Your Puppy and the Veterinarian

If you get your pup from a rescue or shelter, where dogs have unknown backgrounds and may have been exposed to contagious diseases, an immediate exam is even more important. It’s a good move to have a trusted Sacramento veterinarian give the puppy a once over.

Another good reason for putting a vet visit on the priority list is to establish an important connection, something that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) calls the VCPR, for Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship. This exists, according to AVMA, when “your veterinarian knows your pet well enough to be able to diagnose and treat any medical conditions your animal develops.” The only way to establish this is by visiting the office, so the vet gets to know what is normal for your dog, and what might be signifying an illness. These wellness visits will continue throughout your dog’s life, in much the same way as many humans go in for annual checkups, even if they are feeling fine.



Some people may not realize this, but getting a puppy spells a three-way relationship between you, your puppy, and your veterinarian. After all, pet care doesn’t stop when your puppy reaches a certain age or when he seems to be healthy and in shape. Pet care is a lifelong commitment to your puppy’s health and well-being.

This kind of commitment is what your veterinarian can gladly help you with during and well beyond the first crucial months of your puppy’s life.

When Do You Take a Puppy to the Vet for the First Time?

Even if your new puppy comes with documentation of up-do-date shots, you still want to take him to your veterinarian a few days after he comes home. This gives your veterinarian the opportunity to do a full physical on him, possibly perform blood and fecal tests, determine a schedule for his upcoming vaccinations, and begin a clinical record in his name. For the first time, you will have full control of your little bundle of fur’s healthcare.

This marks the first of his series of wellness examinations.

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