Many of you got a pet over the holiday and have been getting acquainted this past week. Now that you are settling into a more normal routine, it is time to look at the paperwork from the breeder or the shelter. Chances are that there is additional follow up with your veterinarian for the following things:

1) Comprehensive physical exam – For the puppy or kitten, it is important to look for any congenital problems that he or she may be born with. Heart murmurs, jaw misalignment, and umbilical hernias are some of the more common findings.

Some problems can be corrected at an early age, leading to a completely normal life expectancy. For example, a large umbilical hernia can be life threatening, but it can be corrected surgically so that no further potential for internal organ entrapment can occur.

Other health issues can be related to the particular breed of pet. For example, excessive droopy eyelids commonly seen in the St. Bernard or Basset Hound can lead to problems with the eye. These also can be corrected to reduce the chance of corneal ulcers or infections. For the very popular Labrador or Golden Retriever where hip dysplasia can become a debilitating problem, we can keep them in the ideal body condition from puppyhood to adulthood to prolong the length of time before clinical signs start to occur. We can even help them to add two years to their lifespan simply by keeping them from becoming overweight.

2) Vaccinations – Most breeders or shelters will start the puppy or kitten off with vaccinations that need to be followed up every three weeks until the series is completed. The rabies vaccination must be administered to all cats and dogs by six months of age as required by Bellevue, Redmond, and most areas in King County.

Which vaccines to be given will be depend on the life style of your pet. Will your dog be going to boarding or grooming facilities? Will your cat be going outdoors?

3) Parasite check – Fleas, ticks, or ear mites can come with your precious bundle of joy. Yes, these bugs can live even in the winter time. There are very effective and safe medications to take care of these unwanted guests such as Advantage, Frontline, or Revolution. Avoid flea collars, shampoos, and dips as they can be toxic and have minimal residual action.

Internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia, or coccidia can also be come with your pet and cause diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia. Please make sure to bring a fresh fecal sample for evaluation. Until the tests come back negative for parasites, you should pick up the feces promptly to prevent contamination of the yard or litter box with the eggs of these parasites. This is also important as some parasites can be transmitted to humans.

4) Microchip – The majority of pets adopted from the shelters already had a microchip implanted. Take time to make sure that the microchip information has been registered to your contact information. If this important step is not taken, the pet can only be traced to the shelter, delaying the time it takes to reunite you with your pet.

If your pet does not already have a microchip, then consider having one placed. The tiny microchip is the size of a grain of rice. The procedure is like getting a piercing so it is very quick and can be done during the regular appointment time.

5) Advice – Is pet insurance available? How do I trim her nails? Is this food okay? Is this chew toy safe? When do I get her spayed? When will she sleep through the night? Should I sign up for puppy class? What is crate training?

You will have these questions and more with your new pet. That’s why it is important to make a list of your questions for consultation with the veterinary staff. The more educated you are on how to care for your new pet, the better both your lives will be.

Judy Hung is a house-call veterinarian who visits pets in their homes on the Eastside. She can be contacted by e-mail eastsidevet@gmail.com or phone at 425-882-7788. Her Web site is www.eastsidevetassociates.com.