FAQ's
What should I expect at my first puppy or kitten visit?
Puppies and kittens need special attention at their first visit and the staff at Ramsey Vet is happy to help you welcome your new family member into your home. The visit should be scheduled as soon as possible after you bring your new pet home. Until this visit, please do not introduce your new pet to any pets already living in your home or to other pets in the neighborhood.For your first visit, please remember to bring any paperwork that you may have been given when you acquired your puppy or kitten. This will help us to determine what treatment/vaccines your pet needs and if your pet has been treated for any illnesses. It is also important to bring a stool sample as many new pets have intestinal parasites.
After you are checked in and escorted into one of our exam rooms, one of our highly-trained technicians will start your visit. The technician will get your pet’s weight and temperature and will discuss many of the topics you may have questions about, such as nutrition, basic care such as ear cleaning, brushing teeth, crate training, vaccine schedules, spaying or neutering, and other recommended services. They will also take notes on how everything has been going at home and any concerns you may have. You will receive a puppy or kitten information pack that discusses many of the same topics and also some additional subjects, such as health insurance.
When the technician has finished, one of our veterinarians will introduce themselves, go over additional concerns and questions you may have and conduct a complete and thorough physical exam. The veterinarian will be checking your pet’s overall health, as well as looking for any potential abnormalities that your pet may have been born with, such as a hernia or heart murmur. The doctor will answer any other questions you have at that time.
At the end of the visit, a receptionist will help you schedule your next appointment and a technician will bring you any medications that your pet may need and discuss how to correctly administer them. Puppies and kittens will all go home with a general dewormer for parasites. Puppies will also be started on a heartworm preventative as well as a flea and tick preventative.
At your first puppy and kitten visit, our staff will present a lot of information and likely you will have many questions. It is normal to have more questions after the visit. Please to not hesitate to call our office if you are unsure about a medication or have looked through your information packet and developed new questions. It is always helpful to make a list and bring it with you to each appointment.
Acquiring a new puppy or kitten is always very exciting and at Ramsey Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to making your new pet’s transition into your home a smooth, happy and healthy experience.