Puppy and Kitten Season: What New Pet Owners Should Know

Spring and summer are known as “puppy and kitten season” in the veterinary world, and it’s no surprise why. Longer days, warmer weather, and school breaks mean more families are ready to adopt a new pet. If you’re one of the lucky people bringing home a new puppy or kitten, congratulations! The first six months are crucial for setting the foundation for a lifetime of health, good behavior, and strong bonding.

At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we want to help you navigate this joyful—and sometimes overwhelming—journey. Here’s what you need to know about health checks, vaccines, socialization, and seasonal safety during those important first six months.

First Steps: Your Puppy or Kitten’s Initial Vet Visit

Within the first week of bringing your new pet home, schedule their first veterinary exam. Even if your puppy or kitten appears healthy, it’s important to check for common issues that aren’t always visible, like intestinal parasites or congenital conditions.

Your pet’s first visit will typically include:

• A full nose-to-tail physical exam

• Baseline weight and temperature checks

• Discussion of your pet’s diet, breed, and lifestyle

• Flea/tick and heartworm prevention plan

• Stool sample testing for intestinal parasites

• A personalized vaccine and booster schedule

• Microchipping (if not already done)

Tip: Bring any medical records you received from the breeder, shelter, or rescue to this visit.

Vaccine Schedules and Preventive Care: Building Immunity

Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to disease before their immune systems mature. That’s why vaccinations and preventive care are essential in the early months.

Puppy Vaccine Schedule (Typical)

• 7–8 weeks: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo)

• 10–11 weeks: DHPP booster, Bordetella (optional based on lifestyle)

• 13–14 weeks: DHPP booster, Lyme and Influenza (optional based on exposure risk)

• 16+ weeks: DHPP final booster, Rabies, Lyme booster (if needed)

Kitten Vaccine Schedule (Typical)

• 8–9 weeks: CHP Vaccine (Feline Distemper Combo)

• 11–12 weeks: CHP booster, FeLV (Feline Leukemia, if risk is present)

• 14–15 weeks: CHP final booster, FeLV booster, Rabies

Ongoing care for both puppies and kittens:

• Monthly flea and tick prevention

• Monthly heartworm prevention

• Deworming as needed

• Spay or neuter around 5–6 months of age (based on breed, size, and development)

Your veterinarian will tailor the vaccine schedule to your pet’s unique needs, so be sure to stick to all recommended booster appointments to ensure full protection.

The Social Side: Training and Behavior in the First 6 Months

Socialization is more than just play—it’s a critical part of your puppy or kitten’s emotional development. Exposing them to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a positive way helps prevent behavior problems later in life.

Puppy Socialization Tips

• Start early, but safely—limit exposure to unfamiliar dogs until vaccines are complete

• Enroll in a puppy socialization class with a reputable trainer

• Gradually introduce new sounds, surfaces, people, and pets

• Get your pup used to handling (paws, ears, mouth) to ease grooming and vet visits

Important Note on Public Spaces and Vaccine Safety

Puppies are not fully protected from contagious diseases like parvovirus and distemper until they’ve completed their full vaccine series, typically around 16 weeks. That doesn’t mean they need to be isolated—just that outings need to be thoughtful and safe.

Puppy outdoor etiquette before full vaccination:

• Avoid dog parks, pet stores, and areas where lots of unknown dogs frequent

• Carry your puppy in a bag or arms in high-traffic areas to avoid contact with contaminated surfaces

• Stick to clean, controlled environments like your backyard or the yard of a fully vaccinated dog

• Use puppy pads or a clean grass patch at home for potty training until your vet gives the all-clear

• Don’t let your puppy sniff or eat things off the ground in public areas

The goal: balance early socialization with disease prevention. Talk with your vet about when it’s safe to expand your puppy’s world.

Kitten Socialization Tips

• Offer short, gentle handling sessions every day

• Introduce household sounds (vacuum, doorbell, etc.) slowly and calmly

• Let your kitten explore securely confined areas before giving full access to your home

• Encourage gentle play with toys to prevent biting and scratching

Consistency is key. Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, toys) and avoid punishment. Training early leads to confident, well-adjusted pets.

Seasonal Safety: Spring and Summer Considerations for Young Pets

Warmer weather means more time outdoors—but it also brings unique hazards for curious puppies and kittens still learning the ropes.

Outdoor Safety for Puppies and Kittens

• Heat & hydration: Never leave pets in a car or outside unsupervised in the sun. Provide fresh water at all times.

• Yard safety: Check for toxic plants, sharp objects, or small gaps in fences.

• Insect stings: Curious pets may swat at bees or wasps. Watch for swelling or signs of allergic reaction.

• Pools and lakes: Not all pets are natural swimmers. Supervise water play and avoid letting your pet drink from untreated sources.

Common Toxins to Watch For

• Lawn fertilizers and weed killers

• Chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and other toxic foods

• Lilies (extremely toxic to cats)

• Antifreeze (even small amounts are deadly)

Keep emergency numbers handy, including the Pet Poison Helpline and your veterinary clinic’s after-hours line.

Crate Training, Litter Boxes, and Routine Building

Establishing routines early helps puppies and kittens feel secure and makes training easier.

For Puppies

• Use a crate for safe sleeping and short absences

• Stick to a regular feeding and potty schedule

• Take frequent potty breaks—especially after eating, playing, or waking up

• Be patient! Accidents are normal in the beginning

For Kittens

• Provide at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra (even if you only have one kitten)

• Keep the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible spot

• Scoop daily and clean thoroughly once a week

• Show your kitten the litter box location early and often

Final Thoughts: Partnering with Your Veterinary Team

Your veterinary team is your best ally in raising a healthy, happy pet. From answering questions about behavior to helping manage nutrition and growth, we’re here for every stage of your journey.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you notice:

• Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a day

• Excessive scratching, head shaking, or hair loss

• Lethargy or loss of appetite

• Difficulty breathing or limping

• Behavioral concerns or trouble training

Let’s Give Your Pet the Best Start

Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or adding another furry friend to the family, we’re excited to be part of your story. Call Family Friends Veterinary Hospital today to schedule your new pet’s first visit and let’s work together to build a happy, healthy future for your newest family member.

📞 Call us at 616-575-6520
🌐 Or book online [here]

Welcome to the family!