Puppy & Kitten
Care in Rock Hill
Take your new pet to our caring veterinarian to keep them healthy.
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting and joyful time for your family.
Start your fur baby off on the right paw by bringing them to Shiland Animal Hospital!
Our comprehensive puppy and kitten care services in Rock Hill, SC give your new pet the best start in life so that they grow up healthy and happy. From their first vet visit to personalized care plans, our team will guide you through every step of your pet’s early development. If your puppy or kitten is sick, we can also provide same-day urgent care.
Their Very First Vet Visit
We recommend bringing your new puppy or kitten in for their first vet appointment within the first few days of bringing them home. This initial visit establishes a baseline of health and sets up a preventive care plan.
During your pet’s first wellness exam, our veterinarian will perform a thorough physical evaluation, checking their weight, eyes, ears, heart, lungs, and more to make sure they’re off to a healthy start. We’ll also review your pet’s vaccination schedule and plan for important milestones, such as their spay or neuter procedure. Depending on their age, we may recommend additional services such as deworming, parasite prevention, and microchipping. Diagnostics, like fecal tests to check for parasites, may also be suggested to determine whether your new pet is free from infections and establish a health baseline. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care for your puppy or kitten and answer any questions you have about their development and health.
We Have Answers: Ask Us for Puppy & Kitten Advice
Your puppy or kitten’s first vet visit is an ideal time to ask for advice on raising your new pet. Our veterinarians are here to support you and provide guidance on everything from nutrition to behavior. We’ll help you choose the right food for your puppy or kitten’s growing body, offering recommendations based on their breed and lifestyle. If you’re struggling with house training, chewing, or other common behaviors, we can offer tips and guidance to help you manage these challenges. At-home dental care is another essential topic—we can show you how to care for your pet’s teeth at an early age, which prevents dental disease later in life. Whatever questions you may have about your puppy or kitten, please ask us. That’s what our experienced veterinary team is here for.
Ten Tips for Raising Healthy Puppies and Kittens
Socialize Early
Exposing your puppy or kitten to different people, pets, and environments early on can help them grow into a well-adjusted adult. However, you will want to wait until your new pet has had their vaccines.
Start Training Right Away
Puppies are eager learners—begin basic obedience training early, focusing on commands like sit, stay, and come.
Provide Age-Appropriate Nutrition
Make sure your puppy or kitten is eating food formulated for their growing needs so they get the right balance of nutrients.
Keep Them Active
Physical activity is important for both puppies and kittens to develop strong muscles and joints.
Introduce Grooming Habits
Start brushing your kitten’s fur or trimming your puppy’s nails early so they get used to the routine.
Prevent Parasites
Protect your new pet from fleas, ticks, and heartworms with year-round parasite prevention.
Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Begin brushing your puppy or kitten’s teeth to establish good dental habits for life.
Monitor Growth
Regular vet check-ins with your puppy or kitten monitor whether your pet is growing at a healthy rate and allow any abnormalities to be addressed.
Schedule Spay or Neuter
Spaying or neutering your pet at the appropriate age prevents pregnancies and reduces the risk of certain health issues.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Engage your puppy or kitten with toys and puzzles to keep their minds active and prevent boredom-related behaviors like getting into the trash or barking.
Build many happy years with your pet.
At Shiland Animal Hospital, we are passionate about helping you raise a healthy, happy puppy or kitten. With wellness exams and ongoing advice and care, your new pet can grow into a well-rounded adult. Schedule your new pet’s first appointment today! We are open 6 days a week, including weekends, with same-day exams available. Let’s work together to give your kitten or puppy the best start in life.
Shiland Animal Hospital is a veterinarian for kittens and puppies in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York, Lancaster, Chester, Indian Land, York County, and Lancaster County, SC, as well as Pineville, NC and the greater Charlotte, NC area.
