Have you recently adopted a puppy? Congratulations! Those first few days are extra special. However, getting little Fido started out on the right paw in his new home isn’t just about taking those cute photos and soaking up those adorable puppy kisses. One of the first things on your official agenda as a new dog owner should be taking little Fido to the vet. A local Aldergrove, BC Canada veterinarian offers some advice on bringing your puppy to meet his doctor in this article.
How Soon Should I Take My New Puppy To The Aldergrove, BC Canada Veterinarian?
We would recommend getting that appointment scheduled as soon as possible. If possible, you should bring your little buddy in within a week of bringing him home.
Why so fast? There are a few reasons for this.
First and foremost, it’s important to get your pet protected from dangerous parasites and vaccinations as soon as possible. While all and any dogs are at risk from things like fleas and ticks, puppies are particularly vulnerable. Not only are they small and fragile, but their immune systems haven’t completely come online yet.
This also helps your vet get an idea of your furry pal’s overall health. We love watching our canine patients grow from adorable puppies to distinguished seniors, and are here to support them every step of the way. It’s just good to get that baseline snapshot of your pet’s health. As your canine buddy grows and moves through the various stages of his life, his vet will be familiar with his medical history, and will bring that practiced eye and familiarity to the table moving forward.
Little Fido may also benefit from certain screenings. His breed and background may come into play here. Certain breeds are predisposed to specific conditions. For instance, some pups are genetically predisposed to hearing loss, and will benefit from BAER testing. These include Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Dalmatians, and English Setters. In this case, white Boxers and Bull Terriers should also be tested. Ask your vet for advice on this. The AKC website can also help.
Finally, if your pet was adopted from a shelter or store, then it’s extra important to have him screened for contagious disease and parasites.
Can I Just Carry My Puppy Into The Vet?
We understand that carrying little Fido seems to be the easy and obvious choice, especially while he’s still small enough to hold. However, it’s best to bring him in either with a leash and harness or in a crate. It’s very easy for dogs to wiggle out of someone’s arms and fall. That could cause an injury! It’s also important just to be able to control your furry pal at all times.
What Happens During the First Vet Visit?
As you may expect, the staff here at Country Grove Vet Clinic got into the world of veterinary medicine because we love animals. We’re by no means immune to the fact that puppies are absolutely adorable. However, while we love puppy kisses and tail wags, there are more serious things on the agenda than giving our adorable new patients belly rubs and ear scritches.
There are a few things you may expect to find on the agenda for that first visit. Little Fido will be weighed, and his temperature taken. Your veterinarian will take a look at his eyes, ears, nose, paws, skin, coat, and mouth. They may also feel your pet’s abdomen and limbs to check for abnormalities. If you’ve been asked to bring a stool sample, that will be tested as well.
Appointments are also a great chance to get some information and advice. Your Aldergrove, BC Canada vet is a veritable gold mine of information when it comes to puppy care. Don’t be shy about asking questions about things like diet, toy selections, training tips, and other information. We’re happy to help!
What Should I Bring to the First Vet Visit?
You may be asked to bring some specific things with you to that first appointment. Your canine buddy’s documentation may very well be on that list. If you got little Fido from a breeder, there may be records of the veterinary care he received before you brought him home. Some breeders also have their puppies screened for certain medical issues.
Aside from your puppy’s records, you may be asked to bring a stool sample. We would also recommend jotting down things like the type of food, treats, toys, and chews you are giving the little guy. If you have questions, bring those as well!
We would also suggest bringing a leash and harness, some small treats, and a chew toy.
What Vaccinations Does My Puppy Need?
Vaccinations are one of the most important things that you can do to keep your furry pal safe. Making sure that your puppy gets the right vaccines at the right time is crucial at this important stage.
Here are the core vaccines
- Canine Distemper: Distemper is an airborne disease that compromises the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of several animals, including dogs. It is also quite contagious, and can be spread through things like bowls, toys, and other products. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, and can lead to paralysis and, unfortunately, death.
- Adenovirus (CAV-1) (Canine Hepatitis): Hepatitis attacks Fido’s liver, as well as his lungs and kidneys. (It’s unrelated to human hepatitis, in case you were wondering.) It can cause vomiting, jaundice, bloating, and pain. Severe cases can be deadly.
- Rabies: Rabies has the not-so-fun distinction of being the world’s deadliest disease. Once symptoms develop, it is fatal in more than 99 percent of cases. This is definitely one perfect example of an ounce of prevention being worth several pounds of cure.
- Parvovirus: Parvo vaccine is crucial for puppies, since they are the most vulnerable to it. It compromises Fido’s intestinal tract, and can cause vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Then there are the non-core vaccines:
- Bordetella Bronchiseptica: The main cause of kennel cough, Bordetella is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is always a huge concern in kennels, doggy daycares, and other places with a lot of dogs. It can cause severe coughing and vomiting, and can be fatal. Bordetella is not considered a CORE vaccine, but it is generally required by any decent kennel, daycare, or doggy salon.
- Canine Parainfluenza: Similar to the human flu, canine parainfluenza is a respiratory disease that can be very dangerous to some dogs.
- Leptospirosis: Known as Lepto, this virus is typically passed from wild animals. Fido can pick it up just by walking through a puddle that an infected animal drank from or a wet patch one urinated in.
Some non-core vaccines will vary based on location. For instance, some puppies in the South may benefit from rattlesnake vaccines.
Talk to your vet about your puppy’s vaccination schedule. An older dog vaccination schedule is usually pretty simple, but you may need to bring your puppy in several times during that critical first year, as many of these vaccines require boosters. Keep in mind that little Fido won’t be fully protected until he has had all of those boosters.
What Parasite Control Does My Puppy Need?
Another reason it’s important to get little Fido in quickly is to make sure that he is free of parasites. Keeping your canine pal free of fleas, ticks, and worms will go a long way toward keeping him healthy. Ask your vet for specific information about the various products.
Make An Appointment For Your Puppy At Our Vancouver, BC Canada Animal Hospital
Are you looking for a great veterinarian? Please do not hesitate to contact us for all of your puppy’s veterinary care needs. As your local Vancouver, BC Canada animal clinic, we are dedicated to providing great care!
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