Wellness Planning
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Wellness Planning For the Life of Your Pet
Bringing a new puppy or kitten into the family can be a bewildering and confusing time. How often does he
or she need to see the veterinarian? When are shots due? As our pets age, we are faced with new
challenges. What does an older pet require? Below is a guideline for regular veterinary visits to help you
plan your pet’s health care program.
NEW PUPPIES OR KITTENS:
8 weeks: Exam by the veterinarian, weight check, a fecal sample, discuss heartworm prevention and give
first dose (puppies), Feline Leukemia/FIV testing (kittens), vaccinations (DHP or PRC), deworming, nail trim
demonstration, discuss grooming, diet and socialization.
12 weeks: Exam by technician (unless problems exist, needing doctor’s attention), weight check, recheck a
fecal sample, next dose of prevention (puppies), booster vaccinations (DHP or PRC), microchip, discuss
housetraining progress, ear cleaning demonstration, discuss current diet, behavior and training.
16 weeks: Exam by technician (unless problems exist, needing doctor’s attention), recheck fecal sample,
next dose of prevention (puppies), vaccine boosters (final DHP or PRC, 1-year rabies), discuss dental care,
discuss current diet.
6 months: Exam by veterinarian, recheck fecal sample, spay/neuter, discuss current diet.
16 months: Exam by veterinarian, check fecal sample, heartworm test and prevention (dogs), update
vaccinations (usually DHP for dogs, PRC for cats, and a 3-year rabies, though the doctor’s
recommendations may vary depending on your pet’s overall health and exposure risks), discuss diet.
ADULT:
Every 6 months: Wellness exam by veterinarian, check fecal sample.
Every 12 months: Heartworm test and prevention (dogs), vaccinations as recommended for your pet by
the veterinarian depending on exposure risks and overall health.
SENIOR PETS:
A CBC/Profile & Electrolytes, thyroid test (T4) and urinalysis should be done annually, or more often if
needed.
For Cats: Depending on general health, start the above tests anywhere from 8-10 years.
For Dogs:
Up to 20 pounds, start at 10 years
20-50 pounds, start at 9 years
50-90 pounds, start at 8 years
90+ pounds, start at 7 years
Bringing a new puppy or kitten into the family can be a bewildering and confusing time. How often does he
or she need to see the veterinarian? When are shots due? As our pets age, we are faced with new
challenges. What does an older pet require? Below is a guideline for regular veterinary visits to help you
plan your pet’s health care program.
NEW PUPPIES OR KITTENS:
8 weeks: Exam by the veterinarian, weight check, a fecal sample, discuss heartworm prevention and give
first dose (puppies), Feline Leukemia/FIV testing (kittens), vaccinations (DHP or PRC), deworming, nail trim
demonstration, discuss grooming, diet and socialization.
12 weeks: Exam by technician (unless problems exist, needing doctor’s attention), weight check, recheck a
fecal sample, next dose of prevention (puppies), booster vaccinations (DHP or PRC), microchip, discuss
housetraining progress, ear cleaning demonstration, discuss current diet, behavior and training.
16 weeks: Exam by technician (unless problems exist, needing doctor’s attention), recheck fecal sample,
next dose of prevention (puppies), vaccine boosters (final DHP or PRC, 1-year rabies), discuss dental care,
discuss current diet.
6 months: Exam by veterinarian, recheck fecal sample, spay/neuter, discuss current diet.
16 months: Exam by veterinarian, check fecal sample, heartworm test and prevention (dogs), update
vaccinations (usually DHP for dogs, PRC for cats, and a 3-year rabies, though the doctor’s
recommendations may vary depending on your pet’s overall health and exposure risks), discuss diet.
ADULT:
Every 6 months: Wellness exam by veterinarian, check fecal sample.
Every 12 months: Heartworm test and prevention (dogs), vaccinations as recommended for your pet by
the veterinarian depending on exposure risks and overall health.
SENIOR PETS:
A CBC/Profile & Electrolytes, thyroid test (T4) and urinalysis should be done annually, or more often if
needed.
For Cats: Depending on general health, start the above tests anywhere from 8-10 years.
For Dogs:
Up to 20 pounds, start at 10 years
20-50 pounds, start at 9 years
50-90 pounds, start at 8 years
90+ pounds, start at 7 years
