You should bring a pet to the veterinarian as soon as you acquire it, regardless of health history. When your veterinarian knows your pet well enough, they will be to be able to diagnose and treat any medical conditions your animal develops.
At your first appointment, you’ll work together with your veterinarian to gather clues about your pet’s dietary needs, training, and any deeply hidden problems they might have. It’s also a perfect opportunity to discuss topics like pet proofing, training, and parasite protection.
There’s a lot you can do to help your pet’s first veterinarian visit run smoothly and get the most out of your time there:
- Schedule your visit early. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Schedule your veterinarian visit for the morning, when delays are less likely.
- Arrive a few minutes early so you can help get your pet settled and fill out any paperwork. If your veterinarian offers patient forms online, fill out any paperwork at home, so your visit goes even more smoothly.
- Bring some treats for your veterinarian and their assistants to give to your pet during the appointment.
- Bring all the proper items with you
- Medical records
- Diet information
- Any questions you have
- Share your observations and concerns with your veterinarian.
- Ask questions. Ask for handouts, brochures, online sources of information about your pet's condition.
- If you are going home with medications or treatments, make sure that you understand when and how they are to be given.
- Once you are back at home, do something fun with your pet to help them relax after their visit.