for answers to common questions about these procedures.  Exercise: Many of us that live in Teton Valley like to take our dogs on our many outdoor adventures. Exercise is great for puppies but they do need to be careful. Until they are at least a year old, you should avoid taking them in deep snow or on bike rides or skiing where they may have to struggle to keep up. Their joints are still developing and too strenuous an activity can damage the soft cartilage, which can lead to early arthritic problems. Easy hikes are the best way to go. When they show signs of slowing down, it's time to stop. Don't make them go until they are exhausted. Veterinarian Victor Driggs Tetonia Felt |
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