If you haven’t already, make sure that you go to the vet.

We recommend visiting the vet within the first 24-48 hours of bringing home your pup. This is because many breeder contracts and pet insurance plans have clauses about the health of your pup. And so it is in your best interest to have a vet take a look at your pup as early as possible.

Make the Visit Fun for your Pup

Your vet will be an important part of your support system and your pup’s health, and so you want to make this a positive experience for your pup. Shower your pup with lots of praise and the occasional treat throughout the whole visit.

Some additional tips:

• A lot of pups do not like being on the vet’s table. Hold them and pet them to help make them feel safe and secure
• If your pup needs any vaccines, ask the vet if they have any yummy food for your pup to lick off of the table while they are receiving the vaccine. This should help distract your pup

Topics to Discuss with your Vet

This first visit is important in building your relationship with your vet, as well as establishing a comprehensive health plan. You will want to have an in-depth discussion about the following:

• Vaccine schedule
• Potential reactions to any vaccines received today
• Ask your vet for recommendations about places to avoid while your pup is completing their vaccination schedule (eg, dog parks, doggie daycare)
• Heartworm medication
• Flea and tick guard
• Any diseases in your area that you should look out for and may want to vaccinate for (eg, canine flu, Lyme disease)
• Your vet’s recommendations for spaying/neutering 
• Microchipping if your pup has not already been chipped
• Discuss your food plan with your vet to make sure it is meeting your pup’s needs. Make sure to discuss the type of food and treats you plan to feed and how often you plan to feed your pup
• How much exercise your pup needs
• How much sleep your pup needs

A Note about Vaccines

Some pups develop pain and/or reactions to vaccines. To avoid pain/reactions, try to limit the number of vaccines your pup receives during this first visit. Also, talk to your vet about possible pain and reactions and what to do in case something happens. Make sure you get a phone number and address to a place open 24-hours in case your pup develops a reaction after your vet office is closed.