Puppy, Kitten, and Senior Pet Care

We provide expert care for your pet at every life stage.

Puppy, Kitten, and Senior Pet Care

We provide expert care for your pet at every life stage.

Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting journey that will carry on through your pet’s life. As your pet ages, their healthcare needs will change, requiring more attention to maintain their quality of life. At Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale, we provide comprehensive healthcare for pets at every stage of life, from playful puppies and kittens to happy geriatric dogs and cats.

As a responsible pet owner, you want to take the best care of your pet throughout their life. Knowing what your pet needs as they grow can be difficult. We can help take the guesswork out of caring for young or senior pets.

Striped kitten in veterinary

Caring for Your New Puppy or Kitten

The first year of life is a period of rapid growth and development for puppies and kittens.

Establishing a regular healthcare routine during this time will support their growing bodies and developing immune systems. Puppy vaccinations and kitten vaccines are vital in protecting your young pet from common and potentially fatal diseases. Having your new pet microchipped is recommended for all pets to provide a reliable form of permanent identification. Having your pet spayed or neutered offers numerous benefits if you are not planning to breed your cat or dog. Our veterinarians can discuss the best timing and options for your pet’s surgery. Behavioral training and optimal feeding should begin as soon as your new pet arrives home. We offer advice and resources on nutrition, socialization, and addressing common behavioral issues.

Caring for Your New Puppy or Kitten

The first year of life is a period of rapid growth and development for puppies and kittens.

Striped kitten in veterinary
Establishing a regular healthcare routine during this time will support their growing bodies and developing immune systems. Puppy vaccinations and kitten vaccines are vital in protecting your young pet from common and potentially fatal diseases. Having your new pet microchipped is recommended for all pets to provide a reliable form of permanent identification. Having your pet spayed or neutered offers numerous benefits if you are not planning to breed your cat or dog. Our veterinarians can discuss the best timing and options for your pet’s surgery. Behavioral training and optimal feeding should begin as soon as your new pet arrives home. We offer advice and resources on nutrition, socialization, and addressing common behavioral issues.

Healthcare Needs for Geriatric Pets

As pets reach their senior years, typically around seven years of age, their healthcare needs evolve. Senior pets may experience changes in mobility, metabolism, and organ function, requiring more frequent veterinary attention. Regular wellness exams allow us to monitor your senior pet’s health closely and catch any potential issues. We recommend bringing your senior pet for a wellness exam at least twice a year.
Diagnostic testing becomes increasingly important as pets age. Blood tests, urinalysis, and other diagnostic procedures can help identify conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, or diabetes in their early stages, allowing for timely intervention and management. If your senior cat or senior dog is suffering from a chronic age-related condition such as arthritis, we can provide pain management and treatment plans, including medications or laser therapy.

portrait of a beautiful long haired cat

Healthcare Needs for Geriatric Pets

portrait of a beautiful long haired cat

As pets reach their senior years, typically around seven years of age, their healthcare needs evolve. Senior pets may experience changes in mobility, metabolism, and organ function, requiring more frequent veterinary attention. Regular wellness exams allow us to monitor your senior pet’s health closely and catch any potential issues. We recommend bringing your senior pet for a wellness exam at least twice a year.
Diagnostic testing becomes increasingly important as pets age. Blood tests, urinalysis, and other diagnostic procedures can help identify conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, or diabetes in their early stages, allowing for timely intervention and management. If your senior cat or senior dog is suffering from a chronic age-related condition such as arthritis, we can provide pain management and treatment plans, including medications or laser therapy.

Puppy playing with its owner in the park

Puppy, Kitten, and Senior Pet FAQs

Your pet's nutritional needs will vary based on their age, breed, and size. Our veterinarians can provide recommendations for high-quality puppy or kitten food to support their growth and health. Nutritional needs do change over time, so be sure to ask about pet food during regular wellness exams.

We recommend that you bring your puppy or kitten in to see the vet within the first few days that you bring them home. Your new pet will then come in for a veterinary visit every 3-4 weeks during their first few months of life for booster shots to necessary vaccines. If you have any concerns about your pet’s development, we encourage you to reach out to us to schedule a full exam.

Yes! We offer pregnancy services for expecting mothers and post-natal care for new mothers and their litters. Our team supports your pet throughout pregnancy and beyond, fostering a healthy experience for both mother and offspring.

Common signs of health issues in senior pets include changes in appetite or weight, increased thirst or urination, decreased energy or mobility, difficulty getting up or lying down, changes in behavior, or lumps and bumps on the skin. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a veterinary visit with us to assess your pet's health.

To manage arthritis or joint pain in senior pets, we recommend regular veterinary check-ups, weight management, and providing a comfortable resting area. We may also prescribe medications or supplements or suggest treatments that can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Caring for Pets of All Ages in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Caring for Pets of All Ages in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Come to Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale.

Your four-legged friend deserves a solid start in life and the chance to continue to thrive throughout their senior years. Schedule an appointment with our experienced veterinarians in Fort Lauderdale, FL! Let us be your partner in caring for your sweet puppy or kitten as they grow into their golden years as seniors.

Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale provides comprehensive services for puppies, kittens, and senior pets in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lighthouse Point, Pompano, and surrounding Florida communities and beyond.

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