One of the first places to take your new puppy is the vet
Is the stay-at-home order from the governor and a huge increase in puppy adoptions a coincidence? I think not. Many people are working from home, helping kids with schoolwork, or binge-watching their favorite shows on television. Many are also using their time at home to train a new puppy.
Whether your puppy is purchased from a breeder or adopted from a rescue organization or local shelter, one of the first places your puppy should go is to a veterinarian. Breeders usually require an examination by a veterinarian as part of the purchase agreement.
If you are not already a pet owner, finding a veterinarian is an important decision. She will be your trusted partner in your dog's health care throughout his life. Before COVID-19 changed the way our world works, visits to veterinarians for meet-and-greets often took place. Now, recommendations from friends and Google reviews can help with vet selection.
COVID-19 has also made first puppy visits challenging for new pet owners. In order to keep their staff and clients healthy and to prevent the spread of the virus, veterinary clinics now offer curbside service.
Clients call the clinic when they arrive in the parking lot, pets are brought inside while clients wait in their cars, and doctors and staff communicate with clients by phone.
Handing a new puppy to a stranger to head inside a building they haven't yet seen to be examined by a doctor they haven't yet met may be difficult for already anxious new pet owners. Here is what to expect during this unusual new reality.
When you call to make an appointment, the receptionist will ask you to bring medical records from the breeder, shelter or rescue organization. She may ask you to enter new patient information on the vet's website, or ask you questions over the phone for their records.
She will also request that you bring a sample of your puppy's stool. It is not uncommon for puppies to have parasites, so the sample will be tested for them.
A puppy's first visit to the vet is also about educating new puppy owners, so make a list of your questions or concerns. Topics on your list should include oral hygiene, spaying or neutering, socialization, diet recommendations and flea, tick and parasite prevention.
A few questions you should ask are: Why is it important to brush a dog's teeth, and how do I do it? What are the best foods to feed my puppy? Can I give him treats? What should I use to protect my puppy from fleas and ticks? What is heartworm disease, and can my puppy get it? What is the best age for my puppy to get spayed or neutered? How do I make sure my puppy gets along with other pets?
Other questions to consider: Should I clean my puppy's ears? Do I have to trim his toenails? What do I do if he won't stop barking? Will vaccines make my puppy sleepy?
The only silly questions are the ones not asked.
When you arrive for your appointment, a technician will ask for information about the puppy's eating, drinking and potty habits. She will take the puppy and the stool sample into the clinic. This may be the most difficult part for pet owners, but rest assured he is being adored inside.
A technician will put your puppy on a scale and record his weight. His temperature will be taken. All information will be given to the veterinarian before your puppy's tip of nose to tip of tail exam begins.
The vet will listen to his heart and lungs; feel his belly; examine his eyes, ears and nose. She will look in his mouth to check his teeth and gums and examine his skin and coat. His genitals will be examined for abnormalities.
After the examination, the veterinarian will call you to explain the exam findings and talk about recommended vaccines. Normally, vaccines are given every three to four weeks until puppies are about 4 or 5 months old. She will talk to you about the importance of preventions to guard against heartworm and Lyme disease and the best age to have your pet spayed or neutered. This is your chance to get all your questions answered.
When you have all the information you need, the receptionist will get payment information and schedule your next appointment. And then a tech will bring your precious puppy back to you.
Although this is not the preferred way for you and your puppy to have his first exam, it is important to take him to the vet as soon as possible to get you both off to a good start.
• Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit redbarnpetvet.com, or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 422-1000 (Gilberts).