Why Should I Consult a Veterinarian Before Bringing Home a New Pet?

Consulting a veterinarian before bringing home a new pet is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and the well-being of your furry friend. Here’s why:

1) What type of pet is best for our family?

Many prospective pet owners have their hearts set on a certain animal or a certain breed of animal, only to find out after bringing it home that the breed may not do as well with little children, or that they are allergic to the pet dander of that particular breed or type of animal.

2) How much room does our pet need?

Sure, that Boxer puppy is adorable and would make a great family dog, but that Boxer puppy is going to get big quick, and he/she needs room to run and play in order to grow up healthy. If your living space is on the small side, a small breed like a Shi Tzu or a Cocker Spaniel would be a better option since they do not require as much room to run and play.

3) What methods should we use to potty train our puppy or kitten?

After the excitement of a new pet has come and gone, many new pet owners become overwhelmed with the process of potty training their puppy or kitten. Your veterinarian can help you come up with a battle plan before your pet ever comes home.

4) Do we really brush their teeth?

Dental hygiene is pretty important in the health of a pet. It is also fairly easy. Ask your vet how to properly care for your pet’s oral health.

5) When should we worry about weight?

Before you ever bring your pet home, you should have an idea of how big your pet should get as an adult. Armed with that knowledge, you will know when your pet is gaining too much weight. If you ever feel concerned about your pets weight gain, call your veterinarian.

6) What if we become allergic to our new pet?

While veterinarians are not in the business of treating adults for pet dander allergies, they can be very good resources for understanding which kinds of animals and breeds of animals tend to be hypoallergenic and how to handle pet allergies that come up after your pet comes home.

7) What kind of food should our pet eat?

With so many options on the market, pet owners can get lost when figuring out what food is best for their particular pet. Your veterinarian can give you solid suggestions that will take care of your pet nutritionally.

8) What vaccines does my pet need and when?

Having a veterinarian in place and consulting them before you bring your pet home about a vaccine schedule can save you time in the future. Vaccines usually start not too long after the birth of a pet.

9) How often does my pet need a rabies shot?

Rabies shot schedules vary throughout the country. For some, a yearly shot is required. For others, a shot is given every three years. Your veterinarian can tell you what your county requires.

10) When do we start preventive medications?

Your vet will talk to you about all the ways that you can keep your pet healthy long term. The goal is a long and healthy life, and there are various ways to do that, including flea and tick medications, heartworm medicines, and more. The better informed you are of these measures before you bring your pet home, the more prepared you will be for the cost of them.Meeting with your veterinarian before bringing your new pet home will help smooth the transition for everyone. Cumberland Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina is dedicated to the health and happiness of your new family member. Are you looking for a veterinarian to care for your pet? We would love to talk with you! Call us today at (910) 822-3337.