Puppy's Life
Healthy Puppy
Choosing the right veterinarian
Every new relationship needs nurturing, and so does your puppy! Choosing the right veterinarian from the start can be important to your dog’s health and happiness.
Getting to that first visit can be a fun adventure. Is your puppy already wagging a tail in anticipation of another “joyride” in the car? Great! Jingling those keys will spark his inquisitive side; he will know something exciting is ahead (just be sure to keep your buddy buckled safe by using an approved safety harness while riding in the car). Watching him thump his tail and happily bark when you scoop up a favorite toy or two and a cuddly blanket is half the fun; now his curiosity is on board! With you by his side, he’s ready for anything.
When it comes to how your puppy responds at the veterinarian’s office, personality plays a role. Signs that he is nervous are a tucked tail with his body low to the ground. If your puppy’s ears point forward, that’s usually a signal he’s feeling calm, explains Amanda Henry, DVM, who practices at Highland Park Animal Clinic, in Highland Park, Texas. Smiles and hugs go a long way toward helping your friend feel safe and happy in new situations such as this.
“Outgoing, social, confident personalities will feel right at home during a visit to the veterinarian’s office,” Henry says.
Helping your puppy feel comfortable is an important step in shaping his experience with the veterinarian—and simple suggestions will help you both enjoy this time together. Talking to him with a reassuring voice keeps everyone calm, and if he needs to be held during the wait, that soft blanket comes in handy. And remember those toys? The waiting room becomes a playroom! He will love sniffing and exploring; or you could even surprise him with a new toy that you present while waiting for the veterinarian. This is an experience you’re sharing together, and your puppy will take some of his emotional cues from you.
Outside of your relationship with your puppy, one of the biggest factors in his experience at the veterinarian’s office has to do with the personality and professionalism of the veterinarian you choose. “It’s important for the veterinarian to understand basic puppy behavior so he or she will be able to read the body language and handle the puppy appropriately,” Henry says.
Finding a veterinarian for your best friend is as simple as A-B-C:
- Ask Questions: Ask friends and family for recommendations. Pick your top three, and call the offices for information about services they provide and information available for new puppy owners.
- Be Comfortable: The veterinarian you choose should be someone with whom you feel comfortable from the get-go—and someone your pooch will love too. Feel free to ask questions to get acquainted.
- Come Back: Creating a relationship with your new veterinarian will help the doctor better understand you and your pup’s needs, and will help your puppy feel comfortable at the veterinarian’s office.
