New Puppy and Kitten Care in Lubbock, TX
We can’t wait to meet your new puppy or kitten! Bringing home a new pet is the first step toward a wonderful companion, friend, and long-term family member. It is an exciting time, and it is important to do everything you can to help your new pet grow up strong, healthy, and happy. At Hub City Veterinary Clinic, our puppy and kitten care gives your new companion the best possible start.
We recommend bringing your puppy or kitten in for an exam as soon as possible so we can identify any potential health concerns early. During your pet’s first wellness exam, we will examine your pet and answer your questions about long-term care, including nutrition, vaccinations, dental care, parasite prevention, training, and behavior.
Feeding Your New Pet
When you pick up your puppy or kitten, ask what and when they were being fed, and follow that same schedule until your first visit with us. Sudden diet changes can upset a young pet’s stomach. During the exam, we will discuss your pet’s nutritional needs and help you choose the right food from the many options available.
FeLV and FIV Testing for Kittens
We recommend testing every kitten for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Testing is especially important if you have other cats at home. These viruses can be passed from mother to kitten, and a mother cat can be infected by the father and pass the virus to her entire litter even if she previously tested negative. Early testing helps protect your kitten and every cat in your household.
What to bring with you:
- Your puppy on a leash or your kitten in a secure carrier
- Any health information from the seller or shelter, such as vaccine or deworming history
- A fresh stool sample (less than 12 hours old)
Puppies: the initial exam will include:
- A thorough physical exam
- Flea and tick control recommendations based on your puppy’s lifestyle
- Monthly heartworm preventive
- Fecal examination for intestinal parasites and appropriate deworming
- Advice on the right vaccination schedule for your puppy’s anticipated lifestyle
- Guidance on required versus optional vaccines and boosters
- Answers to all of your questions
Kittens: the initial exam will include:
- A complete physical exam
- A personalized vaccination schedule based on your kitten’s breed and anticipated lifestyle
- Necessary vaccines or vaccine boosters
- Optional heartworm preventive
- Flea and tick control recommendations
- Fecal examination for intestinal parasites and appropriate deworming
- Testing for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Planning for Your Pet’s Future
Your puppy or kitten’s early visits are also a great time to talk about microchipping, spay and neuter timing, and pet insurance. For puppies at risk of hip problems, we can also discuss AIS PennHIP testing, which is accurate as early as 16 weeks of age.
Please call Hub City Veterinary Clinic at (806) 701-5000 today to schedule your new pet’s wellness exam!
Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy and Kitten Care
When should I bring my new puppy or kitten to the vet?
Bring your new pet in as soon as possible after adoption so we can check for health problems early and start vaccines and parasite prevention.
When should puppy and kitten vaccines start?
We recommend starting puppy and kitten vaccines between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with boosters typically completed around 16 weeks.
Why should my kitten be tested for FeLV and FIV?
FeLV and FIV are serious viruses that can pass from mother to kitten. Testing protects your kitten and any other cats in your home.
What should I feed my new puppy or kitten?
Continue the food your pet was eating before adoption until your first visit. Our veterinarian will then help you choose the best diet for your pet.
Do puppies and kittens need deworming?
Yes. Many puppies and kittens are born with or quickly pick up intestinal parasites, so fecal testing and deworming are part of their first visits.
When should I microchip my puppy or kitten?
Microchipping can be done during a routine visit or at the time of spay or neuter. Ask our team about the best timing for your pet.
What should I bring to my puppy or kitten’s first appointment?
Bring your pet on a leash or in a carrier, any records from the seller or shelter, and a fresh stool sample less than 12 hours old.
