Puppy & Kitten Care in Duxbury, MA

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting time, and getting their care right from the start sets the foundation for a long, healthy life. At Duxbury Animal Hospital, we provide compassionate puppy and kitten care for families across Duxbury and the South Shore, from first exams and vaccinations to the guidance you need as a new pet parent.

Book Appointment

Starting Your New Pet Off on the Right Paw

The early weeks of a puppy’s or kitten’s life are a critical window. Early veterinary care lets us protect your new companion from preventable diseases, establish good habits, and catch any concerns before they become serious. Puppies and kittens thrive on routine, so building a strong foundation of nutrition, Pet Wellness Exams & Preventative Care, and training early makes all the difference.

We recommend scheduling your new pet’s first visit as soon as possible after bringing them home — within a few days is ideal. Many breeders and adoption agencies also provide a short window to have your new pet examined by a veterinarian, so an early appointment matters.

What to Expect at Your Pet’s First Visit

During your puppy’s or kitten’s first exam, our team performs a thorough nose-to-tail evaluation to assess their overall health and look for issues common in young animals. This typically includes:

Checking the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
Listening to the heart and lungs for murmurs or other concerns
Examining the skin and coat for fleas, ticks, or parasites
Checking for hernias and, in kittens, proper formation of the palate
Palpating the abdomen to feel the organs
Reviewing a fecal sample for intestinal parasites

It’s also the perfect time to ask questions. We’ll talk through vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutrition, spaying and neutering, and your pet’s anticipated lifestyle, so you leave feeling confident about caring for your new friend. No question is ever too small.

Signs to Watch for in a New Puppy or Kitten

Because puppies and kittens are small, minor health issues can become serious quickly, and pets are skilled at hiding illness. Contact us right away if you notice decreased appetite or energy, vomiting or diarrhea, sneezing or watery eyes, changes in litter box or bathroom habits, or a pet that seems unusually withdrawn. When something feels off, it’s always worth a call. While the internet is full of pet care information, not all of it is accurate, and self-diagnosing can delay the care your pet needs.

Our team is here to give you trustworthy, medically sound guidance for your individual pet. As your puppy or kitten grows, we’ll be right there with you — through every life stage, all the way to Senior Pet Care.

Vaccinations and Preventative Care

Puppies and kittens follow a vaccine schedule that usually begins around six to eight weeks of age, with boosters every few weeks until they’re about 16 weeks old, then again at one year. Both need core vaccines, and depending on lifestyle, we may recommend certain non-core vaccines as well. We’ll also start your pet on safe, effective parasite prevention and, when appropriate, test for diseases such as feline leukemia in kittens.

Compassionate, Experienced Care Since 1967

As an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital, Duxbury Animal Hospital is proud to help South Shore families give their new pets the strongest possible start. Whether you’ve welcomed a playful puppy or a curious kitten, our team is here to support you every step of the way. You can explore everything we offer on our Veterinary Services page.

Schedule Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Visit

Ready to get your new companion started on the path to a healthy life? Our team would be honored to help. Call us at (781) 737-7820 or book online today.

Book Appointment Contact Us