After you and your pup have met and become acquainted, your new best friend will be making regular visits to the vet for check-ups, shots, and other vet care. The first time your puppy visits the veterinarian is called a “vet visit.” It’s also referred to as a “vet checkup,” “vet exam,” or “vet visit.”
Your brand-new puppy needs a lot of attention and care. After all, he’s just a baby — and babies need love. But, between the endless games of fetch and endless streams of puppy-love smiles, your pup may forget about some of his initial needs.
Your new puppy is in for a big transition! Leaving home to join a new family can be a scary prospect for both you and your recent addition. You have a lot to learn together about how to care for your dog and make sure he stays safe, but you’ll soon discover that a few precautions always make things easier.
Spending some time at the veterinarian is an important part of this new chapter in your dog’s life. It’s almost a prerequisite. You’ll want to take your new puppy to the vet right from the get-go, so you can get his vaccinations started on the right track. After all, you can’t take care of your pup properly if he doesn’t have the right vaccinations.
Puppy visits to the veterinarian can be stressful for both you and your new dog. While you may be eager to find out what’s wrong with your pup and make sure they’re set on the right track, the veterinarian may be worried about your dog’s reaction.
But, what are the first things you should do when you take your dog to the vet?
Read on to learn more.
Why do puppies need to visit the vest?
There are many reasons why puppies need a vet visit. Some of these reasons include getting shots, being spayed or neutered, or just being checked out before going home with their new family. The best time for a puppy’s first vet visit is before they are four months old. This is because they need to get started on their vaccinations early so they don’t miss any shots.
The veterinarian will do a physical exam on your puppy to make sure they are healthy and check for any abnormalities in their body. They will also give them an ID tag that has all of your contacts.
Consultation with your puppy’s veterinarian
Once your new puppy arrives in its new home, it is important to schedule an appointment with a vet right away. Find a veterinarian who is trustworthy to ensure the well-being of your puppy throughout their life.
Choosing the right veterinarian for your puppy
It is important to select a veterinarian before you bring your new puppy home to ensure its well-being right away. Several places are available if you do not already have a veterinarian. However, friends and family may give you recommendations.
There are many things to consider when choosing a new veterinary practice: its reputation, location, equipment, and services provided.
Visits to the veterinarian with your new puppy
If you take your puppy to the vet, they should properly restrain him or her in a dog carrier or crate that fits their size in the car. When traveling with your dog, don’t feed him immediately before getting into the car, since they can get motion sickness.
It is important to get your puppy used to drive in the car outside of vet visits. This will help reduce stress. Positive experiences will last a lifetime, so make sure your puppy does not associate the car with visiting the vet. Puppies are very receptive to their environment and poor experiences will have lasting effects.
What to Bring to the Veterinarian Appointment
- If the breeder or shelter provided you with any veterinary records
- Write your questions or concerns on a list
- Your home treats and foods
- They can use old towels or shirts that are smelling of home as a dog carrier or crate
- An appropriate leash and collar or harness
- As a distraction, a chew toy
- As a reward for good behavior, a small treat
- If your veterinarian has provided you with any forms, please fill them out
- They should collect stool samples fresh, and as soon as possible.
Veterinarian Consultation: What Happens
The vet should perform the following procedures during your puppy’s first visit:
- They should weigh the puppy
- By using a stethoscope, you can listen to the heart and lungs
- Taking a pet’s temperature rectally is the best method
- The test includes examining the eyes, ears, nose, feet, and genitalia
- Analyze the skin and coat of the animal
- Inspect the teeth and the mouth
- Identify the lymph nodes on the abdomen
- Inspect the feces of your dog for worms. Most dogs have roundworms;
- If you have questions about the puppy’s history, it’s feeding, medical issues, such as parasites, and future care, such as microchipping, spaying, and neutering, don’t hesitate to ask;
- Make sure that you are clear about how and when you should take medications or treatments if you’re going home with them. Establish a schedule for follow-ups and vaccinations, and follow directions to the letter.
Puppy is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for any new dog parent. On the one hand, you’ve waited so long to meet your new best friend that the prospect of bringing him home is almost more than you can handle. On the other hand, you’re still getting to know each other and a simple trip to the vet can trigger an avalanche of anxiety.
Fortunately, your vet visit should only take about 15 minutes, and your new puppy will have plenty of time to sniff around and explore after he’s out of the room. With a little preparation, you can ease your way into the big, bad world of dog parenting and enjoy every cuddly moment with your brand new Best Friend.
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