The first step in caring for a new puppy or kitten is to schedule a visit with a veterinarian. This initial check-up is important for ensuring that your new pet is healthy and free of any underlying health issues. We will also be able to provide you with important information on vaccinations, nutrition, and training for your new pet.
* Feed puppy & kitten food until 10-12 months old, then slowly transition to adult food.
* Feed puppies 3 times a day until about 4-6 months old.
Where To Buy: Agway, Petco, "Hill’s to Home" program (we sign you up) or our online pharmacy.
Avoid Grain free dog food (no peas, lentils, potatoes or sweet potatoes) - many brands have been associated with heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy). See Tufts Veterinary Nutritionist article.
We recommend Heartworm preventative year round because they prevent intestinal worms as well as heartworm disease (from mosquitoes). Also, ticks are out year-round when it’s above freezing, even for 1-2 days. We have rebates for all our products - most are instant and applied directly to your invoice!
Heartworm/Intestinal Worm Preventatives:
Flea/Tick Preventatives:
Combination HW/Flea/Tick/Worm Preventatives:
In Home Trainers:
Training Facilities:
Training Videos:
Puppy Classes, Private Training Sessions and Behavior Teleconsult:
Middlesex Veterinary Center recommends starting grooming after giving their Rabies, Distemper and Kennel Cough vaccines to get them used to their groomer and the grooming process!
Doodle Doo's and Dogs Too
41 E Prescott Street
Westford, MA 01886
978-692-3647
Dee's Purr-Fect Pet Spa
69 Broadway Street
Westford, MA 01886
978-392-5850
Shiny Coats Pet Grooming
4 Fletcher Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-596-6755
The Pink Dog
650 Massachusetts Avenue
Boxborough, MA 01719
978-429-8191
We prefer to do this when under anesthesia for their spay or neuter, but can implant it at any time. We'll register your information with Petlink.
* Note: the microchip contains a 15 digit ID number, and is NOT a GPS locator!
AAHA Microchip Registry Lookup - Enter the ID number to see who manufactured the chip.
Spaying Females - 6-7 months old, unless otherwise recommended by your veterinarian.
Neutering Males - 6-12 months old for dogs, 6-7 months old for cats - will be discussed with your veterinarian.
Canine DNA Testing:
Useful Articles:
Pet Insurance:
There are about 15 companies that all offer accident/illness plans (a few offer wellness plans as well). We recommend 3 of them, and suggest that you consider an accident/illness plan that would cover part or most of any accident/illness - such as a chronic long-term disease, a mass removal surgery, or a few thousand dollar incident at the ER.
Your cost/benefit may even out over the lifetime of your pet, but insurance can reduce the financial stress of making decisions about your pet’s health. Also, the younger your pet is, the less it is per month! You can easily submit a claim to the insurance company, and they will reimburse you if the claim is covered and the deductible is met. Please get some sample quotes online or over the phone, and look at each policy to see if any are the right fit for you!
Emergency Veterinary Hospitals:
The following hospitals are open 24/7 for urgent issues and emergencies, especially when we are closed. They also have veterinary specialists. Please view the list here.
Phone: 978-952-8500
