The Life Span Cycle Of Vet Care For Dogs

Top Tips To Prepare Your Puppy for the First Vet Check-Up

4 October 2021 by Leonard Wallace

Whether you get a puppy from a breeder or shelter, the feeling that your cute furry friend is finally coming home can be overwhelming. However, with a new leash, collar, toys, and a crate ready, you might be wondering what else you are missing. For most people, scheduling the first vet visit does not cross their minds until their puppy starts showing signs of illness. Although scheduling a puppy's vet check-up a few days after arriving home might seem too early, it is in your pet's best interest. Notably, preparing adequately for the first visit is crucial, and this article highlights essential tips.

Find the Right Vet

It might seem obvious to look for the best vet, but the sheer number of people who get it wrong from the onset will surprise you. Finding the right veterinarian for your puppy is not just a matter of scouring the internet and calling the first facility that pops up. Although referral is arguably one of the best ways to find a veterinarian for your puppy's first check-up, you need to consider other factors. For instance, a friend might suggest a reputable vet who has been attending to their dog since it was a puppy. However, if the vet's clinic is 20 miles away, the trip will take a toll on your puppy. A clinic closer home is the best for your puppy's wellbeing, especially during the first few months.

Schedule Trial Run

Puppies are generally friendly and eager to meet new people, but they can be a real piece of work in new environments. The strange odours in vet clinics do not make things any easier for your puppy's first check-up. Thus, it is crucial to schedule a trial tour of a clinic before the first check-up. It allows your puppy to get familiar with the vet, staff, and new environment. Although one trial run to a clinic is enough for your puppy to get acquainted with a clinic's environment, you should aim for two.

Gather Relevant Medical Records 

When veterinarians receive a new puppy in their clinic, the first thing they do is discuss the pet's medical history. Therefore, even if you received your puppy from a reputable breeder, insist on getting the relevant paperwork. It helps a veterinarian determine the type of care your puppy has received and conduct a thorough check-up. A vet might also need a record of a puppy's diet and behaviour. Of course, some records might not be necessary, but it is a vet's job to determine what is required.

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