Overcome with mushy emotions and puppy love, new pet owners often have no clue what to ask and what to expect from their puppy’s first vet visit. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide that’ll prepare you and ensure you get the most out of that first vital consult!
Things to ask during your puppy’s first vet visit
Shortly after bringing home a new furry family member, you’ll have to take him or her for a checkup with your vet. Here are some things you need to ask your local vet when first taking Fido for a checkup:
What and how much should I feed my pup?
If you can afford it, always pick a premium brand of dog food since it’ll play a vital role in your dog’s overall wellbeing. Hills is a great choice, but South Africa is home to a wide range of amazing brands that really keep your pet’s best health in mind. During your puppy’s first vet visit, your veterinarian should be able to give you advice on how much food your pup needs based on their size and breed. Your vet will probably suggest feeding your puppy twice a day – in the morning and again at night.
How do I housetrain my puppy?
Although your vet might be able to give you some great advice, the basics stay the same across the board. You’ll need to create a morning and nighttime routine where you take your puppy outside to do his or her thing. Make sure you take them to the same spot every time and then reward them for doing their business outside and not indoors.
When should I bring my puppy to the vet?
It’s essential to stick to routine care of wellness plan, and this will generally include a checkup every month or so until your pup is 6 months old. During this time, your puppy will receive all their essential vaccinations, deworming, and treatments that set the stage for good health.
Is there an affordable way to ensure routine care?
The best answer we can give for this one is pet insurance. It’s a great way to ensure you can afford routine and emergency veterinary bills. The best pet insurance companies will pay for routine care and allow you to use a vet of your choice.
Can I prevent my puppy from getting sick?
If you’re on a routine care plan and regularly take your puppy for his or her vaccinations and checkups, you’re on the safest path towards ensuring the health of your pup. Just like humans need to see the doctor for checkups from time to time, dogs need to see their vets every now and then. Again, there are things that you cannot prevent or predict, which is why pet insurance is one of the best preventative measures you can take.
Do I need to get my dog chipped?
Most vets recommend microchipping because it’s one of the best ways to find your pet if he accidentally gets lost. Of course, this is something that’s entirely up to you, but if your pet gets lost without a chip, there’s no way a shelter or the SPCA can find out who the dog belongs to.
Final thoughts
If there’s something specific you want to ask during your puppy’s first vet visit, write it down and don’t be afraid to ask your vet. There’s no such thing as a dumb question, and it’s always best to get professional answers than resorting to Google for help. Your vet can
