The first six months, in the order they happen
A new puppy or kitten needs five or six visits before it turns one, and the timing of each one matters. The first visit is free at every hospital, and it is the appointment where most of the questions get answered.
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What changes, and when
- 6 to 8 weeks
First visit
A full examination, the first vaccination, worming, and a weight to start the chart. Free at all six hospitals, and it takes half an hour.
- 10 to 12 weeks
Second vaccination
The second injection, a weight check, and the socialisation conversation while the window is still open.
- 14 to 16 weeks
Third vaccination
The last of the course. Full cover starts a week later, which is the date puppy school and the dog beach both ask for.
- Any time from 8 weeks
Microchip and registration
Often done at the second visit. The registry details are the half that matters, and we lodge them the same day.
- 5 months to 2 years
Desexing
Five months for cats and small dogs, later for larger breeds. The age-by-size table on the desexing page is where this gets decided.
Services for puppies and kittens
Vaccinations
Which vaccines a pet needs depends on where it lives, how old it is and what it does with its day.
Microchipping
The chip is the easy part.
Desexing
Timing matters more than it used to.
Parasite prevention
Perth's parasite year looks different from the east coast's.
Nutrition and weight
Carrying an extra fifteen per cent shortens a dog's life and brings arthritis forward by years.
What we see most
Worms
Almost every puppy and kitten has them. Fortnightly worming until twelve weeks, then monthly to six months, then three-monthly for life.
Diarrhoea in the first fortnight
Common with a change of food and a new home. Blood in it, or a puppy that is flat, is a same-day call rather than a wait-and-see.
Retained baby teeth
Found at the desexing check and usually removed under the same anaesthetic. A retained canine crowds the adult tooth and traps food against it.
Undescended testicle
Checked at every puppy visit. A retained testicle needs removing, and the surgery is larger than a routine desexing, so knowing early helps.
Fear at the vet
The visits in the first four months set how a pet feels about us for life. Bring treats, book a quiet time, and tell reception if the animal is nervous.
Book for your puppies and kitten
Six hospitals across Perth, and one of them is open right now.