When Should Puppies and Kittens Start Their Preventive Care?

Puppies and kittens should start preventive care around 8 weeks of age. This timing allows veterinarians to establish a health baseline, administer necessary vaccinations, and catch potential issues early. Starting preventive care at this age protects young animals during the vulnerable period when maternal antibodies fade, but their immune systems are still developing.

At Pawtown Veterinary Care, Drs. Erin Miller and Lauren Stayer help Central Oregon pet owners set their puppies and kittens up for healthy lives. Starting preventive care early means your new companion can safely explore Bend’s trails, parks, and outdoor spaces with proper protection against disease and parasites.

Why 8 Weeks Marks the Start

The 8-week mark represents when most puppies and kittens are weaned and ready for their first veterinary visit. At this age, maternal antibodies begin declining, leaving young animals more vulnerable to infection. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination, check for congenital issues, and start the vaccination series that protects against serious diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and feline panleukopenia.

This first visit also establishes a medical record and allows your veterinarian to assess growth patterns. Identifying concerns early, whether related to heart murmurs, umbilical hernias, or developmental abnormalities, often leads to better outcomes and less invasive treatments.

The Vaccination Schedule

Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations spaced three to four weeks apart. Most receive their initial vaccines at 8 weeks, with boosters at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. This vaccination schedule ensures adequate immune response as maternal antibodies wane.

Core vaccines for puppies include protection against distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Kittens receive vaccines against feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies. Your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines based on lifestyle factors, such as whether your pet will spend time in boarding facilities or around other animals.

Parasite Prevention Starts Early

Young animals face significant parasite risks. Many puppies and kittens carry intestinal parasites passed from their mothers or contracted from their environment. Your first veterinary visit should include fecal testing to detect roundworms, hookworms, and other parasites that can cause poor growth, diarrhea, and anemia.

Flea and tick prevention becomes important as soon as your pet explores outdoor spaces. Central Oregon’s outdoor lifestyle means puppies and kittens encounter these parasites early. Starting preventive medications protects your pet and prevents infestations in your home.

Heartworm prevention should also begin during puppyhood. While heartworm is less common in Central Oregon than in other regions, the disease remains a serious threat. Monthly preventive medications are safe for young animals and provide protection before mosquito exposure occurs.

Beyond Vaccines and Parasite Control

Early preventive care includes more than just vaccines and deworming. Your veterinarian will discuss nutrition, provide guidance on appropriate food choices, and address feeding schedules that support healthy growth. Puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than adult animals, and proper feeding during these critical months affects long-term health.

Spaying and neutering timing also comes up during early visits. While the optimal age varies based on breed and size, most veterinarians recommend these procedures between 4 to 6 months for cats and 8 to 12 months for dogs. Scheduling spay or neuter surgery during puppyhood or kittenhood prevents unwanted litters and reduces risks of certain cancers and behavioral issues.

Dental care conversations should start early, too. Teaching proper dental hygiene while your pet is young makes lifelong care easier. Your veterinarian can demonstrate tooth brushing techniques and recommend products that keep teeth and gums healthy.

Building a Foundation for Wellness

Regular preventive care creates a foundation for your pet’s long-term health. Puppies and kittens who receive consistent veterinary attention from 8 weeks onward develop familiarity with the clinic environment, making future visits less stressful. Early socialization to veterinary handling pays dividends throughout their lives, especially when illness or injury requires treatment.

These early visits also help you build a relationship with your veterinary team. You learn to recognize what’s normal for your pet and when changes warrant concern. Understanding your pet’s baseline health makes it easier to spot problems before they become serious.

Schedule Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Visit at Pawtown Veterinary Care

Starting preventive care at 8 weeks protects your puppy or kitten during the vulnerable early months and establishes healthy habits that last a lifetime. Drs. Miller and Stayer provide thorough examinations, vaccinations, and guidance tailored to Central Oregon’s active lifestyle.

If you recently brought home a new puppy or kitten, contact our team to schedule their first preventive care appointment. Early attention to their health means more years enjoying trails, parks, and outdoor adventures together.