THE ANIMAL CLINIC OF OAK VIEW

YOUR NEW PUPPY OR KITTEN

So, you just got a new puppy or kitten!  Maybe you got more than one!  Congratulations!  You are in for a lot of love, laughs, and a LOT of responsibility.  You will sit up nights worrying about your new baby.  Does that little sneeze mean he's getting sick?  Why did the kitten spit up all of the food she just ate?  He feels warm! He doesn't feel warm enough!  She whines a lot... is she in pain? Is it normal for my puppy to sleep so much?  My puppy never seems to want to sleep... is THAT normal?  How much food do I feed?  How often should my kitten eat?  Dry food, or canned food?  Both? The list of questions seems pages longer than the list of answers to those questions.  Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone, and you're not the first person that's ever asked any of these questions.  We have printable handouts regarding your new puppy or kitten that we are more than happy to share with you, so stop by anytime and ask for them.

If you've gotten your new pet from either a breeder or a shelter, please be sure to bring any paperwork they may have given you, that might contain information about vaccines, or previous medical treatments. 
It's important to know the previous vaccine and medical history but, if you don't have any paperwork, don't fret.  The doctor will make any vaccine and/or medical decisions that are completely in the best interest of your pet. You and your pet are in good hands at The Animal Clinic of Oak View!

Below is our typical schedule of vaccines for puppies and kittens.  As you can see, we typically start them at 8 weeks of age. Anything younger than 8 weeks, is too soon.  If they are older than 8 weeks, and you know they've had no previous vaccines, it's important to get them protected as soon as possible.  We highly recommend that you not take your new puppy or kitten out in public areas (pet parks, the beach, walking paths, school yards, etc.) until it has finished it's complete series of vaccines.  The urge to show off your new pet is sometimes irresistible, but for the sake of their health and well being, please do what's best for your pet.

Prices & schedule of vaccines for your puppy:

8 weeks - Dhpp (Distemper, hepatitis, parvo, para-influenza)  $17.50
                   Bordetella (guards against kennel cough)                    $17.50
                                                                                                                                   
12 weeks - Dhpp                                                                                   $17.50                
                    Bordetella                                                                           $17.50

16 weeks - Dhpp                                                                                   $17.50
                     Rabies 1 year                                                                     $12.50       
                                                                                                                _______
                                                                                             Total          $100.00

Prices & schedule of vaccines for your kitten:

8 weeks -   FVRCP (Helps with feline upper-respiratory viruses)    $17.50
                    FELV/FIV (To help prevent infection of feline leukemia, and feline immunodeficiency virus)  This vaccine is given only if the kitten has been tested first for FELV/FIV.  It is always recommended for outdoor cats, or cats that have been in contact with other cats outdoors, or has been in contact with a cat that is known to have previously tested positive.  The test costs $67.50, is done here in our office, and only takes about 20 minutes to get the results.  If the test is negative, we can vaccinate for the FELV/FIV the same day as the test. The vaccine costs $20.00.

12 weeks - FVRCP                                                                                  $17.50
                     FELV/FIV                                                                             $20.00

16 weeks - FVRCP                                                                                  $17.50
                     Rabies 1 year                                                                       $12.50
                                                                                                                   _______
                                                                                 Total (with test)     $172.50
                      (total without test and without FELV/FIV vaccine)   $65.00

NEW CLIENTS:

What To Look For When Choosing A Veterinarian

In your search for a veterinary facility, we believe you should expect high quality care as well as great service.  Our goal has been to assemble a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care.  Our commitment to you is to continue to offer our exceptional service and a fully equipped veterinary facility.

Your pet's annual vet check-up will include a total physical exam, with a thorough investigation of your pet's head, and entire body. Because even the most cooperative pet may not readily go-along with a tooth and gum brushing, an annual cleaning by your veterinarian may be in order. Like you, your pet can lose his teeth due to decay and neglect. It's a good idea to keep an accurate medical diary not only of the procedures and vaccinations your pet receives at the vet, but also of notes on things like your pet's elimination habits and any physical changes or unusual occurrences. Keep track of small shifts in your pet's behavior, including urinary marking habits and mood swings, along with diet and routine modifications. Take this notebook when you visit the vet.
These seemingly unrelated occurrences may help explain results of your pet's medical tests. Also, if you need to change vets, it's good to have this journal to provide a complete medical history.

Choose a veterinarian who is calm, compassionate and willing to explain all the procedures your pet undergoes. Try to find a vet with whom both you and your pet feel comfortable. Try to have it convenient, choose a clinic with qualified staff and facilities to undertake surgery and perform procedures requiring anesthesia, such as teeth cleaning. Because of the general risks inherent to anesthesia, especially for very old, very young or very ill pets, your veterinarian will likely suggest a few exams and tests, including a chest X-ray and lab work of blood and urine, before your pet is anesthetized. During the procedure he might need an IV drip; antibiotics may be necessary before and after.

If your pet must undergo a procedure that requires more precise knowledge and experience, your veterinarian may refer you to a specialist. These are veterinarians who have completed advanced studies in specialties such as internal medicine, emergency care, orthopedic surgery, ophthalmic surgery, and many others.
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