Start your New Puppy off Right – Visit your Veterinarian

Bringing home a new puppy is a big responsibility.  You need to make sure everything is in order before bringing the puppy into the home.  Before you even bring it back though you should stop by the veterinarian and have it checked out.

Bringing home a new puppy is a big responsibility.  You need to make sure everything is in order before bringing the puppy into the home.  Before you even bring it back though you should stop by the veterinarian and have it checked out.

Little dogs may look healthy even if they indeed have a disease of some sort.  Setting up an appointment with a qualified vet is a good idea if you get the puppy from a backyard breeder.  But it is best to have it checked out no matter where you find it.

Dogs need to start being physically examined as early as possible.  Their skin may be infected with fleas, ticks, or other parasites.  There are also internal parasites such as hookworms and roundworms which commonly give puppies problems.

These parasites can be detected with a stool sample.  Therefore, make sure you bring one with you when you first take your puppy to the veterinarian.  He will need to take deworming medications if these internal parasites become a problem.

Veterinarians usually suggest puppies be spayed or neutered.  There are many reasons why a new dog owner should consider having their pet fixed.  You can discuss it with the veterinarian during the visit to see if that is the best option for you.

Another reason you should make an appointment at a vet is because you will learn a few tips on how to take care of your new puppy properly.  This is very helpful for first-time dog owners.  If you invest in a purebred, then the veterinarian can even discuss some of the most common health problems you will need to look out for.

No matter what type of dog you have you will need to get it vaccinated.  There are plenty of nasty diseases puppies can get since they have an undeveloped immune system.  The first round of vaccinations usually begins when they turn six weeks old.

After the first series of shots your veterinarian will suggest booster shots every few years.  Different vets adopt different protocols.  Some suggest boosters every year, while others prefer to wait every three years.  It all depends on the particular vet you go to and the particular type of shot your puppy gets.

Bringing home a new puppy is a huge commitment.  Start things off right by making an appointment with a veterinarian as quickly as possible to ensure everything is right with the canine.

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