Puppy & Kitten Care
Lake Anna Veterinary Hospital provides puppy and kitten care for new dogs and cats in Mineral, VA. We’re here to welcome your newest family member—and to give them the strongest possible start.
Welcome to the Lake Anna Veterinary Family
Whether this is your first pet or your fifth, our team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you feel confident in caring for your new animal. We take a Fear Free approach to every visit—including your puppy or kitten’s very first one. A positive early experience at the vet can shape how your pet feels about veterinary care for the rest of their life.
Why Early Veterinary Care Matters
The first weeks and months of your pet’s life are critical for their long-term health. Early wellness exams allow us to identify any potential health concerns before they develop into larger problems. They also give us the opportunity to establish a baseline for your pet’s health—information we’ll build on throughout their life.
We take a lifecycle approach to veterinary care at Lake Anna Veterinary Hospital, and it starts here. The relationship we build with you and your pet during puppyhood and kittenhood shapes every future visit. Learn more about how our pet wellness and preventative care services continue to support your pet as they grow.
Your Puppy’s First Wellness Exam
The first step in keeping your new puppy healthy is scheduling a wellness exam as soon as possible after bringing them home. This visit includes a thorough physical examination and gives us the chance to get to know you, your puppy, and your goals as a pet owner.
Your puppy’s first exam includes:
- Establishing a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy’s breed and lifestyle
- Necessary vaccines or vaccine boosters
- Heartworm prevention as needed
- Flea and tick control recommendations
- Fecal examination for intestinal parasites and appropriate deworming
- Discussion of nutrition and feeding guidance
What to bring to your puppy’s first visit
- Your puppy on a leash
- Any prior health records from the breeder, shelter, or previous owner
- A fresh stool sample
Your Kitten’s First Wellness Exam
Your kitten’s first exam includes:
- Establishing a vaccination schedule appropriate for your kitten’s breed and anticipated lifestyle
- Necessary vaccines or vaccine boosters
- Flea and tick control recommendations
- Fecal examination for intestinal parasites and appropriate deworming
- Testing for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
- Nutritional guidance and feeding recommendations
What to bring to your kitten’s first visit
- Your kitten in a secure cat carrier
- Any prior health records from the breeder, shelter, or previous owner
- A fresh stool sample
As with puppies, we recommend continuing the food your kitten was eating when you brought them home until after your first visit. Our team will help you evaluate your options and find the right nutrition plan for your growing cat.
Ongoing Primary Pet Care for Puppies & Kittens
The first exam is just the beginning. Puppies and kittens require a series of wellness visits in their first year to complete vaccination series, monitor growth and development, and address questions as they arise. Our team will outline a recommended visit schedule at your first appointment.
As your puppy or kitten grows, our services grow with them. From pet dental care to pet behavioral counseling and beyond, we’re equipped to support your pet’s needs at every stage of life. For pets who show early signs of skin concerns, our pet dermatology services are also available to address issues before they become chronic.
When to Seek Immediate Care
- Respiratory problems, including coughing or difficulty breathing
- Signs of pain, including labored breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Open wounds, lacerations, or animal bites
- Allergic reactions, including facial swelling or hives
- Eye injuries of any kind
- Suspected poisoning, including antifreeze, rodent bait, or human medications
- Seizure, fainting, or collapse
- Thermal stress—too hot or too cold—even if the puppy appears to have recovered
- Trauma, such as being struck by a vehicle
Contact us immediately if your kitten shows any of the following:
- Signs of poisoning, including mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, or seizures
- Bleeding that cannot be controlled
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness or severe lethargy
- Staggering or seizures
- Blood in urine or feces
- Straining in the litter box with no results, or more than two episodes of diarrhea in an hour
- Repeated vomiting in a short period, or vomiting combined with diarrhea
- Signs of pain, including swelling or inability to use a limb
For emergencies outside of our regular hours, please contact a local emergency veterinary facility right away. View our Emergency Resources page for guidance.
FAQs About Puppy & Kitten Care
When should I bring my new puppy or kitten in for their first visit?
How many visits will my puppy or kitten need in their first year?
Should I change my puppy or kitten's food right away?
What vaccinations does my puppy or kitten need?
Is it normal for my new puppy or kitten to be nervous at the vet?
The Best Start for a Long, Healthy Life
Puppy and kitten care sets the foundation for everything that comes after. At Lake Anna Veterinary Hospital, we’re proud to be part of the beginning of your pet’s story—and committed to staying by their side every step of the way. For new pet owners throughout the Lake Anna area, our team is here to provide the guidance, care, and support that help young pets thrive.
Veterinary Services
Pet Wellness & Preventative Care
Senior Pet Care