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



August is National Immunization Awareness Month - don't forget that routine lab work is just as vital! Early testing helps detect hidden issues, keeping your pet healthier, longer.

What You Can't See Can Hurt Them: The Importance of Preventative Lab Work

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



Ultimate Guide to Cat Care: Keep Your Feline Happy and Healthy

As summer heats up, so does the risk of dehydration in pets. Dogs and cats, just like humans, need proper hydration to stay healthy, especially in the scorching days of July. 

How to Keep Your Pets Hydrated and Healthy in July

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

Learn the warning signs of health emergencies in senior pets - from breathing issues to behavioral changes - and when to seek urgent veterinary care to keep your aging companion safe and healthy.



Senior Pet Emergencies: Know the Warning Signs

St. Georges Veterinary Hospital

about-us-page

embedded-reviews-section

our-history-section

our-teams-section

Proudly serving the citizens of Avenel and it's surrounding areas.

why-us-section

app-download-page

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

St. Georges Veterinary Hospital has been caring for Avenel pets and their families for many years. Your pet's health and comfort are our highest priorities.

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

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

nav-cta-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

<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-TC2RN77"
height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>

gtm_68d13c56134e6ea788a998a1

<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-TC2RN77');</script>

Check out the latest educational articles and tips from the St. Georges Veterinary Hospital team!

Jennifer Murray

MaryBeth Reta

 1BusyOne

Jennifer Salerno

375+

Proudly serving Avenel since 1978, trusted for years of compassionate, dependable pet care.

Open on Saturdays - because pets don't just need care Monday to Friday. 

Weekend Care

Sign up for our newsletter to learn about new opportunities, team stories, and learning moments from St. Georges Veterinary Hospital.

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

We look forward to seeing you! Please use our booking widget below to book an appointment today!

St. Georges Veterinary Hospital accepts Cash and Credit/Debit cards along with other financing options mentioned bellow.

We are pleased to offer access to several financing options.

Save time at your first appointment! Complete your client registration and media release form online before your visit.

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Billing

Client Forms

Download App

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

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


Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

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

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


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

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

Get expert guidance on your pet's nutrition, weight, and feeding to support lifelong wellness.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

Advanced diagnostics like bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound help us catch issues early and treat fast.

Diagnostics & Imaging

Support your pet's health with professional dental cleanings, exams, and oral care you can trust.

Dental Care

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

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

Recent Blog

Related Blog

Protect Your Pet from Spring Parasites: Fleas, Ticks & More

Pet Poison Prevention: Protecting Your Furry Friends from Common Hazards

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings for Your Pet

St. Georges Veterinary Hospital FAQs