Puppy & Kitten Care
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting time for your family. Early veterinary care is one of the most important steps you can take to help your new pet grow into a healthy adult.
During your puppy or kitten’s early visits at Lake Forest Park Animal Hospital, our team focuses on building a strong foundation for lifelong health. At each appointment, your pet will receive a thorough physical exam, weight check, parasite screening, and age-appropriate vaccinations, along with routine deworming as needed. These visits also give us time to discuss important topics such as heartworm, flea, and parasite prevention, nutrition, and early training and socialization. Because these first months are an ideal time to plan ahead, we also encourage pet owners to explore pet insurance options while their pet is young, when coverage options are often broader. |
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Recommended Puppy Vaccine Schedule
Following guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), puppies typically receive a series of vaccines to build immunity during their first months of life.
Core vaccines for puppies include:
Puppies need a series of visits to build full protection against disease. Depending on their age at their first visit, they may be seen up to four times. Each visit includes a physical exam along with the appropriate vaccines for that stage.
Core vaccines for puppies include:
DHPP — This combination vaccine is considered a core vaccine for all dogs and protects against four serious diseases:
Bordetella —Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the primary bacterial causes of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection. Dogs can pick it up anywhere they come into contact with other dogs — boarding facilities, groomers, dog parks, or even a quick sniff on a walk. Symptoms include a persistent honking cough, and while most healthy dogs recover, it can become serious in puppies or dogs with other health conditions. Many boarding and grooming facilities require this vaccine.
Rabies — Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal such as a bat, fox, or raccoon. Because there is no treatment once symptoms appear, prevention through vaccination is critical. Rabies vaccination is required by law for all dogs and cats in our area and must be kept current throughout your pet's life.
Depending on your puppy's lifestyle and environment, we may also recommend Canine Influenza.
Canine influenza (dog flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Two strains currently circulate in the U.S. — H3N2 and H3N8 — and both can cause coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and lethargy. Outbreaks tend to occur in areas where dogs congregate, such as kennels, shelters, and dog shows. We recommend this vaccine for dogs who are frequently around other dogs or who travel.
Kitten Vaccines
Like puppies, kittens need a series of vaccines to build lasting immunity against common and potentially serious diseases.
Core vaccines for kittens include:
FVRCP — This core combination vaccine protects kittens against three common and potentially severe feline diseases:
Rabies — Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal such as a bat, fox, or raccoon. Because there is no treatment once symptoms appear, prevention through vaccination is critical. Rabies vaccination is required by law for all dogs and cats in our area and must be kept current throughout your pet's life.
Deworming and Parasite Screening
Puppies and kittens are especially susceptible to intestinal parasites, which can affect their health even if they appear healthy. During early visits, we provide routine deworming treatments and fecal testing to identify common parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and Giardia. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic), making early detection and treatment important not just for your pet, but for your family’s health as well. Regular screening and preventive care help ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone in your household.
Following guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), puppies typically receive a series of vaccines to build immunity during their first months of life.
Core vaccines for puppies include:
Puppies need a series of visits to build full protection against disease. Depending on their age at their first visit, they may be seen up to four times. Each visit includes a physical exam along with the appropriate vaccines for that stage.
Core vaccines for puppies include:
DHPP — This combination vaccine is considered a core vaccine for all dogs and protects against four serious diseases:
- Distemper — A highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can be fatal and has no cure, making vaccination the only reliable protection.
- Hepatitis (Adenovirus) — Infectious canine hepatitis is a viral disease that can cause severe liver damage. It spreads through contact with infected urine, feces, or saliva.
- Parainfluenza — A contagious respiratory virus that contributes to kennel cough. While rarely life-threatening on its own, it can cause significant illness, especially in young or immunocompromised dogs.
- Parvovirus — One of the most serious diseases we vaccinate against. Parvo is highly contagious, spreads easily in the environment, and causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. It is often fatal in unvaccinated puppies.
Bordetella —Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the primary bacterial causes of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection. Dogs can pick it up anywhere they come into contact with other dogs — boarding facilities, groomers, dog parks, or even a quick sniff on a walk. Symptoms include a persistent honking cough, and while most healthy dogs recover, it can become serious in puppies or dogs with other health conditions. Many boarding and grooming facilities require this vaccine.
Rabies — Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal such as a bat, fox, or raccoon. Because there is no treatment once symptoms appear, prevention through vaccination is critical. Rabies vaccination is required by law for all dogs and cats in our area and must be kept current throughout your pet's life.
Depending on your puppy's lifestyle and environment, we may also recommend Canine Influenza.
Canine influenza (dog flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Two strains currently circulate in the U.S. — H3N2 and H3N8 — and both can cause coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and lethargy. Outbreaks tend to occur in areas where dogs congregate, such as kennels, shelters, and dog shows. We recommend this vaccine for dogs who are frequently around other dogs or who travel.
Kitten Vaccines
Like puppies, kittens need a series of vaccines to build lasting immunity against common and potentially serious diseases.
Core vaccines for kittens include:
FVRCP — This core combination vaccine protects kittens against three common and potentially severe feline diseases:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus) — A leading cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. It spreads easily between cats and can cause sneezing, eye discharge, and nasal congestion. Once infected, cats carry the virus for life, making early vaccination especially important.
- Calicivirus — Another major cause of feline upper respiratory disease. In addition to respiratory symptoms, it can cause painful oral ulcers and, in severe cases, more serious systemic illness.
- Panleukopenia — Also known as feline distemper, this highly contagious viral disease attacks the immune system and gastrointestinal tract. It is often fatal in kittens and spreads rapidly in unvaccinated populations.
Rabies — Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal such as a bat, fox, or raccoon. Because there is no treatment once symptoms appear, prevention through vaccination is critical. Rabies vaccination is required by law for all dogs and cats in our area and must be kept current throughout your pet's life.
Deworming and Parasite Screening
Puppies and kittens are especially susceptible to intestinal parasites, which can affect their health even if they appear healthy. During early visits, we provide routine deworming treatments and fecal testing to identify common parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and Giardia. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic), making early detection and treatment important not just for your pet, but for your family’s health as well. Regular screening and preventive care help ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone in your household.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering are routine surgical procedures that remove a pet’s reproductive organs. Beyond preventing unwanted litters, these surgeries offer significant long-term health benefits and can help reduce behavioral issues—contributing to a happier, healthier life for your pet.
Our experienced veterinarians perform these procedures with the utmost care, following strict surgical protocols and pain management practices to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. We also take an individualized approach, recommending the ideal timing for surgery based on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history to support the best possible outcome.
Why Spay or Neuter?
While controlling overpopulation is a major reason to spay or neuter, the benefits go far beyond that:
What to Expect
Our veterinarians follow strict surgical protocols and use modern anesthetic and monitoring equipment to ensure your pet’s safety during surgery. Your pet will be kept warm and comfortable as they recover from anesthesia, and we’ll monitor them closely until they’re ready to go home. Visit our Surgical procedures page to learn more.
You’ll receive clear, detailed postoperative instructions to help your pet recover quickly and comfortably. Our team is always here to answer questions or address concerns during the healing process.
A Community Impact
Choosing to spay or neuter your pet also helps reduce the number of homeless animals in our shelters and on the streets. By preventing unplanned litters, you play a direct role in creating a more compassionate, caring community where every pet has a chance at a loving home.
Together, we can make a lasting difference—for your pet and for countless others
Spaying and neutering are routine surgical procedures that remove a pet’s reproductive organs. Beyond preventing unwanted litters, these surgeries offer significant long-term health benefits and can help reduce behavioral issues—contributing to a happier, healthier life for your pet.
Our experienced veterinarians perform these procedures with the utmost care, following strict surgical protocols and pain management practices to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. We also take an individualized approach, recommending the ideal timing for surgery based on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history to support the best possible outcome.
Why Spay or Neuter?
While controlling overpopulation is a major reason to spay or neuter, the benefits go far beyond that:
- Health Benefits
- Spaying female pets protects them from potentially life-threatening conditions such as uterine infections (pyometra), reproductive tract diseases, and several types of cancer, including mammary tumors. It also eliminates the stress and mess of heat cycles—no more bloody discharge in dogs or vocalizing and restlessness in cats.
- Neutering male pets prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate disease. It also decreases the likelihood of behaviors such as roaming, marking, and aggression, especially when performed at a younger age.
What to Expect
Our veterinarians follow strict surgical protocols and use modern anesthetic and monitoring equipment to ensure your pet’s safety during surgery. Your pet will be kept warm and comfortable as they recover from anesthesia, and we’ll monitor them closely until they’re ready to go home. Visit our Surgical procedures page to learn more.
You’ll receive clear, detailed postoperative instructions to help your pet recover quickly and comfortably. Our team is always here to answer questions or address concerns during the healing process.
A Community Impact
Choosing to spay or neuter your pet also helps reduce the number of homeless animals in our shelters and on the streets. By preventing unplanned litters, you play a direct role in creating a more compassionate, caring community where every pet has a chance at a loving home.
Together, we can make a lasting difference—for your pet and for countless others
