Congratulations, you’ve welcomed a new addition into your family! While this is a very exciting time, we understand it can also be a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate checklist to help you smoothly transition your new pet into your home.
Vaccinations
First things first, vaccinations are essential! Vaccines help animals to avoid disease throughout their entire lifetime but are especially important during those vulnerable first few months. Learn more about the vaccines that your new pet will need below:
Puppy vaccinations here.
Kitten vaccinations here.
Microchipping and Registering Your Pet
If your pet is coming from a reputable breeder or rescue centre, they’ll likely have already been microchipped. If not, you’ll definitely want to get them microchipped! Microchipping is a simple procedure where a small chip is injected under your pet’s skin. This chip has a unique code, so if your fur baby gets lost and is taken into any council, shelter or animal hospital, they’ll be easily identifiable.
Don’t forget to register your pet with your local government. Once registered, you will be issued a registration certificate, as well as a valid registration tag that your dog is required to wear on its collar.
Parasite Control
At Ascot Vet, we believe it’s best to get into a good parasite control routine early on. Our veterinarians provide expert advice on the management of fleas, heartworms, intestinal worms and other parasites – learn about the parasites to watch out for here.
Puppy Preschool
Our Puppy Preschool covers preventative health care, training techniques and behavioural strategies to teach your pup the ropes of life! The best part? They’ll get the opportunity to socialise with other puppies and families in a safe and controlled environment. To book your puppy in, contact us today.
Nutritional Advice
As a general rule of thumb, we recommend feeding your pet high-quality food from a reputable company. Puppies usually require food formulated specifically for young dogs, though, it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pet nutrition. At Ascot, our veterinarians provide reliable feeding advice on what’s best for your pet.
Getting Comfortable at Home
You may have noticed by now that your pet has a boundless amount of energy! Just like for children, playtime has a crucial role in their healthy growth. Pets require a great deal of attention and stimulation to keep them fit and social. Often, a lack of stimulation leads to boredom, which is the perfect breeding ground for behavioural issues. Remember to stock up on toys and set aside plenty of time for play to keep your pet happy and healthy!
Once they’ve burned off their energy, your fur baby will need a safe and warm place to recharge their batteries. The choice of bedding is up to you, whether it’s in a pet bed on the floor, in a comfortable crate, on your bed or elsewhere.
Remember that this is a learning experience for both you and your pet, so have fun and enjoy the journey! If you have any questions at all, give our friendly team a call on (08) 9277 7488 or book an appointment to see one of our veterinarians.