Puppy's First Vet Visit: What To Do
Posted on: 21 July 2018
Veterinarians are important to visit when you've adopted your first puppy. As soon as you feel they're settled into life in your home, scheduling a visit is smart. Many puppies aren't afraid to make that first trip, but ensure the experience is positive with these ideas; they won't be reluctant to head to their veterinarian in the future as well.
Play Act
Just as roleplaying can be effective for people, your puppy may benefit from home "practice sessions" before the real thing. In particular, you'll want to touch your them on the stomach, ears and other places a vet might attempt touching them. You may ask for specific actions to practice with so that your puppy expects them. Doing this regularly should make the actual appointment more comfortable.
Schedule Wisely
The time you're thinking about making an appointment for could be the same time many other people schedule their own appointments. If you're planning to drop by around lunchtime or on the weekend -- if those appointments are available -- the waiting room could be full of pets and owners. This may excite your puppy and stress you out. Try booking appointments in the earliest hours possible; by the time everyone has awakened and are just starting to come in, your own appointment should be concluding.
Walk Them First
Like most puppies, yours is likely a shot of energy most days. Having them appear in a vet's office that way could mean they actively bark with other dogs, become overly interested in cats and other animals or try to get at the biscuits on the sign-in desk. This can affect other animals, staffers, and your own nerves.
Therefore, consider taking them for a hike or a long walk in the time period before their appointment. By tiring them a little, sitting in the veterinarian's office will be a welcome time to relax, and they'll have less energy to do anything else.
Use a Carrier
Small dogs can still be crated or kept in pet carriers as both of you wait. This can keep you both calm; they won't tug against a leash, and you won't need to keep a constant eye on their actions.
Making that initial visit easy and calm can help your puppy be confident that the vet's office is another fun place to go with you. Your veterinarian and their staff can provide many more prep ideas. For more information, contact a vet office like Countryside Animal Hospital.
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