Basics To Discuss With A Veterinarian When You Get Your First Dog

Getting your first dog can be incredibly exciting. The unconditional affection that these pets provide coupled with the tricks that are assured of teaching them makes them a great addition to any home. But before you can start enjoying never-ending snuggles and playing fetch, you must put your pup's health first.

And while this means ensuring they are eating a nutritious diet, it also entails attending regular veterinarian visits so that this professional can maintain the health of your furry friend. If you have never visited a vet before for animal checkups, you could be unsure of what you should ask this professional. To help you make the most of this initial visit, here are a few basics that you should discuss with a veterinarian when you get your first dog.

What is the scope of services does the veterinarian offer?

One of the first things that all new pet owners should know is that not all vets will provide the same level of care to their furry babies. While some vets will specialize in providing for their general health, it does not automatically mean that they will be able to carry out diagnostic testing if your dog falls seriously ill.

Bearing that in mind, it is always best to seek a veterinarian that is capable of providing comprehensive care for your pet. With that in mind, you should ask them about whether they offer surgical services, pet boarding facilities, on-site lab tests, and so on. The more diverse the vet's scope of services is, the less likely that you would have to pay a visit to different animal hospitals if your dog is to get sick.

Which diseases should you watch out for?

Although there is a myriad of pathogens that can cause illnesses in dogs, you should also be aware of the fact that some locations will cause your pet to be more vulnerable to fatal illnesses than others will. Hence, depending on where you live, it is best to ask the veterinarian about the diseases prevalent in your area so that you know how best to safeguard your pet against them.

A few of the parasites that your dog is at high risk from include heartworms, fleas, and ticks. With this information, you and the vet can take preventative measures such as making sure that your dog is on medication that will mitigate their risk of illness.