Charlotte Foster
Taking your dog to the vet should be a routine, and not just in the event of an accident or illness. Because just like us humans, regular check-ups are also important for our dogs so that your darling can go through life with you for a long time. Your little dog will have its first examinations when it is a puppy, and it is best to be prepared for them. Read here how to get your puppies and older dogs, who may not yet be familiar with this treatment, in the mood for the veterinarian.
Vet with the puppy – that’s up to you
As soon as the puppy has moved in, it’s already time for the vet. Another exciting adventure that he needs your full support on. The veterinarian will check the dog’s health, look for physical abnormalities or parasites and begin your dog’s basic immunization. The first visit to the vet can also only consist of stroking and treats. So it will be particularly positive for the puppy.
Good breeders will start deworming their puppies from the second or third week, which the vet will continue.
From the eighth week and before the first contact with conspecifics, puppies should be given protection against parvovirus, leptospirosis, hepatitis, and distemper, possibly also kennel cough
And be vaccinated against rabies from the completed third month.
When the puppy’s vaccination needs to be refreshed is stated in the vaccination card, which you can get from the previous owner or from your veterinarian.
Off to a new adventure! This is how you train your puppy to go to the vet
You can practice a few things with him so that your puppy lands gently and safely on the new “Planet veterinary practice”. For example, the vet will want to take a close look at the coat, ears, eyes, paws, teeth, and genitals. It is good if your dog already knows this feeling and looking. Puppies love physical contact! That’s why you can integrate the handles very inconspicuously into the cuddling hours. Incidentally, this is also important training, regardless of the vet appointment, so that you can examine your dog yourself. Confidence in every move you make also makes grooming easier.
So just practice the following in between:
- Gently feel your puppy’s ears.
- Gently lift his lips to look at his teeth.
- Look under your dog’s paws.
The circumstances at the vet should also be practiced:
- Calmly lift your dog onto a table.
- From a certain age, also get him used to wear a muzzle or collar.
- The dog should also be familiar with holding on in certain positions and not perceive it as negative.
Positive reinforcement in the form of treats and praise is therefore particularly important – as is the case with any dog training.
If possible, go to the practice before the appointment so that the puppy gets to know the new smells and people. You should also practice driving to the practice in the safe transport box beforehand so that the dog does not experience any unnecessary stress.
This is how your dog masters his visit to the vet with animal ease
One thing is particularly important for your puppy and also for every adult dog: rest. So, before and during your visit to the vet, take a deep breath and relax. This way you radiate serenity and give your dog a good feeling. If possible, you should avoid long waiting times in the midst of animal patients, as contagious or nervous animals could also be there.
While you have a brief chat with the vet about the breeder, the puppy’s arrival, vaccinations, and deworming, the puppy can sniff it all out in peace. Surely the doctor’s assistant also likes to play with him to “warm him up”. Hardly on the treatment table, there are of course treats. And while the vet is examining your dog, you distract him with praise and cuddles, then the whole “adventure” is only half as wild.
Very important: end the visit to the vet with a positive experience for the puppy, a game of tug or hide and seek! Then the next visit is no problem.
And just stop by the veterinary practice for no health reason, weigh the dog and let the staff cuddle it, and “bribe” it with treats – this is generally recommended. This way, going to the vet becomes routine in your dog’s eyes and not so scary anymore.