Congratulations on bringing home your new puppy! Getting a new pet is always an exciting event, but as you celebrate with games of fetch and puppy kisses it is important to remember that all dogs need regular trips to the veterinarian. It’s especially important for puppies to routinely visit the vet in their first year because they can be at an increased risk for harmful illnesses. Fortunately, with help from your local veterinarian in D’Iberville, MS, your furry family member can maintain optimum levels of health.

Throughout your puppy’s first year, your vet can provide care in the following areas and more:

• Pet insurance: During your puppy’s first trip to the vet, you’ll want to talk to the doctor or the vet technicians about purchasing pet health insurance. While no one wants to think about the possibility of a health emergency, getting your pet insured means you are better prepared financially to handle the costs of urgent care. If your puppy gets sick, emergency services and veterinary care expenses can quickly add up. Pet insurance can greatly reduce the sometimes-costly care that can save your puppy’s life.
• Immunizations: Your puppy’s health is a blank slate that should preserved and protected as much as possible. Vaccinations help puppies build immunities to serious illnesses and diseases. During your puppy’s first trips to the vet, you will want to have a discussion about timing for all of the vaccinations your pet needs. By immunizing your puppy, you will prevent long-term damage that can be caused by illness, and also save yourself countless dollars in medical care throughout the course of your dog’s life.
• Spaying and neutering: Most vets recommend that all dogs are spayed or neutered early on in their lives. Typically, veterinarians perform this operation when your puppy is between four and six months old. Spaying or neutering your pet has many long-term advantages for the health of your puppy, including lowered risk of certain types of cancer.
• Mealtime routine: As new dog owners, you probably have a series of questions to ask your vet about the best diet for your puppy. Your veterinarian in D’Iberville, MS can help field your questions and provide knowledgeable advice on what and how much your puppy should be eating. Puppies typically require different diets and feeding schedules than their fully-grown counterparts, and your vet will be able to tell you how to best support your pet as he grows.
• Preventing parasites: It is always wise to talk to your vet about preventing parasite infections before they become a problem. Your vet will be able to recommend a preventive treatment for fleas and ticks, heartworm and intestinal parasites. Through proper preventive care, you reduce your puppy’s risk of being infected by pests that can cause serious sickness and poor overall health. Fortunately, veterinarians specialize in the best ways to keep your puppy protected.

To learn more about how to care for your new puppy throughout the first year, schedule an appointment with a trusted veterinarian at the D’Iberville Veterinary Hospital today.