Puppy and Kitten Care: How to Give Your New Pet the Best Start
Posted in: Companion Animals
Bringing home a puppy or kitten is one of life’s great joys and also one of the most important times for their long-term health. By laying the right foundations now, you’ll be giving your pet the best possible start.
Vaccinate to Protect
Young pets are vulnerable to serious infectious diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and feline panleukopenia. Following a vet-recommended vaccination schedule helps shield them during this critical early stage.
Tip: Every vaccination visit at Aorangi Vets includes a full wellness check. This means we’re not just giving vaccines – we’re checking growth, development, and overall health to make sure your puppy or kitten is thriving.
Nutrition That Supports Growth
Puppies and kittens grow fast, and they need more than love – they need balanced nutrition to match. Feeding a high-quality diet that’s designed for their life stage supports healthy bone development, strong muscles, and a resilient immune system.
Tip: Make sure you’re using food formulated for puppies or kittens – not adult maintenance food. Regular vet checks help ensure your pet is growing well without putting on excess weight.
Socialisation: Confidence for Life
Early exposure to people, other animals, and new environments shapes how your pet navigates the world. The goal isn’t just cute puppy-kisses – it’s building calm, confident behaviour that lasts a lifetime.
Tip: Use positive experiences like short car rides, gentle handling, and fun play sessions. Reward good behaviour with praise or treats to reinforce that new things can be great.
Early Vet Checks: More Than Just Shots
Your early vet visits are super important – not just for vaccinations, but for building a health baseline. This is when we can:
- Check growth and development
- Advise on parasite prevention (fleas, worms)
- Talk about any concerns or questions you may have
- Help you establish a strong relationship with the vet team
Tip: Bring any questions! Our team is here to help with worming schedules, microchipping, and anything else you want to know.
Build Healthy Routines Early
A routine gives a young pet structure and security. Simple things make a big difference: consistent feeding times, gentle training, play sessions, and quiet rest time.
Starting training early such as litter-box use for kittens or basic commands for puppies sets you up for success as they grow.
Tip: Even 5–10 minutes a day of training or handling helps. Trust builds fast when you make it part of your everyday.
Puppies and kittens may be small, but the decisions you make now have a big impact. Vaccinations, nutrition, socialisation, and regular vet checks all work together to set up a bright, healthy future for your pet.