Brought puppy home part 2…
So now you have your three steps for setting up the right training plan for your new best friend to become the best woofer they can be, but what about their health and well being? Depending on how you get your puppy, whether that’s from a breeder, shelter, etc., every puppy needs their first vet checkup. In the first couple of weeks of puppies being born they should start getting their first introductions to the vet and first round of vaccinations. These first vaccines should be distemper and parvo every three weeks starting around the 7 week mark. After that you should continue their boosters including a lepto vaccine and finally they should get a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks. This should complete their first round of protectors against the world but you do have to continue with vet visits to get maintenance vaccines of rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP at the minimum with flea. tick and worm prevention.
Now that you have a run down of your first couple months with your new baby what should your very first vet visit look like? A vet visit for a new puppy is one of those things that, if they are not familiar with it, can be very scary. We want to make it the most positive experience as possible so that through out puppy’s life the vet can be something to look forward to rather than dread. At the first appointment my best advice would be to exercise puppy before the appointment, make sure they have relieved themselves (collect samples if the vet has requested them), and bring LOTS of tummy safe treats. For treats make sure you have multiple, easy to use, options that you can also give the vet to use so you don’t have a mess in the car on the way home from cheese in a can.
Discussion during your first appointment should include a vaccine schedule for all the needed protection up to 16 weeks, a full health checkup (especially if their are guarantees from the breeder), puppy safe flea, tick and worm prevention, any concerns you have about the puppies health (eyes, ears, joints, coat, weight, nails, teeth, gums, etc.) and finally a printed copy to keep for record (or send the breeder for proof that puppy was seen by vet upon pickup.)
You should always feel comfortable speaking up and advocating for you and your puppy! You may meet many professionals at a vet’s office but they do not know of your training plan with your puppy that you will have for the rest of it’s life. During the first months of a pup’s life their are some huge socialization periods that will make an impact for future training especially at the vet, you should always advocate for slowing down, going a more positive route of care or ask for breaks as to not overwhelm your pup.
At the end of your appointment make sure that you leave with a puppy dose of flea, tick, worm prevention and records from the appointment. Not only will these be important if a breeder needs them but also for you. With records you can keep track of how the puppy is gaining weight, what vaccines they got if their is any reaction, etc. Also ask your vet if they wouldn’t for you to come by when you don’t have an appointment just to bring your puppy by for a socialization day consisting of the vet staff giving puppy a treat, practicing settle in the lobby and make sure to leave on a good note! The more you make the vet a place you just go with your pup when nothing bad happens the more your future dog won’t mind the appointments in the slightest!
Hope this helps, stay tuned for next weeks nutrition article!
