Dog and Cat Wellness Care

Puppy Wellness
Congratulations on your new puppy! Our Puppy Wellness Program is designed to ensure your puppy is strong and healthy and will help set the foundation for your puppy’s long-term health.

The first two to six months are a critical period in your puppy’s development. Puppies have weaker immune systems than adults and, as a result, are more susceptible to infection from diseases and parasites. Just as with human babies, puppies need to see their veterinarian on a more frequent schedule than do adult pets.

Cute labrador puppy dogs in the arms of veterinary healthcare professional - getting ready for their first vaccine

Puppies need a series of vaccinations given 3-4 weeks apart, between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks. We will make sure your new dog is protected against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, among other diseases.

Whether your puppy was purchased from a breeder, adopted from a rescue group, or acquired from a friend or family member, puppies should get a physical on their first visit. Please bring a written record of any medical or vaccination history you received on your first visit. We will also check the puppy for intestinal parasites, fleas, ear mites, and more. If possible, please bring a stool sample on your first visit to make this process easier.

We will also discuss housebreaking, training, grooming, feeding, heartworm prevention, and spaying or neutering. We will work with you to provide you and your family the support and tools necessary to help your puppy grow into a well-mannered, healthy dog, including information and advice on nutrition, training, behavior, and socialization.

A new puppy or kitten is an exciting time. Let our knowledgeable veterinarians help you get your new family member off on the right foot.

Cute little kitten in hands at the veterinarian over white background

Kitten Wellness
Congratulations on your new kitten! Our Kitten Wellness Program is designed to ensure your kitten is strong and healthy and will help set the foundation for your kitten’s long-term health.

The first two to six months are a critical period in your kitten’s development. Kittens have weaker immune systems than adults and, as a result, are more susceptible to infection from diseases and parasites. Just as with human babies, kittens need to see their veterinarian on a more frequent schedule than do adult pets.

Kittens need a series of vaccinations given 3-4 weeks apart, between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks. We will make sure your new cat is protected against rabies, panleukopenia (distemper), FIV, and feline leukemia, among other diseases.

Whether your kitten was purchased from a breeder, adopted from a rescue group, or acquired from a friend or family member, kittens should get a physical on their first visit. Please bring a written record of any medical or vaccination history you received on your first visit. We will also check the kitten for intestinal parasites, fleas, ear mites, and more. If possible, please bring a stool sample on your first visit to make this process easier.

We will also discuss housebreaking, training, feeding, and spaying or neutering. We will work with you to provide you and your family the support and tools necessary to help your kitten grow into a well-mannered, healthy cat, including information and advice on nutrition, training, behavior, and socialization.

If you are in need of guidance for your adult or senior pet's medical needs, Animal Hospital at Lakewood Ranch is able to provide top-quality wellness care for all life stages.

Permanent Identification with Microchipping

Tags may scratch or fade and collars can come off, so make sure your pet has permanent identification in case he or she is ever lost.

Similar to a routine vaccination, one of our doctors injects a microchip (around the size of a grain of rice) between your pet's shoulder blades. No anesthetic is required as the process doesn't really hurt.

If your pet is ever lost, any office or shelter with a ID scanner will wave it over your pet, read the unique ID, and you can be alerted that your pet has been found!

close-up photo of a microchip for pets on human finger