During the
nursing period, a puppy receives protective antibodies from
the mother's milk. This natural immunity will begin to
disappear with time, and may be gone soon after weaning.
Around 8-10 weeks
of age, a puppy is susceptible to a number of diseases. That
is why it is so vital to take your puppy to a veterinarian
as soon as possible for a check-up and vaccinations,
regardless of where you bought your puppy.
All puppies
should be vaccinated against canine diseases, checked
periodically for worms and other parasites, and given an
annual medical examination. If you buy your puppy from a
breeder, the breeder has already started the series of
vaccinations and wormings.
When selecting
your veterinarian, make an appointment to go in and talk
with him or her and use your own judgment or first
instincts. You may ask for references also, as you want to
be very comfortable with the veterinarian that you choose.
If you were to go to a human medical doctor
and you were not comfortable with them, you would not
continue to go to them and this is how you should feel about
your animals also.
Many people use
the same veterinarian that they have used in the past if
they have had a pet previously. Or even more people talk to
their friends about the veterinarian that they take their
pets too. Just remember no matter who you pick, that they
can make mistakes, just like any other human. You want
someone who will be able to walk into the room and start
talking instantly to your pet and if they have a calming
voice or not. No matter if you own a cat or a dog, these
animals are intelligent enough to know where they are going
as soon as you get to the vets office. Many become stressed
just seeing the parking lot or the building. And then there
are those others, that just love to go to the vets.
Perhaps the most loving, responsible thing you can
do for your pet is to see that he/she receives timely health
care from a veterinarian. His/Her life depends on it. Also
Spaying / Neutering your puppy can prevent your new family
member from some forms of cancer. Talk to your veterinarian
regarding the benefits of spaying and neutering and at what
age to do this.
