(847) 966-3080
North Shore
Veterinary Clinic
The Beginning Of A Long Life Together
Congratulations! You have just added a new member to your family. The question now becomes "What next?" We encourage a visit to Dr. Johnson to answer all those burning questions running through your mind. Whether you have had pets all your life or this is your first fuzzy family member, we want to ensure that your lifestyle changes and your pet's transition to its new home is as smooth and uncomplicated as possible.
We strongly recommend having Dr. Johnson see new puppies and kittens within a few days of their purchase or adoption if possible. In this way, we can address any potential medical problems as soon as possible. We will discuss any and all questions you may have regarding your pet and how to accommodate her into your home and family.
Our New Puppy Kit (and New Kitten Kit) include our informational handouts covering many topics:
- Potential problems (potty training, chewing... etc.)
- Training
- Nutritional guidelines
- Socialization
- New food samples to help your puppy/kitten find something tasty
- Safe pet toys
- Pet insurance information
- Local emergency care (when we are not open)
- Wellness care recommendations
- Neutering and other elective surgery
- And much more!
We will help you conquer the common puppy problems with
training,
what & how to feed,
chewing,
housebreaking,
discipline,
baths,
behavior,
and the most important thing!
We can provide advice for those kitten questions including
baths,
diet,
litter training,
multi-cat households,
indoor or outdoor lifestyle,
scratching & declawing,
and how to interact with children.
Just as children do, puppies and kittens receive a series of vaccinations and boosters. We will determine what vaccinations and care your little one has already received and transition her into the appropriate place in our program. We want to ensure your new pet has a strong immune system so she can play with other pets and explore her environment without worry.
Very simply, you should bring three things with you to your little one's first visit to the veterinarian.
- A relatively fresh stool sample (within 24 hours if possible)
- To look for intestinal parasites. - Any documentation the breeder/pet store/shelter gave you
- To determine what vaccinations/treatments have already been done. - And of course, your new little puppy or kitten
- For obvious reasons!
Many new pet owners have heard many strange and interesting ideas regarding their new puppy or kitten and how to handle them. To clear up some of these common misperceptions, be sure to check out our common sense quick reference New Puppy Cheat Sheet and New Kitten Cheat Sheet.
