PUPPY’S FIRST VET VISIT
THE BIG DAY
When you get a new puppy, one of the most important thing to consider is your puppy's first vet visit. This one trip can lay the foundation for great lifetime health! Here's what you'll need to know about your puppy's first vet visit.
Always remember to bring along the health certificate.
Important: Enroll in a Pet Insurance on your puppy’s FIRST visit where they offer affordable plan options. Policies can start at less than $1/ day depending on the company. Some of these companies offer best-in-breed coverages for accidents and illnesses. Some of these companies offer multi-pet discounts so be sure to ask your veterinarian for detailed information and how to enroll your puppy. We ask that you take the puppy to a licensed veterinarian within 2 days after you take him/her home.
WHAT TO EXPECT.
A first visit will be slightly different at every clinic, but there are some common things to expect. Generally, a vet tech will start the exam by taking vitals, weighing your pup, and taking his temperature.
At this point, the veterinarian will step in to perform a comprehensive exam. This exam will include listening to the heart and lungs, palpating the abdomen, and conducting a dental check-up. The vet will check your dog’s ears, eyes, nose, and toes, as well as the skin and coat. It is actually a nose to tail exam for the first visit!
Your vet will then go over a vaccination schedule with you and give any vaccinations that you choose to do on that day. Ask questions about possible symptoms resulting from the vaccinations so you know what to expect for the next few days.
Starting birth, puppies get several vaccinations. To protect your dog's health throughout their lifetime it is essential to keep your pet immunized. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which immunizations are best for your puppy. Vaccination schedule has been proven safe and effective at protecting puppies from common diseases. Not getting vaccinated places the puppy at risk. Vaccines are timed to protect your puppy.
Your veterinarian is the best person to ask any of your health-related questions regarding your new pup. His job is to ensure your dog is healthy, so keeping you informed about your role of caregiver is in his best interest! There are some essential tasks that every dog owner should know how to do, even if you plan on taking your pet to the groomer. Your vet should be happy to answer any questions and demonstrate these sorts of tasks:
Oral hygiene, including best methods for tooth brushing, appropriate chew or dental toys or supplements, and the teething process
Best methods for cleaning ears
Best methods for trimming toe-nails
Best age for spay/neuter
Flea, tick, and parasite prevention
Food recommendations
Microchipping
Grooming tips
Before You Leave
Don’t forget to schedule a follow-up visit before you leave, as many vaccinations require boosters to be effective. Keeping your dog on a regular exam schedule for preventative health care is key to a long and healthy life!
