We support both new and experienced pet owners in learning the best practices for your pet’s health and happiness.
PUPPIES
KITTENS
DOGS
CATS
FOUND KITTENS?
Puppy Care
What vaccinations does my puppy need and when?
Vaccines protect your puppy from dangerous viruses by helping build and strengthen their immune systems. Puppies under 16 weeks who are not fully vaccinated with DHPP, should not be walked in public areas including dog parks, sidewalks, pet stores and animal hospitals.
There are 3 important core vaccines to remember: DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies.
DHPP:
DHPP protects puppies from Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. It is commonly referred to as a ‘‘combo vaccine’’ or “Distemper vaccine”. DHPP vaccines are administered to puppies in a series of “boosters”.
Starting at 6-8 weeks old, your puppy should receive their first DHPP vaccine. DHPP should be boosted every 3-4 weeks until the age of 16 weeks (or 4 months) in order to build up immunity while your puppy is growing.
At 16 weeks, your puppy will be given a 1-year DHPP vaccine.
Note: depending on when and where you got your puppy, you might begin the DHPP boosts at 7, 8, 9 or 10 weeks old. You should still follow the boost sequence, every 3-4 weeks, until the age of 16 weeks, when can receive their 1 year DHPP vaccine.
After the first year DHPP is given every 3 years.
2. Bordetella:
At around 8-12 weeks of age, puppies should receive their first Bordetella vaccine. Some places require Bordetella vaccinations. every 6 months. We vaccinate yearly.
Bordetella is a bacteria that causes kennel cough.
Your dog can still get kennel cough with this vaccine because there are more disease-causing agents besides Bordetella.
3. Rabies:
At 16 weeks, your puppy is ready to receive their 1 year Rabies vaccine.
This is required by law because Rabies can be fatal and contagious to humans.
What kind of routine treatments should I make sure my puppy receives?
There are 3 important routine treatments to remember for your pup:
Flea Protection - Start when your veterinarian advises you to.
Fleas in Southern California are especially resistant so for this area, we recommend year round treatment.
Continue monthly or use a 3 month dose.
Fleas can cause tapeworms and various disease, including Bubonic plague!
Heart worm - This parasite can cause live worms to form in the hearts of dogs. Treating this disease can be very difficult but you can prevent it with heart worm preventatives.
Most commonly this is a pill given monthly. Please ask your veterinarian about getting your pet on heart worm preventative as soon as possible.
Fecal Testing & Deworming - When you bring your puppy in to their first exam, bring a fresh fecal sample, that way your vet can determine the best course of parasite control including deworming.
What kind of routine tests should I make sure my puppy receives?
Fecal tests reveal parasites that could be causing diarrhea, bloody stool, low appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Sometimes patients have no clinical signs of disease. Common parasites are Coccidia and Giardia. If untreated, these parasites can be life threatening. Test yearly as a precaution and whenever these symptoms arise.
Heart worm tests, when over 6 months old, reveal a cardiovascular parasite, which can be fatal. Once you receive a negative test, begin heart worm guard medicine monthly. Test yearly as a precaution.
Dogs younger than 6 months can start heart worm treatment without a test.
Wellness exams should happen yearly, and whenever new symptoms arise. Your vet will examine your puppy’s ears, eyes, teeth, skin and overall health.
How do I potty train my pup?
Potty training is all about creating a consistent and positive spot for your puppy to use for pee and poo! If they are not yet ready to walk outside (too young and not vaccinated), you can create a designated area using pee pads or a sod of grass. It is your job to direct the puppy to his or her potty area.
Follow a schedule to direct them to potty after each meal, after each nap, and after play time until the puppy learns where to go on their own. When they are very young, you can implement potty time every hour to be consistent.
Do not punish your puppy while he or she is learning. Instead, redirect them to the correct area. As they go on their own in their designated area, praise them with a treat or extra petting. Be consistent and have patience!
Here is a great video on potty training that we recommend.
How do I leash train my pup?
Once puppies reach 16 weeks (4 months), and have received their DHPP vaccines, you can begin leash training outside. For puppies not fully vaccinated, you can practice using a harness and leash indoors.
Find a properly fitting harness that your puppy cannot slip out of. Also, have your puppy wear a collar and tag with your contact information.
Use treats to lead and praise them. We recommend practicing in quiet areas that are fenced in. Practice for short amounts of time until your puppy is confident.
Never pull a puppy while on a leash. If your puppy refuses to walk, kneel down to your puppy’s level to comfort him or her before trying again. Praise them for walking. If he or she still won’t walk, pick up your puppy and try again in an hour.
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Kitten Care
What vaccinations and prevention medicine does my kitten need and when?
Vaccines protect your kitten from dangerous viruses by helping build and strengthen their immune systems. Kittens should always be kept indoors. The average life expectancy of outdoor cats is 2 years.
There are 2 important vaccines to remember: FVRCP and Rabies.
FVRCP:
FVRCP protects kittens from rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. FVRCP vaccines are administered to kittens in a series of “boosters”.
Starting at 6 weeks old, your kitten should receive their first FVRCP vaccine. FVRCP should be boosted every 3-4 weeks until the age of 16 weeks (or 4 months) in order to build up immunity.
At 16 weeks, your kitten will be given a 1 year FVRCP vaccine.
Note: depending on when and where you got your kitten, you might begin the FVRCP boosters at 7, 8, 9 or 10 weeks old. You should still follow the boost sequence, every 3-4 weeks, until the age of 16. At 16 weeks, they can receive their 1 year FVRCP vaccine.
After the 1 year vaccines is given, FVRCP is usually given every 3 years.
2. Rabies:
At 16 weeks, your kitten is ready to receive their 1 year Rabies vaccine.
3. Prevention Medicine: Kittens should receive two deworming doses to prevent parasites as well as monthly flea prevention once age appropriate. Consult a veterinarian for doses and schedule.
What kind of routine tests should I make sure my kitten receives?
Fecal tests reveal parasites that could be causing diarrhea, bloody stool, low appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Sometimes kittens test positive without any clinical signs. Common parasites are Coccidia and Giardia. If untreated, these parasites can develop into an infection. Test yearly as a precaution and whenever these symptoms arise.
FELV/FIV tests reveal a feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Newly adopted or rescued kittens should be tested. Any outdoor cats coming into your home should be tested before exposure to your own cats.
Wellness exams should happen yearly, and whenever new symptoms arise. Your vet will examine your kitten’s ears, eyes, teeth, skin and overall health.
Does my kitty need litter box training?
Most kittens instinctually know to enter their litter box. Boxes attract kittens and cats of all size, and the litter helps them to bury their business - another instinctual habit of cats.
We recommend starting kittens in one small room, so their options are limited and their litter box is close by.
Once your kitten is introduced into your entire home, it is recommended to have more than one box, especially with multiple cats.
Cleaning the litter box twice a day, ensures your cat a clean and comfortable litter box experience and will help to avoid accidents.
Having box issues? Here is a great video to guide you in pin pointing the problem.
How can I make my kitten comfortable and happy?
Some kittens will be shy when entering a new home. Start them in one small, quiet room, with all their needs close by and a comfy place to hide and feel safe. Cat igloos and tunnels are great hiding spaces. A clean shipping box turned on it’s side, and filled with a kitty blanket will sometimes do the trick!
Comfy bedding, a place to hide, toys, scratching posts and places to climb all contribute to your kittens comfort while adjusting to your home. Their food, water and litter box should be nearby and always kept clean.
Interacting with your kitten using a mix of playtime and cuddles is important in building a bond. A purring kitten is always a great sign!
Confident kittens will take to exploring right away and will appreciate nooks, crannies and high points for more of a view. Cat window perches can be attached to your window by suction or mounted onto your sill. This allows for endless visual stimulation of sunshine, birds and the outdoor world while keeping your kitten safe inside.
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What to do if you find kittens outside?
Here is a handy "What-To-Do" guide when finding kittens outside from Los Angeles Animal Services and an in depth bottle feeding & baby-kitten care guide.
To help end the animal overpopulation, we'll be creating a video guide to educate the community on how to humanely trap, spay, neuter and release ferals.
Dog Care
What vaccines does my adult dog need and how often?
Rabies Vaccine - Rabies is a virus that may affect the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including dogs, cats and humans. The most common carriers of the rabies virus in this country are bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
This vaccine should be given once a year or a 3-year vaccine can be offered to adult dogs after their initial 1 year vaccination.
You may request a rabies certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian which is often required by dog trainers, daycare programs and by boarding facilities.
This is required by law because Rabies can be fatal and contagious to humans.
Bordetella Vaccine - Bordetella bronchiseptica also known as “kennel cough” is a bacteria that inflammation in your dog’s upper respiratory system. This inflammation leads to coughing and illness and can expose your dog to secondary infections.
This vaccine should be given once a year when required by boarding facilities, groomers or daycare facilities.
DHPP Vaccine- protects puppies from sometimes fatal viruses like Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. It is sometimes referred to as a “combo vaccine” or “Distemper vaccine”.
After the first year DHPP vaccine is given, this vaccine should be given every 3 years in adult dogs.There is also a titer blood test that can be performed instead of vaccination to be sure your dog has sufficient immunity.
What monthly prevention treatment does my adult dog need?
Flea Protection - Start when your veterinarian advises you to.
Fleas in Southern California are especially resistant so for this area, we recommend year round treatment.
Continue monthly or use a 3 month dose.
Fleas can cause tapeworms and various disease, including Bubonic plague!
Heartworm Prevention - Heartworm disease is a serious and possibly fatal parasite. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and, once mature, they live in the heart and large blood vessels. Vomiting and coughing are two of the most common symptoms as well as labored breathing, convulsions, and lethargy.
SInce heartworm disease is hard to treat, monthly prevention is important. Preventative treatment includes brands like Heartgard, Interceptor, and Revolution.
What is tapeworm and how do I know if my dog has it?
Tapeworm is a parasite that can be easy to identify and treat. It can cause your pet to experience symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. You may notice your dog scooting his or her bottom on the ground to relieve irritation caused by the parasite.
Tapeworms usually develop after a dog swallows a flea that is infected with the parasite’s larvae. You may notice small worms in your dog’s stool that resemble rice.
If your dog experiences any of the above symptoms, have their stool tested by a veterinarian and treat the parasite with deworming medication.
What kind of routine tests should I make sure my dog receives?
Fecal tests reveal parasites that could be causing diarrhea, bloody stool, low appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Sometimes patients have no clinical signs of disease. Common parasites are Coccidia and Giardia. If untreated, these parasites can be life threatening. Test yearly as a precaution and whenever these symptoms arise.
Heart worm tests are recommended annually. This is especially important for dogs who spend a lot of time outside and in areas with mosquitos.
Wellness exams will review the health of your dog’s skin and caot, gums and teeth, ears and eyes, weight and energy level, among many other things. THis is a chance to review any issues or questions you may have about maintaining your dog’s health with a professional veterinarian. Adults dogs should have annual visits. Seniors and puppies are recommended for a visit twice a year. Seniors and puppies are recommended for a visit twice a year.
Other tests may be recommended by your veterinarian depending on your dog’s age and condition.
What else can I do to keep my dog healthy and happy?
Healthy teeth - Gently brushing your dogs teeth and gums, even for a few seconds a day, help eliminate harmful bacteria and plaque build up. There are many fun flavored dog-safe toothpaste you can try. You need to brush 3x a week to make it worthwhile. Start young and make it a fun activity!
Healthy ears - Clean your dogs ears after any bath and anytime they get wet. Use a vet-approved cleaner to dry out the ears. Some dogs need weekly cleanings.
Healthy coat and skin - Monthly baths with gentle and all natural pet shampoos and conditioners are a great way to keep your dog clean and dander free. Remember to rinse off well and keep avoid sending water inside ears. Clean the ears after with a vet-approved product.
Healthy nails - frequent exercise on concrete is a natural way to keep your dog’s nails short. Using a dog-safe nail clipper, carefully trim the tips of your dogs nail, above the cuticle. Nails protruding past your dog’s paw pads are considered too long and can effect your dog’s gait and legs.
Review these practices with a licensed veterinarian before attempting.
Exercise & stimulation are important components to your dog’s physical and mental health. Daily long walks or runs, weekly hikes or exploring new places together are all valuable activities for cardiovascular health. The age and breed of your dog plays a role in how much activity they need. Playing a simple game of fetch can stimulate and excite your dog, adding to their mental well being. Dog parks and group dog classes are also recommended for social stimulation.
Love & Attention is just as important to your dog’s health as food and exercise. Dogs are social companion animals. They thrive on the attention and praise of people. Spend time each day praising your dog, cuddling and simply staying close by. From using a kind, warm tone of voice, to offering belly rubs - there are many easy ways to give your pet the love and attention they need and desire.
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Cat Care
What vaccines does my adult cat need and how often?
Rabies Vaccine - Rabies is a virus that may affect the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including dogs, cats and humans. The most common carriers of the rabies virus in this country are bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
This vaccine should be given once a year or every three years.
FVRCP Vaccine - protects cats from viruses like rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. Sometimes referred to as a combo vaccine.
This vaccine should be given every 3 years.
What monthly prevention treatment does my adult cat need?
Flea Protection includes brands like Revolution, Vectra and Bravecto.
Continue monthly or use a specific 3-month dose. Doses are determined by weight.
What is tapeworm and how do I know if my cat has it?
Tapeworm is a parasite that can be easy to identify and treat. It can cause your pet to experience symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. You may notice your pet scooting his or her bottom on the ground to relieve irritation caused by the parasite.
Tapeworms usually develop after your pet swallows a flea that’s infected with the parasite’s larvae. You may notice small worms in your cat’s stool that resemble rice, or they may end up in the stomach as worms and show up in your cat’s vomit.
If your cat experiences any of the above symptoms, have their stool tested by a veterinarian and treat the parasite with de-worming medication.
What kind of routine tests should I make sure my cat receives?
Fecal tests will reveal parasites that can be causing discomfort to your pet and harm to their health. Recommended to test when symptoms arise and annually.
FELV/FIV tests reveal a feline leukemia disease and feline immunodeficiency virus (contagious to cats). Newly adopted or rescued cats should be tested. Any outdoor cats coming into your home should be tested immediately before exposing to your indoor cat.
Wellness exams will review the health of your cat’s skin and coat, gums and teeth, ears and eyes, weight and energy level, among many other things. This is a chance to review any issues or questions you may have about maintaining your cat’s health with a professional veterinarian. Adult cats should have yearly wellness exams. Seniors and kittens are recommended for a visit twice a year.
Other tests may be recommended by your veterinarian depending on your cat’s age and condition.
What else can I do to keep my cat healthy and happy?
Healthy teeth - gently brushing your cat’s teeth and gums, even for a few seconds a day, helps eliminate harmful bacteria and plaque build up. There are many fun flavored cat-safe toothpastes you can try and small brushes made just for kitties. You have to brush 3x a week to make it worthwhile.
Healthy ears - gently wipe away debris and dirt inside your cats ear using gauze. It is best to use a veterinarian approved ear cleaner.
Healthy coat and skin - cats are built to groom themselves with their unique tongue and saliva. It is not necessary to bathe a cat for regular maintainance.
Healthy nails - Cats will inherently find ways to scratch and shed their nails. Providing scratching posts, cat trees and scratch boards will help your cat’s nails stay dull and fulfill their scratching desires. If your cat’s nails are sharp, use a cat-safe nail clipper and carefully trim the tips. If your cat isn’t used to trimming, it is recommended to attempt when your cat is relaxed or sleepy. Some cats may need a visit to the vet or groomer to have their nails trimmed.
Review these practices with a licensed veterinarian before attempting.
Exercise & stimulation are important components to your cat’s physical and mental health. Places to both climb and hide are all part of a cat’s comfort and stimulation. Provide boxes or cat iglooes to hide in. Set up window perches or hammocks at a window to gaze outside. Cat trees or shelving allow your cat to climb and build confidence. Catnip, feather wands and toy mice or balls are also fun ways to excite the hunter in your cat. Setting up a bird feeder outside a window provides lots of visual excitement for your kitties without harming any birds!
Love & Attention is just as important to your cat’s health as food and exercise. Despite the independent nature of cats, they have a full capacity to be social companion animals. Cats can be very chatty and curious friends! Spend time each day praising your kitty with brushing, petting, and simply staying close by. From using a kind, warm tone of voice to napping with them, there are many easy ways to give your pet the love and attention they need.
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