Deciding to own a pet is exciting. You look forward to the playtime, the snuggles, and the wagging tails greeting you at the door when you come home. But owning and caring for a pet takes work, the right supplies, and the help of a veterinarian.

What First-Time Pet Owners Should Know

Veterinarian Visits

When bringing home a new pet, one of the first things you need to do is call your local veterinarian for a wellness check-up. Whether you have a new puppy or a pet from the animal shelter, you’ll want to establish a relationship between the vet and your animal.

In most first-time visits, your animal’s doctor will want to test for serious illnesses, such as parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. Based on the results, the vet may require that your animal be vaccinated properly. You may also want to plan out how you’re going to pay for getting your animal spayed or neutered if that hasn’t been done already. Your vet can walk you through all of these procedures.

Proper Pet Supplies 

Before you bring your new pet home, make sure you have the proper supplies, such as food, bedding, toys, water and food dishes, and a collar and leash. If you plan on having your animal micro-chipped, get them a back-up collar and name tag with all of your contact information just in case.

It’s essential to know what kind of food your pet was on before you take them home so you can either get the right food or switch them over gradually. A sudden shift in diet can cause an upset stomach, so if you change food brands, make this transition by mixing in the new food with the old food every day.   

Monthly Treatments

After your new pet has been evaluated and vaccinated by the veterinarian, he or she can make recommendations on monthly treatments, such as flea and tick or heartworm preventatives. These can either come in topical or oral forms and can typically be found at your local pet store. Make sure you get the right medicine for your animal to ensure they live a long and happy life.

Are you looking for a veterinarian that can provide your pet with the highest quality care? Take them to see the vets at the Animal Care Center PLLC in Princeton, WV. Whether your pet needs a complete medical exam or a surgical procedure, this staff of highly trained doctors will provide your animal with the most compassionate care in Mercer County. To schedule your pet’s next vet visit with them, call (304) 425-7387, or visit them online for more pet-care guidance.