Congratulations on adding a cute new member to your family! From Chihuahuas to Great Danes and all the wonderful mixes, we are here to help your puppy grow up healthy and strong. Our recommendation for getting your puppy’s long and healthy life started on the right foot includes vaccinations, microchip insertion, and spay/neuter procedure. If your puppy is going to be a large or giant dog one day, having them screened for hip dysplasia is also a good idea.
Before your puppy is vaccinated, it is best to keep them away from other dogs. For example, wait to bring them to a dog park or doggy day care. This will protect both them and other animals from contracting infectious diseases.
Plan to bring your puppy in during the following time frames for their vaccinations and puppy check-ins.
During these visits, we will bring your puppy up to speed with vaccinations and make sure they are thriving and parasite-free.
The core vaccines we recommend for all dogs include:
Other optional non-core vaccines that may be beneficial for your puppy include:
Our staff can help you choose which vaccines are right for your puppy’s own needs and lifestyle.
Thinking about adopting a new kitten? We are almost as excited to meet them as you!
Before you bring your new kitty home, consider having them tested for feline leukemia if you have any other cats. This all-too-common and devastating disease can spread quickly. Whether or not they have been tested, it is a good idea to postpone the first time your kitten meets other cats. Keep them in a spare room, like a laundry room, for about a few days, switching out linen for each of the cats to get used to the scent of the other, and the idea, of sharing their territory with a new cat. This will help them get along better when they do meet! (And be sure to make the introductions slowly and supervised!)
In addition, we recommend keeping your cat indoors for their safety. From cars to dogs to infectious diseases, letting cats roam freely outside poses risks.
As your kitten grows, it is important to bring them in during the following time periods for vaccinations and exams:
During these visits, we recommend the following vaccinations:
We would also like you to consider microchipping and spaying/neutering your new kitten.
Thinking about declaw surgery? Declawing is tantamount to removing the first knuckle of the finger! In some other states and countries, this procedure has been made illegal because of the common painful side effects. There are loads of alternatives/preventive measures that can be taken. What we recommend is having your cat’s nails regularly trimmed. Also have scratching posts or boards available for their easy access in your home (realize, too, this natural behavior is about having a good stretch and maintaining nail health). You can always use a non-destructive double-faced tape applied to the item where little paws are not welcome.
At AM/PM Animal Hospital, we always recommend spay/neuter procedure for companion animals. There are many important reasons why we believe this is the best choice for most families.
First and foremost, your pet’s health will be improved. Spaying and neutering helps prevent cancers and infections of the reproductive system. Animals who have been spayed or neutered tend to have longer lifespans than their fertile counterparts. In addition, having your pet spayed and neutered also benefits your individual family. Pets who have been altered are easier to care for because certain behavioral and physical problems associated with their sex organs are diminished. Finally, spaying and neutering pets not intended for breeding is the first line of defense against the pet homelessness crisis. Puppies and kittens from unplanned litters crowd animal shelters nationwide.
The doctors and staff at AM/PM Animal Hospital take your pet’s comfort and safety very seriously. When the procedure is done at AM/PM Animal Hospital, it includes:
Spaying refers to the removal of the ovaries and uterus in female animals. Once a dog or cat is spayed, they will no longer have heat periods, and will not be able to become pregnant. Being responsible for an expecting pet is an expensive and stressful process, especially if unplanned! Spaying will also help to prevent uterine infections, ovarian or uterine tumors, and breast cancer. We recommend that female puppies are spayed between 4-6 months of age, or before their first heat cycle. This will ensure that all of the previously described benefits will be applicable to your pet.
Neutering to the removal of the testes of male animals. Neutered males tend to display less aggressive behaviors, and have a lessened desire to roam in search of a mate. They will also be less likely to mark their territory with their urine, especially if the procedure is performed before they form the habit. Neutering can prevent testicular and prostate cancers. The recovery from the surgery is typically quick and requires minimal post-operative care.
Does your pet have an ID tag? Of course they probably do! You know that if they ever become separated from you, they should have your contact information on them so they can get home. But, do you ever remove their collar to bathe or brush them? Have you ever taken it off of them, or watched them pull it off? If they were stolen, could the person responsible not remove their collar and proceed without a repercussion? Although some of these questions seem far-fetched, most veterinary clinics and animal shelters can attest that they happen far too often.
Don’t be caught off guard if your pet is separated from you. Have him or her microchipped.
Microchips are so small, they can be inserted into the skin painlessly during a routine office visit. They are typically embedded between the shoulder blades, because this is a secure and relatively hardy area on your pet’s body. After the insertion, pets will have this form of identification with them for the rest of their lives.
Once they have the microchip implanted, you can send your pet’s information to a database. If another veterinary clinic or an animal shelter comes across your pet, they will scan the chip and contact you so you and your pet can hopefully have a sweet reunion in no time!
Remember to update your contact information if it ever changes, for example, during a move. And even if your pet does have a microchip, they should also have tags to keep them doubly protected in case of an emergency.
Located in the South Lamar neighborhood in South Austin. Directly off of US-290 between Bluebonnet and Oltorf.
Phone: 512-448-2676
