During the first 10 tips, we’ve been talking about the adoption process and where to find your new pup. We’ve also shared some of the items you will want to have, and in this tip, I’m sharing some of the important to do’s when your pup first comes home.
I’ve created a checklist, which you can access by clicking here. Scroll down to Tip 11 and you get a copy there. Here are a few of the suggestions:
- Visit your veterinarian
- Locate an emergency vet
- Have an emergency kit on hand
- Give your dog a bath or get him grooms
- Choose a name
- Sign up for training
Here’s the tip for today:
At your first vet visit, you can discuss vaccinations and alternatives like titering, flea control and of course spay and neuter with your trusted vet. If your dog has not yet been spayed or neutered please make sure that you get this routine but important surgery. There are still more dogs (and cats) than homes at this time. So let’s all do our part and not add to the unwanted puppies and kitties in your community. There are numerous other health benefits to spaying and neutering your pet as well.
Make sure your dog is healthy. If he has any health issues, you want to find out what the recommended course of treatment is, and know what you are committing to up front. Some people purposely adopt special needs dogs and if you are one of those people, I salute you. Some people, however, just don’t realize that their dog isn’t well, and it’s important to have all the information.
Most often, that first vet visit is simply a routine checkup. It’s a good opportunity to get to know your vet and let your vet get to know your dog. For the complete list, grab a copy of What to Expect When Adopting a Dog.
