Healthy Life Cycle from Young to Old
Stage 1: Puppy and Kitten (6-16 weeks of age)
Recommendations
- Initial vaccination series
- Check for intestinal parasites
- Heartworm prevention for puppies and possibly kittens
- High-quality growth diet for proper development
- Positive contact with other people and pets (critical for proper socialization)
- Introduce home dental care
- Beginning grooming for your pet to reduce anxiety later
Stage 2: Young Adult (6-12 months for cats and small-breed dogs)
(12-18 months for large-breed dogs)
Recommendations
- Regular exercise to promote good body conditioning
- Heartworm & tick-disease prevention and routine check-ups
- Obedience training classes to help reinforce desirable behavior habits
- Elective reproductive surgeries (spay or neuter) for pets not intended as breeding stock or show animals
- Regular home dental care
- Regular grooming to maintain your pet's coat
Stage 3: Mature Adult (2-8 years for cats and small-breed dogs)
(2-7 years for large-breed dogs)
Recommendations
- Regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat
- Regular exercise to promote good body conditioning
- Heartworm prevention, routine check-ups and booster vaccinations
- Screening for common conditions in aging pets
- Good quality maintenance diet to help avoid health risks
- Regular home dental care
- Professional dental care as needed
Stage 4: Senior Adult (over 6-8 years for dogs, depending on the breed)
(over 8-9 years for cats)
Recommendations
- Vaccinations up-to-date
- Heartworm & tick-disease prevention and routine check-ups
- Screening for common conditions in the older pet
- Gradual adjustment to diet appropriate for senior animals