Most households in the U.S. have at least one pet, and dogs are among the most popular with over 75 million living in loving homes, more than in any other country.
However, proper care is essential, especially for puppies. While vets suggest twice-yearly checkups for older pets, your puppy should be taken in for its first visit as soon as you take it home.
Here’s what to know about preparing for your puppy’s first visit with an animal doctor.
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Visiting Ahead of Time
Before taking your puppy to the animal doctor, take a quick trip to the office and check it out yourself. It’s important to make sure you’ve chosen a place where you and your puppy will feel comfortable.
“You should also try to visit the clinic before your puppy comes home. Look around and see if you are at ease there, that the support staff seems friendly, and the facility is clean. Most vets will take the time to chat with prospective clients. This can be very helpful because it’s important that you are comfortable enough with this individual to ask questions,” writes Mara Bovsun on AKC.
The Day of the Appointment
During your puppy’s first visit to an animal care clinic, the veterinarian should perform a thorough check-up of the dog’s overall health. They’ll weigh your puppy, listen to its heartbeat, examine its skin and fur, take its temperature, and more.
Most vet clinics also examine the dog’s mouth, which is essential for proper puppy care, since it’s estimated 80% of dogs and 70% cats show signs of dental disease by age three, leading to abscesses, loose teeth, and chronic pain.
If you have any questions about the puppy care process, now is the time to ask.
Planning For the Future
Finally, you’ll have a chance to discuss your puppy’s future needs with your vet. For example, kittens and puppies can be spayed or neutered when they reach two months old, so you may want to make arrangements for this simple procedure.
You can also discuss services like microchipping and puppy vaccines. For this reason, it’s important to have relevant paperwork about your puppy’s medical records to bring to the vet.
Ultimately, it’s up to you as a responsible pet owner to keep your puppy in good health. This way, they’ll remain a beloved member of your family for as long as possible.
Contact us today to set up an appointment for your puppy care needs.
