Puppies and kittens receive natural immunity against many diseases within the first few hours of life from their mother's milk, the colostrum, but this protection is short-lived.

Dr. Eckermann recommends:

• a vaccination program that will protect your puppy or kitten against the many serious, life-threatening diseases to which young animals are susceptible; and
• laboratory tests to ensure that your little friend is free of potentially debilitating and fatal internal parasites (which also may be transmitted to humans). Early detection and treatment is critical to your entire family's health.

Dr. Eckermann and her staff are eager to provide accurate information and explanations about new puppy or kitten behavior, offer practical strategies to prevent problems of developing pets or advice to correct early behavioral problems.

Each puppy and kitten is also thoroughly checked for external parasites and proper development of the eyes, ears and teeth, as well as internal organ systems and congenital or nutritional defects.