Your New Puppy’s First Vet Visit – We’ve all seen a holiday movie where the kids open a package topped with a big red bow and up pops the face of the cutest little tail-wagging bundle of puppy energy!
It’s the perfect scene, but in the real world, you’re making a commitment to care for a living, breathing being for the next 10+ years or so. A big part of that commitment includes regular vet visits to keep your pup healthy and up-to-date on shots.
When bringing home a puppy or even an older dog, scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough check-up as soon as possible is an essential first step.
The breeder, adoption agency or shelter from where you adopt your pooch should give you some paperwork showing vaccine history and any other pertinent information about the pet. Be sure to take this along to the first vet appointment.
Dr. James Miller, Veterinarian and owner/founder of both Durham and North Churton Animal Hospitals in North Carolina, offers a discounted exam for all new patients.
Dr. Miller and his team will perform a complete physical exam and comprehensive wellness check on your new pooch.
The physical exam will include:
• Weight and temperature
• Looking into ears, eyes, and mouth
• Listening to the heart and lungs
• Checking skin, coat, joints, limbs, and abdomen for any abnormalities
A wellness check may include:
• Core vaccines
• Heartworm test
• Fecal examination
• Basic Bloodwork – this will provide a baseline to compare with future blood tests
During this initial visit, the vet may discuss non-core vaccines, feeding plan, flea and tick treatment, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. It’s also a great time to ask any questions you may have about your puppy’s care.
It’s so important for both you and your pet to establish a comfortable and lasting relationship with the doctors and caregivers at your veterinary office. This way, they’ll be able to monitor your pet’s health and wellness throughout his or her entire life.
From the beginning, a pet becomes a precious member of the family, so it’s important to schedule regular visits with your vet. This way, any changes in your pet’s health can be evaluated before a condition or illness becomes too severe.
Your New Puppy’s First Vet Visit – At Durham and North Churton Animal Hospitals, we provide both medical, surgical, and emergency veterinary services as well as wellness and preventative treatments.
We offer both Junior and Mature Wellness Packages to keep your pet in good health to maintain the best quality of life.
In the Durham area, contact us to make an appointment for your new puppy’s wellness check. You can also contact us at the North Churton Animal Hospital if that location is more convenient for you.
