Basic medical exam for your puppy

You must take your newly adopted puppy to your vet as soon as possible. This is what will probably happen during the first visit:

• Meticulous physical exam to determine the health status of your puppy;
• Search for external parasites (fleas, ticks, lice, mites);
• Search for internal parasites (tapeworms, roundworm) if you bring a feces sample;
• First vaccines will be administered or discussion on the types of vaccines your puppy will need to receive. Your vet will indicate when they should be administered to your puppy;
• Discussion of an eventual sterilization of your puppy, and if so, the age at which the operation should be done.

The first medical exam will provide your vet all the information he needs to recommend a healthy nutrition and the immediate care you should provide your puppy. It will also serve as a “reference” to evaluate and compare the health of your companion during future exams.
 
Other important subjects as making your home a puppy-proof home, feeding your pet, why the grooming is important, and some health advices are given in the next pages of this pet health tips document.

Key words to remember as you welcome your puppy: Gentleness. Care. Patience. Consistency. Praise. Love. Your reward is a delightful companion for years to come.