(with Expert Advice from Bernadine Cruz, DVM, American Kennel Club Spokesperson Lisa Peterson and Anyes Van Volkenburgh, DVM )

I asked our dog care experts what the first thing new owners should do when it comes to veterinary care. Surprisingly enough, they didn’t say “Get your puppy vaccinated.” Although puppy immunizations are incredibly important, there are a few things you should consider before getting those puppy shots.

Dr. Bernadine D. Cruz, a companion animal veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital , in California , said, “Establish a partnership with your veterinarian. Both of you are responsible for ensuring that the pet experiences the best quality of life. The veterinarian is the family’s ‘puppi-atrician’. The pet parent needs to be comfortable with this person. They need to feel that they can speak freely with the doctor and that the doctor understands their needs and those of the pet. Pet parents may need to interview several vets before they find the one that they click with.

The cost of maintaining a healthy life for a puppy can be unexpectedly more than a person has budgeted for. I always recommend that people invest in veterinary medical insurance, especially one that offers a rider for ‘wellness.’ These riders can help to offset the fees incurred for vaccines, deworming, heartworm medications, neutering and other routine medical costs.”

American Kennel Club spokesperson Lisa Peterson has a different concern. She said that people need to be sure that the new puppy is healthy before they become attached. She recommends taking the new puppy, whether it is purchased from a breeder or adopted from a local animal shelter, to the veterinarian within 72 hours of purchase.

Lisa Peterson said, “Do not go to the vet recommended by your puppy store. You need an independent opinion to make sure the puppy is as healthy as the seller says it is. This way, if there is a problem, you can take it back before you are emotionally attached.”

While most veterinarians are concerned about the overall health of a dog, Dr Anyes Van Volkenburgh, DVM is especially concerned with treating the whole dog, including mind, body and soul as a holistic veterinarian. Dr. Van Volkenburgh said, “It is essential to choose a progressive veterinarian who is willing to provide cutting edge, state of the art medical care, from puppy vaccines to geriatric patient care. Old school vaccine protocols have no place in modern veterinary medicine.”

Now that you know what to do to make your first trip to the veterinarian a success, it is time to find out how to keep your puppy strong and healthy. In Lesson 3, you will learn about puppy immunizations and preventative medications that are important for the new puppy.

Until then, don’t forget to give your puppy plenty of hugs and kisses,
Katelyn

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