Preparing your Puppy for His First Visit to the Veterinarian

If you’re welcoming a new puppy into the family, you’re probably quite excited. It’s crucial to look out for your puppy’s health, however, and that means working with a veterinarian. That’s because routine exams and puppy wellness checkups can help uncover issues you might have missed and mitigate risks.

If you live in or near Statesboro, GA, get in touch with Westside Veterinary Hospital. It’s a good idea to contact a veterinarian shortly before or after you get a new puppy so that you can uncover any problems you don’t know about, so don’t delay.

Paperwork

There’s a chance that the breeder provided you with vaccination records, measurements (like weight), and other pieces of paperwork. It’s smart to gather all of that and bring it with you on your first visit to the veterinarian’s office. If you have been provided with any treatments or medication, like deworming medicines, it may be a good idea to take note and bring in the paperwork. Also, if he has been microchipped, it may be a good idea to make sure you have the details. Don’t worry if you don’t have paperwork, however. A vet can still help.

Preparing Your Pet

You may want to let your puppy go to the bathroom before bringing him or her into the office. If your puppy has a lot of energy, a short play session to wear him or her out could also make things easier. Just make sure you’re not riling your puppy up and getting them more excitable.

It may also be smart to use a carrier when bringing in a puppy for the first time. This can help him feel safer and reduce the risks of being exposed to other dogs and animals. You’ll want to limit exposure until your puppy has been properly vaccinated and protected against things like fleas and worms. Since some dogs suffer motion sickness in cars, it’s a good idea to not feed puppies right before bringing them in. You can provide him with toys to keep them distracted, however.

Get Routine Exams from a Veterinarian Near You

As a pet owner, you may have questions. Jot them down and ask a veterinarian near you. If you live near Statesboro, GA, contact us at Westside Veterinary Hospital for routine exams and more. Call us at (912) 489-1998.