Puppy Care

We recommend puppy wellness exams are scheduled every 3 weeks, until 16-18 weeks old. This schedule allows our veterinarians to properly track the growth of your puppy, as well as safeguard them against illness and prevent parasites. Your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive examination of your newest family member during each scheduled visit. They will also administer the proper vaccinations, as well as provide their expertise by answering any questions or concerns you might have about the health of your puppy, such as their training, physical health, or behavioral issues.

It’s critical that your puppy receives the proper vaccinations early in its life. This shields them from life-threatening conditions that are dangerous to a puppy who is growing. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, Boca Palms Animal Hospital, Boca Raton, recommends that you forego dog-friendly locations like dog parks, boarding facilities, and daycares.

Vaccines recommended for puppies include: Rabies (required by law), canine distemper series, leptospirosis, and bordetella series.

Kitten Care

We recommend kitten wellness exams are scheduled every 3 weeks, until 16-18 weeks old. This schedule allows our veterinarians to properly track the growth of your kitten, as well as safeguard them against illness and prevent parasites. Your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive examination and test for any common causes of concern. They will also administer the proper vaccinations, as well as provide their expertise by answering any questions or concerns you might have about the health of your kitten.

It’s critical that your kitten receives the proper vaccinations early in its life.in order to protect their growing bodies and weak immune systems from dangerous conditions. Please ensure your kitten stays safely at home and is not exposed to other cats until they are fully vaccinated.

Vaccines for kittens include: Rabies and panleukopenia (distemper) and depending on your kitten’s risk, feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

If you have a multi-cat household, Boca Palms Animal Hospital highly recommends you take the following steps when bringing home a new kitten:

Feline Leukemia testing is highly recommended for all kittens that will be living in a multi-cat household.
Cats are naturally territorial animals, so it’s important for everyone’s safety that you are patient when introducing a new kitten and do so slowly. Keep your kitten separate from other cats and allow them to smell each other through the door, but do not allow them to see each other yet. After some time, introduce your kitten slowly. It is recommended that you keep your kitten in a carrier upon first interaction.

About these Vaccines:

Rabies – this one is important for every pet, cat or dog, young or old. Rabies is a deadly virus that is almost always fatal, and it is zoonotic, meaning it can infect animals of different species, including your human family.
Canine distemper and parvovirus – These two viruses are highly contagious and very dangerous to doges, especially those who are very young, old, or have underlying health conditions. The distemper and parvoviruis vaccines are administered together in a combo core vaccine referred to as DHPP by your veterinarian. DHPP also includes hepatitis (adenovirus-2), and parainfluenza and two other important vaccines.
Panleukopenia – This feline virus is similar to canine distemper and can be deadly to kittens, older cats, and those with underlying health problems. It is highly contagious and can have life-limiting consequences for otherwise healthy pets. The panleukopenia vaccine is offered in a combination vaccine refered to as FVRCP by your veterinarian. FVRCP also includes rhinotracheitis (a respiratory infection) and calicivirus, other potentially dangerous disease.
Bordetella (dogs) – recommended for dogs who are in dog-social situations including boarding, dog park visits, group training, etc.
Canine Influenza – many doggie day care and boarding facilities are now requiring this vaccine to prevent the spread of this virus.
Feline leukemia – recommended for outdoor cats only, in certain situations, your veterinarian may prescribe this vaccine for the protection of your pet

Boca Palms Animal Hospital believes vaccines are the most effective method of prevention and protection from disease. To learn more about pet vaccinations, please contact us.

Let’s work together to get your new furbaby started off on a healthy foundation and keep them well! Call today at 561-395-4030. We can’t wait to meet your young one.