New Puppy & Kitten Information

New Puppy & Kitten Information: Giving Your New Pet the Best Start

Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience—but it also comes with plenty of responsibilities. At West Ridge Veterinary Practice, we're here to guide you through the early stages of your pet’s life with expert care, tailored advice, and ongoing support.

Initial Health Check

We recommend bringing your new puppy or kitten in for a full health check as soon as possible. This helps us identify any early health concerns and gives you peace of mind. At this first visit, we’ll:

• Examine your pet’s overall health
• Check their weight and growth
• Discuss vaccinations, worming, and flea control
• Offer advice on feeding, socialisation, and toilet training

It’s also a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have!

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are essential for protecting your pet against serious infectious diseases. We typically recommend the following:

• Puppies: Start vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters 2–4 weeks later
• Kittens: Start vaccinations from 9 weeks, with a second dose at 12 weeks

We’ll create a personalised vaccination schedule based on your pet’s age and risk factors.

Worming & Flea Prevention

Young pets are particularly vulnerable to worms and parasites. Regular worming starts from two weeks of age and continues monthly until six months. After that, we’ll reassess their needs. Flea control should also be started early and maintained year-round.

We can recommend safe, effective products suited to your pet’s age, weight, and lifestyle.

Microchipping

Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs and will soon be mandatory for cats too. It’s a quick, safe procedure that permanently identifies your pet and increases the chances of them being returned if lost.

Feeding & Nutrition

Getting the right diet is crucial for healthy growth. We’ll help you choose the best food for your puppy or kitten’s breed, age, and size, and offer guidance on portion control and feeding routines.

Socialisation & Behaviour

Early socialisation helps shape confident, well-adjusted pets. We’ll advise you on how to expose your new pet safely to different people, animals, environments, and experiences during their critical learning period.

Pet Health Care Plan

To make routine care simple and more affordable, consider joining our Pet Health Care Plan. It includes:

• Vaccinations
• Parasite control
• Regular health checks
• Discounts on treatments, food, and more

We’re Here to Help

Raising a puppy or kitten is a journey—and we’re with you every step of the way. If you’ve just welcomed a new furry family member, book their first check-up with us today or call us on Witheridge 01884 860236 or Winkleigh 01837 83240

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