Page 334 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CARE AND TRAINING | VISITING THE VET

Visiting the vet

Your dog will need veterinary check-ups throughout his life, from early puppyhood
to old age. Regular health check-ups of your dog will help pick up hidden problems
and minor issues before they become major worries.

FIRST PUPPY HEALTH CHECK-UP the results of any screening tests for the If a vaccination is required, it will be given
Take your puppy for his first veterinary breed. If your puppy has been vaccinated, now. You may need to make some follow-up
check-up as soon as it is convenient. Unless he show the vet the certificate. Your puppy will appointments to complete the vaccination
is already vaccinated, carry him into the office be weighed, and the vet will make a detailed course and to allow the vet to monitor your
and keep him off the floor. He should wear a examination, including checking his ears puppy’s progress. Before you leave, the vet
collar and leash in case he jumps out of your with an auroscope and listening to his heart. should offer advice on diet, flea control,
arms. Alternatively, use a pet carrier. There The vet will also scan your puppy to check neutering, socializing, training, and
may be other animals in the waiting room and that he has been microchipped. Implanting a traveling in the car. Do not hesitate to
it can be noisy, so reassure your puppy. microchip under the skin between your ask if you need any further information.
Vets enjoy meeting puppies, and you are puppy’s shoulders—a procedure somewhat
likely to receive a warm welcome. The vet like giving a vaccination—ensures that he FOLLOW-UP PUPPY CHECK-UP
will ask you for details of your puppy’s early can always be identified. Scanning the chip The veterinarian may suggest that you take
life: his date of birth; the size of the litter; reveals a unique number against which any your puppy for another check-up when he is
where and how the pups were reared; what contact information you have provided is four or five months old, to ensure that he is
worming and flea treatments were done; and recorded in a central database. growing well and developing both physically

Meeting the vet VACCINATIONS
Your puppy should be relaxed and
enjoy his first appointment at the
veterinary practice. Reassure him Protecting your dog against infection is one of
while the vet examines him so that the best things you can do for him. Vaccination
he remains calm. has greatly reduced the incidence of major
canine diseases, such as parvovirus and
distemper, and prevents other infections,
including rabies and leptospirosis. During
pregnancy a bitch (provided her vaccinations
are up to date) passes immunity on to her
puppies. This protection lasts for a few weeks
after birth, after which the puppies should be
vaccinated. Your vet will recommend when
boosters should be given. Some vaccines can
give up to three years’ protection against certain
diseases, following a booster 12 months after
the initial course.

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