The doctors and staff at Mount Airy Veterinary Hospital want to congratulate you on your new pet! We recommend an initial examination as soon as possible. During your first visit, we will complete an extensive and thorough hands-on physical exam. This examination will check for congenital problems (issues your pet was born with) and monitor for proper development. We will discuss current medical trends and breed-related issues.
We recommend and administer the puppy-kitten series of vaccinations according to the AAHA protocol. Core vaccinations are essential to prevent your new pet from getting potentially life-threatening diseases. In addition, we will test and inspect for internal and external parasites. Our education about nutrition, behavior and potential health issues ensures a good start. We encourage discussion and questions on your specific concerns.
It is our pleasure to provide essential beginning care for your new pet.
Puppy Series
- First vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3 weeks until at least 15-17 weeks of age. For most pets, the vaccinations will be a combination injection of several protective vaccines. Some will be injected under the skin; others may be given as nose drops.
- First rabies vaccination at 13 weeks of age or older. All dogs are required by the state of North Carolina to be vaccinated to protect against rabies. This vaccine has a booster one year later.
- In addition to vaccines, puppies need stool testing for intestinal parasites and receive regular treatment as recommended. Most treatments are given by mouth, right in the office. All puppies will also be started on heartworm prevention and flea and tick control, on one of their first visits.
- We recommend stool checks twice a year and prevention monthly for flea, tick, and heartworm.
- At your wellness check-ups, we will inform you of the latest medical information and products to keep your puppy healthy.
Kitten Series
- First vaccination at 9 weeks of age, then again at 11 weeks of age. The vaccination is a combination of essential protective vaccines including Feline Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Chlamydia. Deworming will also be provided orally as needed.
- First rabies vaccination will be given at 16 weeks of age. All cats are required by the state of North Carolina to be vaccinated to protect against rabies. This vaccine has a booster one year later.
- Kittens over 16 weeks of age need to be tested for the following life-threatening diseases: Feline Leukemia, AIDs, and heartworm.
- We recommend stool checks twice a year and prevention for fleas, ticks, and heartworms monthly.
- At your wellness checkups, we will inform you of the latest medical information and products to keep your kitten healthy.