What to Expect in Your Pet’s First 12 Months
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting time filled with love, cuddles, and plenty of learning experiences. At Vetmed, we understand the importance of providing the best possible care for your new furry friend, especially in their crucial first year. Here’s what you can expect in your pet’s first 12 months and how to set them up for a lifetime of good health and happiness.
Veterinary Checkups & Vaccinations
Your pet’s health journey begins with a thorough vet checkup. Regular visits ensure they grow strong and stay protected from common diseases.
Vaccination Schedule:
- Puppies: Start at 6-8 weeks, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks to protect against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and kennel cough.
- Kittens: Receive vaccinations at 6-8 weeks, with follow-ups at 12 and 16 weeks for protection against feline herpes, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
Vaccinations are essential to prevent life-threatening illnesses, and keeping up with booster shots ensures long-term immunity.
Preventative Care: Worming, Fleas & Heartworm
Parasite prevention is crucial in the first year to protect your pet and your household.
- Intestinal Worming: Puppies and kittens should be dewormed every two weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months, and every 3 months for life.
- Flea & Tick Control: Use vet recommended treatments such as Bravecto, NexGard, or Revolution. Fleas can quickly infest your home, and ticks can cause paralysis, so prevention is key.
- Heartworm Prevention (Dogs Only): Start at 12 weeks with monthly tablets, spot-on treatments, or an annual injection.
Desexing: The Right Time for Your Pet
Desexing prevents unwanted litters and protects against health issues.
- Kittens: Ideally desexed before 4 months to prevent spraying and reproductive diseases.
- Puppies: Typically done between 6-12 months, depending on breed and size.
At Vetmed we offer keyhole (laparoscopic) desexing, a minimally invasive procedure with faster recovery and less pain.
Microchipping & Registration
Microchipping is legally required in NSW and must be completed by 12 weeks of age. This tiny chip ensures your pet can always be identified if lost. Registering your pet with the council is also mandatory, and desexing before 6 months can reduce registration fees.
Nutrition & Feeding Guidelines
Proper nutrition supports healthy growth and development.
- Kittens & Puppies Under 12 Weeks: Feed 3 small meals daily.
- 3-9 Months: Reduce to 2 meals per day.
- 9 Months & Older: Most pets transition to one or two meals daily.
Choose high quality pet food such as Royal Canin or Hills Science Diet. Puppies and kittens require protein rich diets, and cats especially need a mix of wet and dry food to prevent kidney issues.
Socialisation & Behaviour Training
Your pet’s first year is crucial for socialisation and learning good behaviours.
- Socialising Puppies: Introduce them to new people, places, and sounds between 8-16 weeks. Puppy school helps build confidence.
- Socialising Kittens: Expose them to gentle handling, different textures, and other pets early.
- Toilet Training: Puppies should be taken outside regularly, while kittens need a clean, well-placed litter box.
- Preventing Destructive Behaviour: Provide scratching posts for kittens and chew toys for puppies.
Training with positive reinforcement helps shape a well-adjusted, happy pet.
Environmental Enrichment & Playtime
Keeping your pet mentally stimulated prevents boredom and destructive behaviour.
- Kittens: Use treat balls, feather wands, and climbing structures.
- Puppies: Engage them with puzzle toys, scent games, and safe chew toys.
Both dogs and cats benefit from daily play sessions that mimic natural hunting and problem solving instincts.
Regular Health Checkups for Long-Term Wellness
Annual vet visits ensure your pet remains in peak health. These include:
- General health checks
- Vaccination boosters
- Parasite prevention reviews
- Dental checkups
By staying proactive with vet care, you can catch potential health issues early and give your pet the best start in life.
Start Your Pet Off On the Right Paw
Your pet’s first year is filled with milestones, and Vetmed is here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s routine care, training advice, or medical expertise, our team is dedicated to ensuring your puppy or kitten grows into a happy, healthy companion.