Every dog owner should know when to take their dogs to the veterinarian. It is best to err on the side of caution, yet dog owners do not want to make needless trips. Know when a visit to the veterinarian is necessary.
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The First Day
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Take your new dog to your veterinarian as soon as he is yours. Ask your vet to do a routine physical, blood work and fecal tests to make sure your dog is healthy. All immunizations that are age-appropriate should be given at this time.
Immunizations and Routine Checkups
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Go at least once a year for immunizations and routine checkups. Young puppies will need to go back to the veterinarian two to four times for booster shots within the first six months.
Accidents or Trauma
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Any accidents or trauma involving your dog could require a visit. Being hit by a car, fights with other animals and falls are among the possibilities. Remember that a fall from a sofa, bed or porch can be deadly in small breeds.
Unusual Changes
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If you notice any major health abnormalities, consider bringing you dog to a vet. Those would include a persistent smell or cough. Changes in bowel movements or urine and other discharges are other reasons.
Lumps
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Take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice any lumps under your dog's skin. This can be a symptom of something as simple as a sebaceous cyst or as deadly as cancer. A lump of any size should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Neurological Changes
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You should take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice neurological changes. Such changes include staggering, seizures and a persistent dazed look. Odd or aggressive behavior can also be considered neurological changes.
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