Pediatric Pet Care in Blairsville, PA

At East Market Veterinary Center, we know that welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is a joyful milestone. It also comes with important health responsibilities. That’s why our team offers compassionate, comprehensive pediatric pet care in Blairsville, PA, designed to give your pet the healthiest start possible.

Led by Dr. Ashley Deforno, DVM, our veterinary team creates a stress-free experience for both pets and their owners. Whether you’re preparing for your first puppy vet visit or scheduling kitten vaccinations, we’re here to support you with personalized pet care and expert guidance. Let us help you build a strong foundation for your pet’s lifelong well-being.

What Is Pediatric Pet Care and Why Is It Important?

Pediatric veterinary care focuses on the specific health needs of puppies and kittens during their early months of life. These early stages are critical for building immunity, developing good habits, and identifying any medical issues early on.

At East Market, our approach emphasizes prevention, comfort, and education. We aim to detect problems before they start, provide puppy and kitten checkups, and equip you with the knowledge you need to raise a thriving pet.

You should schedule your pet’s first vet visit at six to eight weeks of age. However, if your pet was adopted from a shelter or comes from an unknown background, we recommend an exam as soon as possible.

At East Market, we use these first visits to establish a relationship with your pet, perform a full health check, and begin their vaccination plan. Our goal is to make both you and your pet feel comfortable from the moment you walk in.

Puppies and kittens should visit the vet every 3 to 4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. These visits ensure they stay on track with vaccination boosters, growth milestones, and behavioral development.

Once your pet reaches one year of age, they can transition to our adult wellness exam schedule.

How Can I Tell If My Puppy or Kitten Is Growing Properly?

Healthy growth is a sign of proper nutrition and care. Look for:

• Steady weight gain
• Healthy appetite
• Bright eyes and clean ears
• Energetic play and alertness

During each visit, we’ll assess your pet’s weight, nutrition, and behavior, using growth charts and breed-specific benchmarks. If you’re ever unsure, we’re here to help with a quick checkup or consultation.

Young pets may exhibit behaviors like:

• Teething and chewing
• Litter box accidents or housebreaking issues
• Excessive biting or scratching
• Separation anxiety

These behaviors are often normal but can sometimes indicate larger issues. Early vet visits for puppies and kittens provide an opportunity to address concerns and guide training techniques that work with your pet’s personality.

Puppies and kittens are vulnerable to a range of health issues, including:

• Parasites (worms, fleas, ticks)
• Respiratory infections
• Skin conditions
• Congenital abnormalities

At East Market, our diagnostic capabilities allow us to detect these problems early and provide evidence-based treatment tailored to your pet’s needs.

Contact us if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Lethargy or weakness
• Refusing food or water
• Discharge from eyes or nose
• Persistent coughing or sneezing

Don’t wait—early intervention is critical for young pets. Our clinic offers prompt pediatric pet appointments and compassionate urgent care when your pet needs it most.

Preparing your space ensures a smooth transition. We recommend:

• Creating a pet-safe area
• Providing essentials: food, toys, bedding, litter box
• Gradually introducing them to new people or other pets
• Scheduling their first vet visit to start care right away

Ask us for a checklist during your visit—we’re happy to guide you.

To make the most of your visit, bring:

• Any previous medical or vaccination records
• A list of questions or concerns
• Your pet in a secure carrier or on a leash
• Treats or a favorite toy for comfort

Our team creates a calm, welcoming environment to help your pet settle in and start their care journey on the right paw.

Your Pet Deserves a Healthy Start, Let’s Begin Together

At East Market Veterinary Center in Blairsville, PA, we’re passionate about helping puppies and kittens thrive. Whether it’s your pet’s first wellness exam or a full pediatric pet care plan, our team is here with the knowledge, compassion, and experience you need.

Call our office or book online to schedule your puppy or kitten’s first appointment.