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No matter where you got your
puppy—from a friend, a breeder, a rescue or a shelter—you should visit the vet
who will be your puppy’s doctor within a couple of days of bringing that puppy
home. It doesn’t matter whether this puppy was just seen by a vet connected
with the puppy’s origins—you still need the seal of approval from your own vet,
who is an objective third party.
In the vast majority of cases, this
visit is going to be a quick, pleasant outing, but in the event that there may
be something wrong with your puppy, it’s important for both of you to find this
out right away while you can be objective—before you have grown attached—and can
think clearly about what options you have. I once had to give back to the
breeder within days a gorgeous little Rottweiler puppy who leaked pee, because
I couldn’t face the expense, uncertainty of outcome and pain of major surgery
for an eight-week-old puppy.
Another reason to bring the puppy in
to your vet for a checkup is for her to have a positive early experience with
the doctor, who also gets to know her—and you—a little bit. Most vets
understand the importance of this first visit, because they know it sets the
tone for the friendly, trusting relationship they hope to have with your pup
during a long, healthy lifetime.
If the puppy acts frightened or
aggressive at the vet’s, don’t make excuses for him or try to soothe him.
Patting or “cooing” to a dog translates to him as reinforcement of the very
behavior you want him to stop. Be upbeat and matter-of-fact in the way you
handle and talk to your puppy from the moment you go into the vet. Don’t allow
your own apprehensions about going to the vet—or your projected fears on the
puppy’s behalf—diminish the calm confidence you should be showing your dog.
Copyright © Tracie Hotchner – Originally appeared in The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know by Tracie Hotchner
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