You are planning on getting a new puppy. As each day passes and it gets closer to the pick up date, you become more and more anxious. This is when you should start planning for the new addition to your family.
You will need food and water dishes, a comfortable bed, as well as a nice collar and leash. Your puppy will need toys to keep occupied and stay out of trouble. You need to decide what kind of food you are going to feed the puppy. It is your responsibility to make sure the puppy gets the necessary medical attention.
If you have never had a puppy before, some of these tasks may make you a little nervous. A friendly, qualified veterinarian can be a big help as you prepare for bringing home a new puppy.
One of the most important things you can do for your new canine family member is to choose the right veterinarian for your dog and yourself. Although the dog is the patient, you are the one who will be the spokesperson and advocate for your dog’s good health. It is important that you and the veterinarian develop a good rapport. The two of you will be major players in keeping your dog healthy from puppyhood through its adult years.
Outside of family members, the veterinarian should be one of the first new people your puppy meets. The reason for this is that puppies need vaccinations and worming to establish and maintain good health. It is always a good idea to have a new puppy examined by a veterinarian – even if he or she already has proof of vaccinations and worming. Remember, booster shots are needed.
Not all veterinarians are created equal! You will probably lean toward choosing one that reminds you of your own doctor. Can you be open with them? Do you feel confident that the doctor possesses the medical knowledge that can mean the difference between life and death in some situations? You need to have confidence in the veterinarian’s skills.
Some people may prefer a small vet practice that employs one or two doctors. This can be a nice situation because you will deal with the same veterinarians. A small practice allows the doctor to get to know your pet.
Large veterinarian practices are beneficial in that there are more doctors to brainstorm your dog’s medical problems should something unusual occur. Another advantage is that the practice may be open longer hours. This can be helpful in emergency situations.
A drawback of large practices is that your dog may hardly ever see the same veterinarian. This hardly matters if you have a dog that is healthy and maintains with annual checkups.
If you have a dog that is prone to illness, having the consistency of one veterinarian is a plus. This means the doctor knows your dog and does not have to rely on the chart alone to gather information about prior treatments.
Some veterinarians have a great bedside manner; others are all business. You need to choose one that meshes with your personality. The best vet in the world may be of little use to you if you feel that he or she does not care about your four-legged family member.
Don’t be afraid to check a veterinarian’s credentials. The information is usually posted where it can easily be seen.
Ask friends, neighbors, breeders and trainers for recommendations for a good veterinarian. Those who already have experience with a certain veterinarian are a good source of information.
The bottom line is that your dog has to like – or at least tolerate – the veterinarian you choose. No one needs the aggravation of dealing with a dog whose mission is to eat the vet!
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