Dogs are man’s best friends, as the saying goes, and there are many types—pet, performance, or working dog. Whether you choose a purebred or a mixed breed, your best friend needs special care and lifestyle adjustments. Let’s talk about some of the choices available to you:
Whatever you choose, your new pet should be examined by a veterinarian to be certain there are no apparent diseases or disorders and your animal is reasonably healthy. Adopting an older animal may mean your new pet needs extra care at first, possibly due to neglect or abuse, and you will want to know what is needed before you decide to take the animal home. Choosing an animal that is active, friendly, and alert with no obvious aggressive behaviors is the first step. If possible, take a look at the parents for some indicators as to size, socialization, and overall temperament.
There are a few considerations when bringing home your puppy. First, make certain your new puppy is weaned and able to eat solid food. Ask the breeder for a few days’ sample of the food they have been feeding for a smooth transition to your home. Next, find out if the pup has been crate trained. Many puppies like the security of a crate, so talk with the breeder about crate training your pup. Last, ask for any initial veterinary documents and a vaccination schedule. Bring these documents with you when you see us for your first puppy checkup.
Learn about long life and wellness for your pet on our Wellness page. Visit our Vaccination page for information on appropriate and necessary vaccines for your new pet. And find out the facts about pet dental care on our Pet Dental Care page.
Getting ready to spay or neuter? Visit our Pet Surgery page for answers to all your questions on this subject. And, as your pet ages, we offer information and guidance in senior pet care. For more information about dogs, visit these informative websites:
Our in-house retail area carries a variety of products, tools, and accessories for the convenience of our Sullivan Veterinary Clinic customers. View our retail area for product information and ordering options, and enjoy the ease of our online shopping service.
Convenient veterinary prescriptions, refills from our full-service pharmacy, and a variety of payment options—Sullivan Veterinary Clinic has pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of every large or small animal owner. Learn more about accessing our veterinary pharmacy.