The Best Start for Your Puppy & Kitten
Puppies and kittens are adorable, but their early health needs can be a challenge. At Cottleville Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you give your young pet the best start in life.
We provide essential care including vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutritional advice, and behavioral support. Our experienced team will guide you through each stage, monitor your pet’s growth, and offer personalized advice to support a happy, healthy future.
Puppy Care
At Cottleville Animal Hospital, we love puppies—and we’re passionate about giving them the essential care they need to start life on the right paw.
We encourage all new puppy owners to book an initial visit with us. During this appointment, we’ll perform a thorough nose-to-tail exam to establish a health baseline and catch any potential issues early, ensuring your puppy gets the best possible start.
We’ll also recommend a personalized vaccination plan based on your puppy’s age, vaccination history, and lifestyle. Common puppy vaccines we may recommend include, but are not limited to:
- Distemper Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Rabies
- Bordetella
At your puppy’s first exam, we may also suggest routine tests like a heartworm check and fecal analysis to screen for parasites and get a complete view of their overall health.
Spay/Neuter Procedure
Spaying and neutering your dog or cat offers many health and behavioral benefits. These procedures can reduce unwanted sexual behaviors, prevent certain health issues, and contribute to a longer, healthier life. At Cottleville Animal Hospital, our experienced veterinarians provide safe, carefully monitored spay and neuter surgeries to keep your pet comfortable throughout the process and recovery.
Neutering involves the surgical removal of the testicles, which helps reduce aggressive behavior, roaming, and the risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease. Before surgery, we perform a thorough physical exam and bloodwork to ensure your pet’s safety. Recovery is typically smooth with minimal aftercare. The timing of neutering can vary based on individual needs, and our team will help you determine the best plan for your pet.
Spaying removes the ovaries and uterus to prevent heat cycles and pregnancy. This procedure is usually recommended between 4-6 months of age, ideally before the first heat, but timing may vary based on your pet’s breed and lifestyle. Spaying also prevents uterine infections, eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors, and can reduce the risk of malignant breast cancer by up to 90% when performed early. As with neutering, we conduct pre-surgical exams and blood tests to ensure a safe procedure and anesthesia.
Kitten Care
Is there anything sweeter than gazing into the wide, curious eyes of a new kitten? Perhaps the real joy comes from knowing your kitten is healthy and protected with the right vaccinations.
At Cottleville Animal Hospital, we highly recommend early wellness exams for kittens. These visits allow us to perform a complete physical exam, create a personalized vaccination plan, and run routine tests to ensure your kitten is growing strong and healthy.
If you have any questions about vaccines or recommended tests, our veterinary team is always here to help. We believe caring for your kitten is a partnership—one where we work together to give your new companion the healthiest possible start.
Microchipping
Microchipping is a simple, virtually painless procedure that provides permanent identification for your pet. Much like a routine vaccination, it involves placing a tiny chip under the skin between the shoulder blades. Unlike collars or tags, microchips can’t be lost, removed, or altered, offering lifelong security and peace of mind.