Compassionate & Knowledgeable Care for Your New Puppy or Kitten
Congratulations on the arrival of your new puppy or kitten! Burloak Animal Hospital provides puppy and kitten wellness programs designed to offer your new family member all of the benefits of veterinary services available to him or her from 6 to 16 weeks of age. Our puppy and kitten consults generally contain a full physical wellness exam, age and lifestyle appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and behaviour advice. We are also pleased to provide information on general wellness and care for your new pet.
Bringing your puppy to come see us? Learn more about low stress veterinary visits
Puppy Vaccinations
Included in this service is a series of examinations and vaccinations, including:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
- Bordetella
Kitten Vaccinations
Included in this service is a series of examinations and vaccinations, including:
- Rabies
- Panleukopenia (distemper)
- Leukemia
Viral Testing for Your New Kitten or Cat
A common test that we always recommend for new kittens or cats is a feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) test. This test is used to detect exposure to or infection by one of these viruses. It should be run on any new kitten or cat that comes into your home. These viruses are contagious among cats and are spread by contact through saliva, tears, and urine.
FeLV is a retrovirus that affects the immune system, impairing a cat’s ability to fight off infections. As a result, cats with the virus can potentially develop other serious conditions such as anemia or cancer.
Cats with FIV develop symptoms that resemble AIDS in humans. Just like HIV, FIV can lie dormant in the body for a long time before a pet starts to exhibit symptoms. In fact, some FIV positive cats will live out their entire natural lives without ever showing signs of infection. If the virus is activated, it will suppress a cat’s immune responses and increase the likelihood that otherwise minor infections lead to serious disease.
Our veterinarians strongly recommend all new cat owners have their feline companions tested for FeLV and FIV, especially if the cat spent time in a shelter or rescue. A confirmed negative test result helps us to determine and establish good health and rule out these diseases for any future health issues that may arise.
Worm & Parasite Treatment
In addition, your new pet will be tested and treated for worms. One of the most common intestinal worms of puppies and kittens is roundworms. Puppies and kittens can pick up worms and parasites from their mother as well as from contact with infected fecal matter. Roundworms can cause gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and/or diarrhea. There are other parasites that can cause similar symptoms and can even cause your puppy to become anemic (low red blood cells). Performing a fecal test will allow us to treat your puppy accordingly. Although some worms are visible to the naked eye, most worms are diagnosed by examining the stool of your puppy or kitten microscopically.
Spaying & Neutering Benefits to Overall Pet Health
Spaying your pet has many benefits. The procedure, which prevents female animals from reproducing, can help your dog or cat live a longer, healthier life without changing your pet’s personality.
By spaying your female pet, you’re protecting her against potentially deadly diseases, including:
- Bacterial infections
- Reproductive tract diseases
- Several types of cancer
Additional benefits include:
- Avoiding the mess associated with the heat cycle in female dogs
- Avoiding the pacing and crying that occurs with the heat cycle in female cats
- Helping to control the dog and cat overpopulation problem by keeping more animals out of shelters
Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting the latest addition to your family.