Tips For Making A Puppy's First Vet Visit A Happy One

26 July 2017
 Categories: , Blog

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When you hold your new puppy in your arms, your heart is probably bursting with love for your adorable, little canine companion. The thought of causing your little fur child any unnecessary frustration probably sounds like a nightmare, but some puppies can get upset, confused, or scared at a first visit to a veterinarian.

When the whole experience of visiting a veterinarian is brand new to you puppy, it's important to be proactive in making sure that the puppy's visit is a happy one, and your vet will be doing the same! Follow these tips to help your young pet's medical check-up get started on the right paw.

Maximize the Soothing Factor

Puppies wants love, attention, and their favorite toys and blankets. Consider putting a puppy's regular blanket from home in the pet carrier when transporting your canine companion to the vet's office. If a puppy is especially nervous, you may even consider wrapping the puppy in the blanket when you carry your pet into the veterinarian's office.

Choose the Best Vaccination Schedule

Your puppy is going to need initial vaccinations around the age of six to eight weeks old. This will be one of many purposes for visiting the veterinarian's office in the first year of your puppy's life. You may want to talk to your veterinarian about spacing out the vaccinations as much as would be possible and practical for your puppy.

You and your vet may decide that the first visit isn't the time for a vaccination. Depending on your area and the health needs of your puppy, the vaccinations that may be suggested are:

  • Heartworm
  • Rabies
  • Canine Hepatitis
  • Parvovirus
  • Leptospirosis
  • Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
  • Canine Distemper
  • Lyme Disease
  • Corona Virus
  • Bordetella Bronchiseptica
  • Canine Parainfluenza

Your veterinarian will suggest a schedule for vaccinations throughout the first year of the puppy's life, and you can make appointments that work best for both of you. For more information, you can visit site like http://www.lansdaleveterinarian.com/.

Give Your Puppy an After-Vet Treat

Alright, so your dog can't know to anticipate the treat like kids do during a dental appointment. However, giving your puppy a special treat at the veterinarian's office at the end of the visit may help your dog further associate visits to the office as an exciting thing.

Finally, keep in mind that going to a veterinarian for regular check-ups and vaccinations should simply be a regular part of life for every puppy. There's no reason why it can't be an occasion for your puppy to have fun, too. When you follow these tips, you are setting your puppy up for a good time and being the best companion to your canine that you can possibly be.