YOUR PUPPY’S VETERINARIAN
Arrange for the services of a veterinarian. If you do not already have a pet and are looking for a good veterinarian, often members of a local AKC all breed kennel club (in the yellow pages) can give you a referral to a local vet; or a referral from one of the local BMD club members would be a good starting point. Most puppies are sold with a written contract that calls for the new owner to have the puppy examined by the buyer’s vet with the first 2-7 days after the pup has been placed. Arranging for an appointment with a veterinarian several weeks in advance of getting your pup will assure your dog is examined and determined to in good health soon after arrival.
If you are not sure about what kind of vaccines or wormers your puppy has received, be sure to ask the breeder to provide the pup’s health record at the time of pick up. Ask for the breeder’s recommendation regarding additional vaccines and deworming schedule. The breeder’s recommendations when combined with your puppy’s veterinarian’s input (based on his understanding of local conditions that may be of concern to health of pups or dogs) will serve your dog’s best interests. Do not over vaccinate your puppy or dog. Over vaccination may cause serious health problems.
*Remember to bring the health record provided by the breeder to your vet and present it to the vet at the beginning of the first appointment.
It is a good idea to have your veterinarian do a fecal exam on the initial visit. While your puppy may have been dewormed one or more times by the breeder, sometimes the stress of placement can awaken dormant stages of various intestinal parasites. Parasites can cause diarrhea, intestinal upset and a host of other problems.
Your veterinarian will be very important to maintaining your dog’s health throughout a lifetime. Make sure you are comfortable talking with your dog’s health care provider. Make sure you can ask questions and express your concerns about your dog to the veterinarian you have chosen. You will know your own dog better than anyone. A vet that listens and one that you feel comfortable communicating with is essential in maintaining the health of your dog.
WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE
Puppies occasionally will miss a meal, they might have a soft bowel movement or two or even throw up. As long as the pup continues to appear normal, interactive and happy, there is more than likely no need to see a vet. A mild limp caused by over activity will usually resolve in 1-3 days with limited activity and rest. Having a basic Veterinary Handbook on hand can help owners to identify health problems and crises and take the appropriate action.
A serious health crises could develop with any puppy. Puppies do not have many physical reserves, can become dehydrated and may become critically ill more quickly than a fully mature adult dog. It is important that an owner be able to judge when a dog is in need of prompt or immediate veterinary care. Bloody or watery stools should be investigated promptly, or repeated incidents of diarrhea, repeated incidents of vomiting, inability to hold down food or water, listlessness, and extreme agitation or inability to get comfortable or debilitating injuries to joints or bones or serious wounds require prompt veterinary attention.
It is better to take your pup to your regular vet if possible. Fortunately, emergency veterinary services are also available in most communities for after hours medical needs. Please keep in mind that after hours emergency clinic services may be expensive compared to regular veterinary services or procedures conducted during regular business hours.