New clients welcome! Limited time free first wellness exam (terms apply) - Book Today!

As pet owners, one of our greatest concerns is ensuring our furry friends are happy and healthy. Recognizing signs of pain in pets can sometimes be challenging, as they can't communicate in words like we do. However, animals do have ways of letting us know when something isn't right. Here's a guide from our team, at Copper Basin Veterinary Clinic, to help you understand if your pet might be in pain and what steps you can take to help them feel better.

Is My Pet in Pain? Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action

As our beloved pets age, their health needs evolve, making preventive health screenings more crucial than ever. Senior pets, generally those over seven, are more susceptible to various health issues, and catching these problems early can significantly improve their quality of life. Explore why preventive health screenings are essential and how they can benefit your aging furry friend.

Top 5 Preventive Screenings Every Senior Pet Needs

May is Lyme Disease Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to educate pet owners about this prevalent tick-borne illness. As the weather warms up, ticks become more active, increasing the risk of Lyme disease for pets and humans.

Lyme Disease in Pets: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

As the weather warms up and summer kicks in, it's the perfect time to check in on your cat's health and routine. Cats are sensitive to temperature changes and seasonal shifts, so June is ideal for refreshing your feline care practices from hydration and nutrition to grooming and parasite prevention.

Whether you're a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to help your cat thrive all month.

June Cat Care Checklist: Summer Wellness for Your Furry Friend

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital is offering a free 30-day pet insurance trial through Trupanion - no credit card, no strings attached! Just schedule a quick exam and activate your trial within 24 hours to get 90 percent coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries.

Free Trial Of Trupanion Pet Insurance

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital

about-us-page

embedded-reviews-section

our-history-section

our-teams-section

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital is here for you when your puppy or kitten needs its first checkup.

why-us-section

app-download-page

download-app-section

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital is a longstanding fixture in the Woodstock community, known for personalized medicine, strong client relationships, and a supportive team culture. Situated in Woodstock, GA, we invite you to advance your career and enjoy Southern charm and hospitality. Our team values communication, respect, and doing what's right for patients, clients, and each other. Explore our open roles or reach out to learn more.

amrv-career-about-section

amrv-career-section

amrv-contact-section

amrv-job-section

forms-page

form-section

landing-page

amrv-about-us-section

contact-us-section

cta-bar

footer-section

hero-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-2

payment-section-3

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

The new year often inspires us to make positive changes, and for some, that might mean adding a new furry friend to the family. Whether you’ve just welcomed a playful puppy or a curious kitten, there’s a lot to learn in these first few months together.Here’s a quick guide from our veterinary team to help you and your new pet start the year off on the right paw!1. First Things First: The Initial Vet Visit – Just like newborns, puppies, and kittens need a complete health check soon after arriving at their new home. Your first vet visit will typically cover :<ul><li>A comprehensive physical exam: We’ll assess your pet’s overall health and check for any initial signs of concern.</li><li>Vaccinations: Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines to protect them from diseases like parvovirus and distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats. Your vet will create a vaccination schedule tailored to their needs.</li><li>Parasite prevention: Puppies and kittens are prone to parasites like fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Starting parasite prevention early keeps them comfortable and healthy.</li><li>Microchipping: A microchip helps reunite you with your pet if they ever get lost. We recommend microchipping during one of their initial visits for an extra layer of security.</li></ul>2. Nutrition Matters: Feeding Your Puppy or Kitten –&nbsp; Young pets have different nutritional needs than adults, so choosing the right food is crucial. Here’s what you should know:<ul><li>Age-appropriate food: Look for food labeled specifically for puppies or kittens, formulated to support growth and development.</li><li>Portion control: Puppies and kittens have small stomachs, so they must be fed several small meals throughout the day.</li><li>Avoid “people food”: Many human foods can be toxic to pets. Stick to a diet of high-quality pet food and consult your vet about any treats or supplements.</li></ul>Your veterinarian can help you select a brand and feeding schedule that suits your pet’s age, breed, and activity level.3. Training Tips: Building Good Habits Early –&nbsp; Puppies and kittens are at an ideal age to start learning good behaviors. Here are some training tips:<ul><li>Consistency is key: Establish a routine that includes regular feeding, bathroom breaks, and playtime.</li><li>Reward positive behaviors: Use treats or affection to reinforce good behaviors, whether using the litter box or sitting on command.</li><li>Socialization: Gradually expose your pet to new environments, people, and other animals. Supervised playtime with other vaccinated dogs can build confidence for puppies, while kittens benefit from gentle handling and exposure to new sights and sounds.</li></ul>Early training sets the foundation for a well-adjusted, happy adult pet.4. Pet-Proofing Your Home – Like baby-proofing, creating a safe space for your new pet is essential. Here’s a quick checklist:<ul><li>Remove hazards: Keep small items, electrical cords, and toxic household plants out of reach.</li><li>Secure trash cans: Many puppies and kittens are curious and may be tempted to rummage through the garbage.</li><li>Create a safe space: Set up a cozy area with a bed, toys, food, and water bowls where your pet can feel secure.</li></ul>Pet-proofing your home helps prevent accidents and keeps your furry friends safe as they explore.5. The Importance of Routine Checkups – While puppies and kittens require frequent vet visits initially, maintaining annual checkups is key to long-term health. During each visit, we’ll monitor:<ul><li>Growth and development: Ensuring your pet is on track for age and breed.</li><li>Dental health: Dental care starts early! We’ll help you establish a brushing routine and provide tips for healthy teeth.</li><li>Behavioral development: Our team can assist with training challenges and suggest resources or trainers if needed.</li></ul>6. A New Year of Love and Companionship –&nbsp; A new pet brings so much joy to a household. This special bond you’re creating is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship, from playtime to cuddle sessions.If you have questions or concerns, remember that our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">veterinary team is here</a> to help guide you. This New Year, let’s make every moment with your new pet safe, happy, and healthy! ____________________________________________________________________ Ready to start your journey as a new pet parent? <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/woodstock-ga-veterinary-appointment/">Schedule</a> your pet’s first veterinary visit today! Our team is excited to support you and your new friend as you embark on this adventure together.

Welcoming a new puppy or kitten? Start the year right with our vet-approved guide to pet care, covering health, nutrition, training, and more for a happy, healthy beginning.



A Guide to Your New Puppy or Kitten: Health, Training, and Tips for 2025

patient_prism_6868d04db8a3cce402148593

<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-KKS25VG6"
height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>

gtm_6868d04db8a3cce402148593

<script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src=
'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-KKS25VG6');</script>

Sign up for our newsletter to learn about new opportunities, team stories, and learning moments from South Cherokee.

Connect With Us

Reach out directly to our Talent Team! We are happy to guide you through roles, culture, and everything in between.

Have Questions

Preferred options for most of our clients.

We are pleased to offer access to several financing options.

We love educating our clients, thats why we have curated and shared posts filled with helpful information regarding pet care.

Enter your information to book your appointment today.

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Billing

Client Forms

Download App

Since 1992, serving Woodstock with 30+ years of compassionate, high-quality veterinary care.

Get fast, accurate results with our in-house lab and diagnostic tools.

Diagnostics

Voted Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 & 2023 for trusted local care.

Keeping up with your pet's health from your mobile device has never been easier!

Michelle Isabel

Kelly Webster

Ryan Hickman

Thomyia Carpenter

Professional overnight pet care in our veterinary-supervised facility. Safe, comfortable boarding with 24/7 monitoring and medical support available.

Boarding

Get your pet's medications, food, and preventatives delivered straight to your door - fast and easy.


Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

Keep your pet clean, healthy, and looking their best with gentle, professional grooming and baths.


Grooming & Bathing

Struggling with behavior issues? We help you understand and improve your pet's habits and routines.


Behavioral Counseling

We help manage your pet's pain with expert care, medication, and therapies tailored to their needs.

Pain Management

Not feeling like themselves? We're here to diagnose, treat, and help your pet feel better fast.

Illness/ Injury & Sick

A quick microchip gives your pet a permanent ID and increases their chance of being reunited if lost.


Microchipping

Travel certificates

When it's time to say goodbye, we offer gentle, compassionate end-of-life care and support. 

End-of-Life & Euthanasia

Treat and prevent internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

Safe, carefully monitored anesthesia keeps your pet comfortable during surgeries and procedures.

Anesthesia

From routine to advanced procedures, your pet is in skilled, compassionate hands every step of the way.


Pet Surgery

Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavior challenges.


Spay & Neuter

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

When every second counts, our team is ready to treat injuries, illness, or sudden changes in behavior.

Urgent Care

We offer safe, responsible breeding guidance and reproductive care for both male and female pets.


Reproductive Services

We offer advanced surgical care using skilled techniques, modern equipment, and compassionate support.


A Guide to Your New Puppy or Kitten: Health, Training, and Tips for 2025

Recent Blog

Related Blog

Protect Your Furry Friends: Recognizing the Indicators of Heartworm Infection

Safeguarding Your Home: Identifying and Preventing Household Hazards for Pets

Senior Pet Emergencies: Know the Warning Signs