Bringing home a new puppy or kitten? Learn essential tips on vaccinations, diet, training, and healthcare from Vets for Life in Singapore.
Welcoming a puppy or kitten into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. But with great joy comes great responsibility. Your pet’s health and happiness depend on the care you provide.
If you’re unsure where to start, remember: your local veterinarians are your best partners. At Vets for Life Animal Clinic, our team has been guiding new pet parents in Singapore since 2013, offering everything from preventive care to advanced treatments.
☝️ Meanwhile, check out this guide for the most important aspects of puppy and kitten care so you can give your new companion the best start in life.
Fleas are more than just itchy pests; they can cause your pet anaemia, skin infections, and weight loss. They may even bite humans! Once fleas enter your home, they are a nightmare to get rid of. This is why prevention is better than cure.
💡 Did you know? Fleas can jump over 100 times their own body length! That’s like a human jumping to the 34th floor. Surely you wouldn’t want them travelling on your pet’s skin and in your home.
👉 Use a vet-approved flea treatment every month or as recommended by your clinic. At Vets for Life, we offer safe and effective parasite prevention tailored for Singapore’s tropical climate.
Learn more about flea and worm prevention in Singapore here.
Puppies and kittens’ tiny bodies are particularly vulnerable to intestinal worms, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and stunted growth. Regular deworming protects both your pet and your household, since some worms are transmissible to humans.
👉 Our recommended deworming schedule:
Deworming medicine comes in different forms: tablets, chewables, creams, and syrups are just some of the options available. Read more about common types of worms and dewormers here.
Vaccination protects your pet against deadly diseases such as parvovirus, leptospirosis and distemper. Puppies and kittens typically need 2–3 boosters spaced a month apart, with the final one at around 16 weeks, when the immunity inherited from their mother ends. After this, annual boosters keep immunity strong.
💡 Did you know? Vaccination has helped eliminate rabies in Singapore since 1953, a disease that still kills tens of thousands of people worldwide each year.
👉 At Vets for Life Animal Clinic, our veterinarians create personalised vaccination plans based on your puppy or kitten’s age, breed, and health status.
A microchip is a lifelong identification tool that helps reunite lost pets with their families. The chip, about the size of a grain of rice, remains active under your pet’s skin with a number connected to your contact details.
In Singapore, microchipping is required for dogs licensed with the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).
💡 Did you know? A cat named Fergus in Scotland was reunited with his family after more than 11 years of going missing thanks to a scan of his microchip! Raise the chances of a happy reunion and book a microchipping appointment at Vets for Life today.
Growing pets need a specifically formulated diet with the right balance of protein, calcium, and phosphorus for healthy development. Look for a brand of food that is labelled as puppy or kitten.
💡 Did you know? Puppies can double their birth weight in just 7 to 10 days with proper nutrition. Learn more about dog diet and nutrition in our guide here!
Desexing (spaying or neutering) is a surgical operation to remove your pet’s reproductive organs. This prevents unwanted litters and reduces the risk of certain cancers and behavioural problems; for instance, ovarian/testicular cancer and stress levels.
Studies also show desexed pets live longer on average compared to intact pets, thanks to reduced risks of disease and roaming.
This simple procedure is typically recommended around 6 months of age, but Vets for Life Animal Clinic can advise on the best timing based on your pet’s breed, size, and health profile.
Check out our guide on sterilising your pet here!
Proper socialisation during the first months of life prevents anxiety and behavioural issues later, especially for puppies. If your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated, carry them outdoors so they can experience new sights and sounds safely. Once vaccinated, take them on short walks to build confidence.
💡 Did you know? The most critical socialisation window for puppies is between 3 and 14 weeks.
Learn more about socialisation and basic training for dogs here.
Both puppies and kittens can be trained! Keep sessions short, reward with praise or treats, and avoid punishment. Puppies especially need guidance in:
💡 Did you know? Short, 5-minute training sessions are usually more effective for cats than long ones, because their attention spans are shorter than dogs’.
Brushing your pet regularly helps maintain a healthy coat and allows you to check for fleas, skin issues, or injuries. Early grooming sessions also help your pet get comfortable with being handled, especially areas that might be a bit tickly like their feet or ears.
💡 Did you know? Some long-haired cats like Persians can grow fur up to 10 cm long, making regular grooming essential.
Dental disease affects over 60% of pets over the age of three, causing pain, loose teeth, swollen gums, and risk of spreading infection to the bloodstream. Begin brushing your puppy or kitten’s teeth early using vet-recommended products. Your Vets for Life vet can advise you on proper techniques and preventive dental care.
💡 Did you know? Dogs have 42 teeth, while cats have 30; that’s a lot of teeth to look after! Book a dental checkup at Vets for Life to catch problems early.
Read more: Tooth Brushing Guide for Small Animals
Your new family member needs toys to enjoy playtime. Interactive play keeps pets mentally and physically stimulated. Kittens and puppies can become bored fast, so rotate toys regularly to keep them engaged.
The variety of toys is more important than the number of toys, so try and look for toys that have different functions, such as a thick rope for chewing in puppies, or a wand for chasing in kittens.
💡 Did you know? Using food puzzles and enrichment toys has been shown to improve cats’ physical health and reduce behavioral problems like aggression, overgrooming, and stress-related issues.
Insuring your new pet from the day you bring them home will give you peace of mind for unexpected accidents or illnesses. Puppies and kittens are prone to accidents, so having insurance will allow you to treat their injuries without worrying about funding the costs of veterinary care yourself.
💡 Did you know? Almost all pet owners (92%) with pet insurance say it’s worth it, and 53% of owners without pet insurance also believe it’s worth the cost.
Raising a puppy or kitten is a joyful journey, but it comes with responsibility. By focusing on preventive care – vaccinations, parasite control, nutrition, training, and regular vet check-ups – you’ll be laying the foundation for a long and healthy life together.
At Vets for Life Animal Clinic, we’re here to support you at every step, with three conveniently located branches in Singapore and a dedicated team ready to provide expert advice and compassionate care.
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