You should visit the vet regularly, even if your puppy is growing healthy and strong.
When you buy a puppy, remember that you are not buying a toy, but a living creature that needs your attention and care. Animals are a lot like people. They also have their own character, habits, moods, attachments and sympathies.
Unfortunately, just like us, dogs suffer from many illnesses, such as the flu or colds. However, treating your dog on your own can be life-threatening. It is better to put your pet in the hands of a professional, i.e. a vet, who is the second most important person in a dog’s life after its owner. After all, you discuss the dog’s diet, daily routine and health with the vet.
A visit to the vet should not be postponed until the dog is already seriously ill. Regular visits to the doctor are needed. This will prevent serious illnesses. The frequency of visits depends on the age of the dog: you should take your puppy to the vet once every month or two, and approximately once a year for an adult dog.
If this is the first time you have been to the vet, you should be prepared for your dog to be frightened by new surroundings and strangers. Other animals such as cats, birds and rodents can be brought in special cages, but dogs should be brought with a leash and muzzle, as they can become aggressive out of fear.
When you visit the vet for the first time, you will need to fill in a lot of paperwork. Some veterinary clinics issue outpatient cards for animals, just like for humans. The vet may also need your details as the dog’s owner and, of course, information about the puppy: where you bought it, how long it has lived with you, how and what you feed it, etc.
The vet will then examine your pet once the paperwork has been processed. Usually, he or she will examine the eyes, ears, nose, coat, bladder, and feel the dog’s belly and genitals. The vet may also listen to your pet’s heartbeat and breathing.
After the examination, your vet will offer to vaccinate your puppy and issue referrals for blood, urine and faecal tests.
Many vets recommend regular visits to veterinary clinics so that they can keep track of how your puppy is growing and developing.
It is a common misconception that visits to the vet are the prerogative of pedigree dogs only. Non-breeding dogs also need to be examined by a specialist. The doctor will not only check your dog’s health, but also advise you on how to care for it, train it, feed it, etc.
If you have any questions about your dog’s care, diet or training, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. Not only can he or she give you advice and help, but he or she can also refer you to other specialists if necessary.
If your dog shows signs of illness, contact your vet straight away. Remember that self-treatment is a big mistake. Firstly, you don’t know what kind of disease it is and secondly, only a specialist can prescribe the correct medication.
One of the most important reasons for visiting the vet is to check the pet’s health.erilisation. If you do not intend to breed your male or female pet to anyone, experts strongly advise you to sterilise your pet.
Under no circumstances should you delay a visit to the vet if your pet has experienced symptoms of severe poisoning, a rise or fall in temperature, breathing problems, or trauma. The health, or even the life, of your four-legged favourite depends on how quickly you visit the vet. Therefore, your notebook should contain the contact details of the nearest veterinary clinic or veterinarian.
Always remember that we are responsible for the ones we have tamed. Take care of your dog’s health and life.