14 Questions to Ask your Vet About your New Puppy

 You're about to be one of the puppy owners, so you need to do some research. This can be a scary and exciting time for anyone who's never had a dog before. 

It's essential to know how to take care of your new furry friend, so you want to ensure that the veterinarian is experienced in dealing with puppies. Your vet will likely have a lot of other advice related to nutrition and training or even general health concerns that arise as your pup grows up.

Whether you're a first-time puppy owner or a seasoned veteran, there are always new things to learn about your pet. And when it comes to taking care of your dog, nothing is more important than meeting with their vet for regular checkups. So prepare your puppy’s first vet visit checklist and write down these questions you should ask your vet.

1. What Types Of Food And Treats Should I Choose For My Puppy?

As you prepare to embark on this exciting adventure with your new puppy, it's essential to discuss the dietary needs of your new pet during a vet visit. There are many different types of dog food available, so you must ask your veterinarian about the best one for your particular puppy.

Most veterinarians recommend dry grain-free food for puppies because this type can help prevent health conditions, such as allergies and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Also, since they do not contain grains like wheat or corn, these foods have fewer carbohydrates than other types of kibble.

Many vets also suggest choosing a wet food for puppies under six months old. This helps keep the puppy's teeth clean while preventing buildup from occurring around them. Finally, be sure to get advice from your vet regarding what type would be best suited for both your breed and puppy's age range before purchasing anything else.

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2. Are There Any Instructions On How To Feed My Puppy?

A puppy's stomach is smaller than an adult dog's and can fill up quickly. Ask your veterinarian how much you should feed your small breed puppy daily and what type of adult dog food to give them. Remember that pups need foods that are high in calories and easily digestible.

If you adopt a puppy that was abandoned or rescued from the pound, he may not know how to eat correctly and might require help with getting his food down. If this is the case, ask how to teach him to eat without making him sick by over-stuffing his little tummy during your vet visit.

3. Do You Recommend Any Feeding Bowl For My Pet?

As an average dog owner, there are many questions you might have about what bowls to use for your new pet. The answer to this one is simple, your vet should recommend the best bowl for your dog. 

Most vets will tell you that the correct bowl size depends on how much food or water your dog eats at one time. A good rule of thumb is to make sure it's large enough to eat without spilling anything and small enough so he won't be tempted to try licking out every last drop (which could cause him harm).

In addition to being large enough, it should also be easy to clean and sturdy enough not to tip over easily. Also, keep in mind that some materials may be unsafe for dogs if they ingest them because they contain harmful chemicals like lead or BPA (Bisphenol A).

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4. What Kind Of Collar Or Harness Should I Get?

Your vet will also be able to recommend the best kind of collar or harness for your dog. When choosing one, think about how you'll use it and what features are most important. For example, if you plan on letting your dog run free in a fenced yard and don't have many stairs inside the house, a collar may be sufficient. 

In addition to collars, you may also consider leashes which teach obedience. For instance, when you're out on a walk, it's essential to maintain control over your pup at all times. When they're on a leash, it helps them learn that they need to listen to their dog owners to move forward, which is valuable training for when they're off-leash.

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Also, consider comfort when purchasing collars or harnesses. If they're not comfortable for animals to wear, they won't remain on them very long. The same goes for ease of cleaning; if it's hard to clean poop out from under all those straps (e.g., choke chains). Then there's no point in buying something that looks like it would work well but doesn't function properly during everyday use.

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5. How Frequent Should My Puppy Visit A Vet?

On your first vet visit puppy, you'll want to ask your vet how frequently they should see your pet. This question depends on the puppy's age and the pet's health. Generally speaking, young puppies will see their vets more frequently than adult dogs do. However, some factors may increase the need for frequent visits even if they're not under two years old. 

For example, dogs with certain health conditions or special needs may need regular checkups because they require extra care or attention. Not just medications but also special diets or physical therapy sessions.

6. What Health Problems Might My New Pup Encounter?

As you may imagine, many different health issues can occur in a new pup. The most common of these include ear infections and diarrhea. Additionally, puppies are prone to worms like tapeworms, roundworms, fleas, and ticks. Luckily, your veterinarian will be able to prescribe medication for any of these problems if they arise.

Asking your vet at what age your new pet should be vaccinated against common viruses such as distemper is helpful when planning future trips outside the home where your pup will come into contact with other dogs or cats. 

The puppy's age at which this series of vaccinations begins varies by the puppy's breed (and sometimes by size). Still, it's best to discuss this with a professional before deciding when or how often your vet clinic vaccinates your dog against specific illnesses in dogs.

7. Is A Dog Carrying Excess Weight Healthy?

One of the questions to ask the vet about the new puppy is if its weight is healthy. If it's not, you may need to make some changes to keep your dog at a healthy weight.

If it's a dog carrying excess weight or underweight, this could signify an underlying health issue. For example, if your dog has worms or parasites that are causing them to lose weight (and thus be underweight). In that case, those issues will need to be addressed by the vet before any rapid weight gain. 

8. How Can Dog Owners Help Their Puppy Take Care Of Their Teeth?

Your veterinarian will be able to give you specific tips on caring for your pet's teeth. They may recommend brushing your dog's teeth regularly, and even with a special toothpaste designed for dogs. Do not be surprised if your vet recommends giving your dog chew toys or dental chews as well. 

Also, make sure that the food you feed your seemingly healthy puppy does not include large amounts of sugar or carbohydrates. These cause plaque buildup on animals' teeth, so it's essential to keep this in mind when shopping for food options.

9. When Should My Puppy Be Spayed Or Neutered?

While it's common to spray or neuter dogs earlier or when they're old enough, several other factors are to be considered. Your vet will want to ensure that your puppy is healthy before undergoing the procedure and determine when they reach sexual maturity. If these are not yet met, you can wait until after these milestones have passed, then schedule an appointment with your vet.

10. Are There Any Recommended Beds For My Puppy?

Another question to ask the vet about your new puppy is if there are any recommended beds for them. You will want to ask them what size is adequate for your new dog, what material is best, and what color is most suitable for your puppy. Also, ask them which brand of bed they would recommend.

In addition to asking about the bed itself, you should also ask if there are any pros or cons associated with each bed type. For example, It may be essential to know that some dogs prefer the softness of memory foam or feather-filled mattresses. 

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11. Is Pet Insurance Necessary For My Puppy?

Many people are surprised to learn that their vet does not recommend it. Still, there are numerous reasons why pet insurance is a good idea.

First of all, if your pet gets sick or injured, the cost of treatment can quickly add up. Pet insurance can help  cover those costs and keep them from piling up on you. In some cases, they will even pay for things like routine checkups and vaccinations that won't be covered by your typical health insurance plan.

Another reason pet insurance might be a good idea is that it offers peace of mind. If something happens to your pet, you'll be able to afford the medical care they need without worrying about how much it will cost you personally.

12. What Training Techniques Do You Recommend?

As a responsible average dog owner, prepare questions to ask the vet about your new puppy on what training techniques they recommend for them. Reinforcing positive training techniques are the most effective way to teach your dog how you expect them to behave in various situations. 

Moreover, your vet will likely suggest using positive Reinforce positive training techniques. This includes praise and treats in combination with negative consequences like timeouts or scolding if they misbehave. They may also recommend consulting a reputable dog trainer to meet your dog's training needs.

13. Is There Any Special Care I Need To Take Due To The Dog's Breed?

As a pet parent, it's essential to ask your veterinarian about any special care you need to take with your puppy due to the dog's breed. For example, suppose you're getting a bully breed like an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Doberman Pinscher because you want an active dog who will protect the house and family. In that case, it's advisable to make sure it gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. 

The same goes for breeds with specific health problems or temperament issues. Also, ask your vet how long they expect your particular puppy's breed to live. With this, you can start thinking about whether it makes sense for it to live in an apartment or house with someone who works full time.

14. Does My Puppy Need A Toy?

As you know, dogs are intelligent creatures who need mental stimulation. Toys that promote this can be used to train your puppy, establish owner companion animal bond, and help them relax. Veterinarians will not only be able to recommend a suitable toy for your new puppy but also provide information on how to properly introduce it into their routine.

When introducing toys for the first time, do so with care by demonstrating what each toy does and then allow your dog some alone time with it. This will enable them to explore and feel comfortable interacting with the new item before sharing it with their human companions (who may invade their space).

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Final Thoughts

Pet owners have many things to consider with a new puppy, and the questions you ask your veterinarian are one of the most important things. A healthy, happy puppy is in your future. Therefore, treating your dog well from the start will help it grow into an adult dog that's full of love and loyalty. 

By asking questions about what kind of food to feed and how often to give it treats, you can ensure that your pet has all its needs met throughout its healthy life.

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