3 Things To Bring To Puppy's First Visit To Vet

When it comes to your puppy's health and wellness, multiple trips to the vet will be needed through the years. Of course, the first trip to the vet is one of the most important. When your puppy is between 6 and 10 weeks of age, they should be seen by the vet for a basic checkup that includes vaccinations and education to ensure they remain healthy and happy. To prepare for their first trip, make sure to bring the following to the vet's office.

Paperwork

Whether you have adopted your puppy from the local shelter or purchased them from a breeder, you will be given paperwork that your vet should have on file.

The paperwork will include any vaccinations or medications given to the puppy before they joined your family. The paperwork will also give information on the puppy's breed, diet, and if the puppy has been registered by national organizations.

Stool Sample

The thought of gathering your puppy's stools into a bag or container may not be appealing, but it will be important for your vet to have. In some instances, your vet will be able to get a sample of your puppy's stools in the office, but the sample may not be sufficient for testing.

The stool sample will help your vet determine if your puppy has any internal parasites, such as hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, coccidia, and giardia, which can be fatal if left untreated. If these parasites are found, a deworming medication will be administered to ensure the most effective and efficient treatment.

Gather your puppy's stool sample right before the vet appointment. Place in a container and make sure to label it with your puppy's name, birthdate, and the current date.

Questions

The first visit to the veterinarian is a great time to address any questions and concerns you may have about your new puppy. Your vet will have the knowledge and experience to guide you in providing your puppy with a healthy and happy life, but you need to prepare for this communication.

During the first few hours and days of having the puppy at home, keep a notebook nearby. Write down anything that you are noticing or questions that you come up with.

Questions regarding your puppy's behavior, eating habits, diet, sleep, and potty training can all be addressed during your first appointment.

A good veterinary clinic will be happy to provide you with all the help you need to give your puppy a great life. Using this guide, you will be prepared for your puppy's first visit.

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