First Vet Visits

You will want to take your new puppy to the vet as soon as possible. He can often find things you might have missed. Ask friends and family who they recommend. Visit the office before taking the new puppy to see if it is clean and if they have hours that fit your schedule. Talk to the vet and develop a rapport so you can bring up concerns when they arise. This person will become pretty important in your dog's life. So you and your dog need to feel comfortable with your choice of vet. By building a trusting relationship with the vet, you will have a long-term effect on your pup's life.

On the first visit, the pup will be checked for any type of defect. The vet should also take a health history and do a complete physical exam. He should also give any shots that are needed. When you go to the visit, bring along any medical records you may have. You need a copy of all the medicines the puppy takes and information about his mother and father. If you get obtain a fresh stool sample, take it with you as well. Make sure the vet answers all your questions before you leave.

For the first six months, your vet will want to see the puppy for checkups and vaccines. After six months, the visits taper off to once a year. Taking your puppy to regular checkups will help him grow into a healthy dog. It will also add years to his life.

Emergencies are when you need to call and transport the animal to the vet immediately. Times when the puppy isn't behaving as usual, if he seems in a lot of pain, if he isn't breathing and you can't feel a pulse, if he has been vomiting or has diarrhea for more than twenty-four hours, has suffered a burn of any kind, or has a wound that won't stop bleeding.

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