As a new dog owner, your first order of business is to take that pet to see a veterinarian. It's highly possible the place you adopted from did in fact take all the necessary care steps. They may even have the paperwork to prove it. Here's why you still need to see a vet yourself.

1. You Must Establish a Bond between Your Dog and the Vet

Seeing the vet immediately shows you're serious about pet ownership. This is important as people, especially vets, may report you for any sign of neglect or abuse to your new pet. Seeing the vet is the first step towards mitigating any concerns anyone may have.

Besides, it's important that your dog develop a bond with the vet. Your dog will see the vet semi-regularly. It should feel comfortable at the facility and comfortable with the vet.

You too need to develop a bond with the vet. The veterinarian is not a stranger, you should feel free to speak freely with him or her about any concerns you have.

2. You Need to Ascertain if Something Was Missed

Even if the previous caretakers took good care of your dog, there's always the possibility they missed something. Consider that you can go to a doctor for years, get a good bill of health, then find out from another doctor you have some previously undetected ailment.

That happens, and it can happen for pets as well. Consider your initial vet visit as a second opinion from a professional.

3. You Need to Familiarize Yourself with Vet Services

If you're new to pet ownership, you may not know the other services that a veterinarian clinic can offer. There's the normal stuff like,

  • Vaccinations
  • Spay/Neuter Service
  • Examinations
  • Medical treatments

Many offer more advanced services such as dentistry, surgery, and emergency care. But many veterinarian clinics also offer things you likely didn't expect but can make use of.

  • Grooming
  • Pet-sitting
  • Pet training

All of these auxiliary services aren't available at all vet clinics. However, you won't know what's offered or not until you start to check out a vet for your new adoptee. Familiarizing yourself with the services offered can help you make better decisions regarding your new pet going forward.

4. You Need to Work Out a Plan

Dog ownership is a heavy responsibility. New dog owners often don't understand just how much responsibility they're taking on when they adopt. A veterinarian can help you figure out how best to take care of your new dog or puppy. You can ask for help working on,

  • How to home train your dog
  • How to dog-proof your home
  • How to make your dog more comfortable
  • A health plan for your dog
  • Signs of distress to look out for

Between you and the vet, you can work out a schedule for future visits. But it all starts with that initial visit to your local vet. Don't assume that your new dog is okay just because the facility you adopted from says so. Contact a company like My Pet's Vet Clinic for more information.

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