The holidays are a popular time to add a new puppy or kitten to the family. If your family has a new furry addition after the holidays, it is important to start their New Year off right by making sure they are healthy and protected against disease.

A first visit to the veterinarian is important for all new puppies and kittens. Your veterinarian will do a thorough exam on your new pet in order to evaluate for general health as well as potential congenital malformations. The heart will be listened to closely to evaluate for murmurs, and the lungs will be evaluated for any evidence of pneumonia or other respiratory disease.   

The limbs will be evaluated for common orthopedic problems such as angular deformities, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia. The hair-coat will be evaluated for the presence of external parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites, and for potentially contagious conditions such as ringworm.

The puppy’s mouth will be examined to check for proper alignment of the jaws and for deformities such as a cleft palate.  A general neurologic examination will be performed, and the gait will be observed for any abnormalities.

A test for intestinal parasites, called a fecal flotation, will most likely be performed. This test involves a microscopic examination of a fecal sample to look for parasite eggs. This test is important for several reasons. Most puppies and kittens are born with intestinal parasites. Even if your puppy or kitten was dewormed before you got him or her, it is important to realize that not all dewormers treat all types of worms; identification of parasites with a fecal examination is important for selection of the correct dewormer. 

Additionally, intestinal parasites, or worms, are not usually visible to the naked eye. Just because you don’t see worms in the pet’s feces does not mean they aren’t there! Parasite infections are not only dangerous to your pet’s health, but they can potentially cause health problems for people in the home.   Therefore, is important to not only treat the parasites, but to be aware of ways to prevent human infection.

Your veterinarian will also discuss your pet’s vaccine history and determine an appropriate vaccination schedule.  It is very common for new puppy and kitten owners to have been told that their new pet has “had all of their shots.” Puppies and kittens are not considered fully vaccinated until they have had a series of several vaccines. Sometimes breeders mean that they have had all of their shots to date, but that they will still require more to complete the series. It is best to take your pet’s prior vaccine history with you to your veterinarian to decide which vaccines your pet may still require.

In addition to making sure that your new pet is healthy, the first vet visit will help to establish a relationship with you, your pet, and your veterinarian, and help to ensure that future vet visits are routine, healthy ones.

Dr. Kelly Sulik owns and operates Animobile Mobile Veterinary Services in Tryon, N.C. She can be reached at animobiledvm@gmail.com.