Puppy Vet Visits During Covid

[Anonymous]

We are welcoming home a puppy soon and choosing a vet. Since we are new dog owners, I was wondering how the first visits for other new pet owners has gone given covid. The vet web pages I have been visiting say only animals are allowed in the building. I had been hoping to learn some basics, ask questions etc. during the first visit. Any vets figuring out a way to may this happen (either behind plexiglass, with an outdoor socially distanced discussion)? I am not sure if a phone call would be as effective. We are in NWDC but I am curious generally. We could also have a dog trainer come to our house and answer some questions and show us basic care tips out backyard I guess but that would be an extra expense.

[Anonymous]

I think you should get a trainer. The vet isn't going to teach you everything you need to do for your dog during the first appointment (or really any appointment). The first puppy appointment is mostly a check-in where they assess the overall health of the puppy, check the vaccinations and update as necessary, get you started on heartworm and tick medication, and maybe trim the puppy's nails. You might also look for a dog trainer that is holding socially distanced puppy socialization classes--the person we did our puppy class with last winter have worked out a way to do this (smaller group--outside--humans wear masks and stay mostly apart and the trainer intervenes if the dogs need to be separated). Dogs are expensive, but it's really worth it to pay now when you can have the most impact on your puppy's temperament and reaction to other dogs.

[Anonymous]

You could watch Ian Dunbar's Youtube videos before you hire anyone. See what you think.

[Anonymous]

Vets aren't great at training issues in general - I would also highly recommend some training help. We did an intensive board/train/train us ongoing package for our pandemic pup and it has been game changing.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the PPs. You need a trainer. Vet is for medical advice only.

[Anonymous]

I use a vet that makes house calls and we had our puppy vet visits socially distanced on our front porch and could converse with the vet. Dr. Solomon Perl. We live in NWDC too.

That said, I agree there is a difference between a vet and a dog trainer. My favorite YouTube videos for training are by “kikopup”

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you need to do some ore reading. Grab a copy of Dinbar’s book “Before and After Getting Your Puppy” and get some baseline knowledge about puppy care. The vet isn’t going to give you training advice (housebreaking, crate training, obedience). I’m a,os enjoying the podcast “Your New Puppy” By Debbie Cilento.

Our vet has us wait in the car, they take the puppy in, and then call to have the conversation after they examine him. This is our third dog, so it isn’t as jarring but it is still strange.

Puppies are a ton of work. Spend your time now reading and getting ready.

[Anonymous]

Our vet did a zoom call during the exam so we did ask questions.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the responses! I have read Before and After Getting Your Puppy. I will take the time to watch some videos and probably read through it again. I'll try to podcast too. The breeder had some more health related info I wasn't expecting like stairs aren't good for puppies and beware of slippery floors. I will definitely find a socially distanced puppy class. I will also look into trainers.

[Anonymous]

The vets are getting guidance from the dept of ag, AVMA and their local state vet boards regarding allowing owners in the buildings. Many have now instituted video visits too. They are trying to figure this out like the rest of us.
A good vet will spend some time with you via phone or video conference but as others have said, they are not trainers.
- signed (wife of a vet)