The first vet visit

Remember the first vet visit with your kitten or puppy? Odd smells, whining dogs, nervous cats lurking in travel crates, ... Not exactly a fun trip for most pets. We’ll give you a few tips on how to prepare for that first trip to the vet, which will make all later trips smoother too!

Picking a vet

When choosing a vet clinic for your new fur baby, take your time and choose wisely. Do you prefer a large veterinary clinic or would you always like to see the same vet in a small practice? Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but the most important thing is that you (and more importantly, your pet) feel comfortable with your choice. Also, pick a vet in your area so you won’t have to drive too far in case of emergency.

Meet and greet at the vet

During those precious first months, your pet is going through a socialisation phase and their first encounters with the world will really count. Of course, paying a visit to the vet is one of those important encounters. Take your puppy or kitten to the vet early on and make sure that they have a positive first experience there, with lots of treats and attention. It’s best not to overwhelm them, so if you're comfortable and relaxed they will be too. 

Needle alert!

Most puppies will already have had their first vaccinations and wormings, but they will have to be vaccinated again in due course. You can discuss the right timing with your vet. It’s best to get your puppy used to standing on a table, because we wouldn’t want a newly discovered fear of heights to pop up right then and there! This is obviously not so much of a problem for kittens, since most like to climb and explore anyway. Gently handling their paws, ears, mouths etc at home is also a good idea in preparation for a check-up. Reward them with lots of treats, but don’t fuss over the little sting they will feel during an injection.

Insurance, please

Did you know that you can get health insurance for your pet? They’re a big hit with pet lovers! The cost for most insurance plans vary between $200 and $500 per year for accident and illness cover (depending on factors such as the size, breed and age of the pet). 

The puppy party

Some vets organise “puppy parties” and puppy pre-school sessions. These are fun info sessions about puppy behaviour and health. You can ask questions and may receive a puppy package with food samples for your pup. Be sure to ask your vet!

Last but not least...

When going on holiday and entrusting your dog or cat to a Pawshake pet sitter or your friends or family, be sure to leave your preferred vet’s contact info with your dog sitter or cat sitter. In case of emergency, they can call your vet right away.

Good luck with your first vet visit!
Pawshake

Images via pinterest.com