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The Puppy Guide >> Puppy Health >> Visiting the Vet
Visiting the Vet
Once you have got your puppy home it is important to book an appointment with a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. The vet will look over the puppy, check its general health and can start giving it the vaccinations that are needed. All puppies should be given their vaccinations before you introduce them to other animals or take him for a walk. The vet can also give the medication to keep worms, mites, and other parasites at bay.
When choosing a vet it is important to consider the location of the surgery in relation to where you live. In case of emergency you will need to get to the surgery quickly. You must also make sure that you can get along with your surgeon, as they may be the only vet that sees your puppy throughout its entire life.
A puppy's first visit to the vets can be a traumatic one. It will be exposed to (probably) only the second ever car journey of its life (the first being when you took him home), and he will get to go to a whole new place with new people and smells. Add to this the fact that he is receiving medical treatment that may make him drowsy and sleepy, and it makes for quite a big event for a young pup to experience.
Try to make the visit seem as normal as possible by remaining very calm. Take some toys and treats to reward your puppy for good behaviour and to reassure him that visiting the vets is not all bad. For transporting your puppy in the car you should make sure he/she is restrained, by using a travel crate or a puppy harness and seatbelt.
At the surgery be aware that some surgeons get 'sponsored' to promote certain types and brands of pet food. Just because it is sold at the surgery it does not necessarily mean it will be the best food for you to give your puppy.
Try to obtain your pet insurance prior to visiting the vet, although routine check ups and vaccinations are not normally covered by pet insurance.
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