How to Take a Puppy to the Vet

As a new dog owner, maintaining your puppy's health is probably utmost on your mind. Be sure to schedule your puppy's first veterinarian's appointment within 2 day of bringing him home. The following steps how to prepare your puppy (and yourself) for your first vet's visit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Dog crate or dog seat belt
• Stool sample
• Puppy's health records

1. 
    
   Keep your puppy safe on the way to your appointment.

   Schedule your appointment for a time that is at least 1 hour after your puppy eats. This will reduce his chances of getting sick in the car. Be sure to transport your puppy in his crate or use a seat belt made specifically for dogs.

2. 
    
   Bring your puppy's health records.

   Bring your puppy's vaccination record and a stool sample. The vet will use the stool sample to check your puppy for worms.

3. 
    
   Keep your unvaccinated puppy away from other dogs.

   Keep your puppy in your arms once you get to the vet. Your puppy should not be meeting strange dogs until she has received all of her vaccines. Keep your puppy off the floor so that she is not exposed to any parasites or germs. Be sure to keep your puppy on a leash just in case she should squirm out of your grip.

4. 
    
   Place your puppy on the exam table.

   Place your puppy on the examination table when you are called into the office. Talk to him constantly in a calm, cheerful voice.

5. 
    
   Greet the vet in a friendly manner.

   Greet your vet in a friendly, relaxed manner. Your puppy can read your mood and body language. If you are comfortable around the vet, it is more likely that your puppy will be, too.

6. 
    
   Be cheerful and upbeat with your puppy.

   Do not console or talk to your puppy in a reassuring manner. When you do this, you will sound tense, worried or concerned. Your puppy understands the tone of your voice, not necessarily what you are saying. If you are tense, she will be tense.

Tips & Warnings

• During the exam, the vet will check your puppy's eyes, ears, throat, teeth, temperature and skin. This should take between 5 and 10 minutes. Ask the vet any questions that you may have while she is examining your puppy.
• Vaccinations are critical to your puppy's health and well-being.
• If you suspect that your puppy has worms, there are over-the-counter medications that you can give him. However, it is best to have your vet decide which type of medication and dosage to use.
• Heartworms can be detected only through a blood test at the vet's office.

Resources

• Choosing a vet

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