Puppy Pointers:
First Vet Visit Forges Healthy Life

In order to ensure a new puppy's health, it is important to schedule an examination with a veterinarian during the first days that he is in your care.

"We prefer that vet involvement starts early," said Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, and author of Becoming Your Dog's Best Friend, "Our goal is to prevent problems. In that first visit we are forging out a lifetime of care."

During that first visit the vet will check the puppy for obvious congenital defects. Most breeders prefer this to be done within 72 hours after the puppy has left their kennel. The vet will ask about the pet's health history, perform a thorough physical examination, give any vaccinations that may be due and look for internal and external parasites.

Many vets take the time to instruct new owners about nutrition and preventive care such as heartworm medication and sterilization surgery. At the first visit Dr. Debbie Eldredge, a veterinarian from Vernon, New York, said,"I like to mention spaying and neutering to people because I want them thinking right from day one about having it done."

If the owner has unanswered questions about puppy care or behavior, the first visit is a good time to ask for help. "We are going to look into the health, happiness and longevity of the pet," said Dr. Becker, "We try to find out what the owner's concerns are and address behavior issues too. We'll communicate about how the owner feels about their pet, which is a uniquely precious bond. We particularly emphasize this on the first visit. It has everything to do with a positive outcome for the partnership."

Preparing for the first vet visit
As soon as you set a date for picking up your puppy, call your veterinarian's office and schedule an appointment for a "new puppy" visit.

For that visit to the vet, bring:
* Medical records, including vaccination history, and health care instructions that came with the puppy;
* Any medications the puppy is currently taking;
* A fresh stool sample;
* The name of or ingredients found in puppy's food;
* Information on where and how your puppy was born and raised;
* A list of questions to ask or issues to discuss.

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For some practical how to's on making the first days with your new puppy happy ones, see the following Puppy Pointers:

Positively Puppy: Main Article
First Week Firsts
First Vet Visit Forges Healthy Life
Puppy Prep Kit
Introducing....Kids and Puppy
Puppy Proof Your Home
Ain't Misbehaving