Puppies and kittens change fast. One week they seem fine. The next week a small problem can grow into a crisis. Regular checkups give you a clear picture of your young pet’s health, instead of guessing and hoping. You catch problems early, before they cause pain or long term damage. You get simple steps that keep teeth, joints, and weight on track. You also protect your pet from common diseases that spread fast in parks, kennels, and homes. At an animal hospital in Bellingham, you and your pet build a steady routine. Your puppy or kitten learns that the exam room is safe. You learn what is normal and what is not. This shared routine builds trust, lowers your stress, and helps your pet live a longer and more stable life.
1. Early checks catch problems before they hurt
Young pets grow fast. Bones, teeth, eyes, and organs all change. Small defects can hide under that cute face. Regular exams bring those problems into the light before they turn into hard choices or high bills.
During a checkup, the veterinarian will usually:
- Listen to the heart and lungs for murmurs or strange sounds
- Check eyes and ears for infection or birth defects
- Feel joints and spine for pain or loose movement
- Look at teeth and gums for early decay or bite problems
- Weigh your pet and track growth
These simple steps can show heart disease, hip problems, eye disease, or mouth pain very early. You gain time. You can plan treatment while your pet is still strong. You also avoid silent suffering. A puppy or kitten often hides pain. A steady exam schedule does not let that pain stay hidden for long.
The American Veterinary Medical Association explains that regular exams are the most basic way to protect your pet’s health. You give your pet a better chance at a long and steady life when you stay on top of these visits.
2. Vaccines and parasite control guard your home
Young pets face many germs and parasites. Some cause fatal disease. Others spread through your home and yard. Checkups keep vaccines and parasite control on schedule so you are not left exposed.
At each visit, you and your veterinarian review three key lines of defense.
- Core vaccines. These protect against diseases like rabies, parvo, and distemper in dogs, and panleukopenia and calicivirus in cats.
- Non core vaccines. These match your pet’s risk. For example, if your dog hikes or visits boarding kennels, vaccines for leptospirosis or kennel cough may be advised.
- Parasite control. This includes heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that some pet parasites and germs can spread to people. Roundworms and hookworms are strong examples. You lower risk for your whole family when you keep your puppy or kitten on a tested schedule for parasite checks and control.
Regular checkups also prevent gaps in protection. Missed vaccines or late refills on parasite medicine open a window for disease. With planned visits, you stay in rhythm. You know what is due and when it needs to happen.
Sample preventive care schedule for puppies and kittens
| Age | Puppy visit focus | Kitten visit focus
|
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 weeks | First exam, first core vaccines, stool test for worms | First exam, first core vaccines, stool test for worms |
| 10 to 12 weeks | Booster vaccines, start heartworm and flea control | Booster vaccines, start flea control |
| 14 to 16 weeks | Final puppy shots, rabies vaccine | Final kitten shots, rabies vaccine |
| 6 months | Spay or neuter discussion and exam | Spay or neuter discussion and exam |
| 1 year | Annual exam, booster vaccines, parasite review | Annual exam, booster vaccines, parasite review |
3. Nutrition and behavior guidance prevent future trouble
Food and behavior shape your pet’s future. The wrong diet or rough habits can start early. Regular checkups give you steady coaching so you can guide your puppy or kitten before patterns harden.
On nutrition, the veterinarian can help you:
- Pick a growth diet that fits breed size and health risks
- Set meal sizes to avoid weight gain or poor growth
- Plan a safe switch from puppy or kitten food to adult food
On behavior, you can talk through common stress points.
- House training and litter box use
- Chewing, scratching, or rough play
- Biting, fear, or hiding
Each visit gives you three things. You gain clear steps you can try at home. You gain early warnings when behavior hints at pain or illness. You also gain support when training feels hard. This cuts the risk of surrender or neglect later in life.
The AVMA shares that many behavior problems come from fear, pain, or past handling. When you work with a veterinarian from the start, you reduce those roots. You shape a pet that feels safe, trusts people, and can share public spaces without risk.
How often should you schedule checkups
For puppies and kittens under one year, plan on visits every three to four weeks until core vaccines are done. After that, most young pets need at least one exam every year. Some need more frequent visits due to breed risks or health concerns.
A simple rule of three can guide you.
- First year. Frequent visits for vaccines and growth checks.
- Adult years. Yearly exams and steady parasite control.
- Senior years. More frequent exams to catch age related disease.
Each stage brings new risks. Regular checkups keep pace with those changes so you are not left behind.
Taking the next step for your puppy or kitten
You protect your young pet when you do three things. You schedule an exam early in life. You keep vaccines and parasite care on time. You use each visit to ask about diet and behavior. These steps give your puppy or kitten a strong base for the years ahead.
If your pet has not seen a veterinarian yet, call a trusted practice and book a visit. Bring a record of any vaccines or treatments. Bring a list of your questions. You do not need perfect knowledge. You only need to show up and speak for your pet. Regular checkups turn that effort into comfort, safety, and time together.