Your rescue dog must be checked over by a veterinarian as soon as possible after you have made the dog happy with you and your house. It is not a good idea to take the dog to the veterinarian until you new buddy trusts you since the trip to the veterinarian can be a traumatic event for a dog and there's no way you can have knowledge of the way in which the dog has reacted to the vet during the past unless the rescue society has supplied you with that information, which is very unlikely unless the society took the dog to the vet when it was rescued.

When trying to get a vet for your dog, ensure you ask if the veterinarian has worked with rescue dogs during the past and tell the receptionist as much as you know about your dog so they are ready when you bring your dog in. On the day of the veterinary appointment, give your dog some additional attention so they know you aren't going to desert them.

Be calm when you're putting your dog in the vehicle for your trip to the vet. If the dog has developed an attachment to a particular toy or blanket, ensure you bring it with you. Make sure you have the dog's harness on it and have it's lead with you. When you reach the veterinarian's office, put the dog's lead on and take it for a walk so it can still be relaxed prior to you taking it into the office.

When you get into the office, keep your dog as calm as possible. When the veterinary helper calls your dog into the examining room, be prepared for any type of reaction at all. The dog may shake like a leaf, may shake like a leaf, may go into a submissive stance, urinate on the floor or table, bark or howl or screech. The dog may try to bite. Be firm. Tell your dog it is okay, but issue a firm "no" if he or she snaps. The veterinarian team has tons of wisdom and will help you with your dog. Don't panic.

Calm yourself and your dog. Tell the veterinarian anything you have noticed about your dog. If you have questions, ask them. The veterinarian will inspect your dog and take blood work and, if you do not have any records the dog has its latest shots, a rabies and distemper shot will be administered as well as any other shots the veterinarian determines the dog wishes. These are all necessary to keep both you and your dog healthy.

Oral health for the dog will also be checked. The veterinarian will make sure its teeth and gums and make suggestions as to oral care for the teeth, as well as brushing them once a month. Yes, just like you need to brush your pearly whites daily, your dog needs its teeth brushed too. Your veterinarian will also make suggestions as to diet for your dog to keep it healthy and its teeth healthy too. Some vets recommend only dry dog food, others canned and dry dog food. Listen and try what's advocated, but recognize the fact that your dog may not eat the precise brands the vet counsels and you may have to try a couple of different things before you get it right. Work with your vet on this, they customarily are more than prepared to make recommendations.

Once the check is complete and all the tests are done, your vet will recommend any medicines required for your dog's health. Nearly all dogs will need to be given monthly heart worm medication to be given orally as well as flea and tick drugs that is applied on the dog's skin between the shoulder blades. There might be other medicines mandatory as well or other suggestions of treatment. Pet insurance is available and most veterinarians offer some kind of payment schedule for their services to keep treatment affordable.

When the appointment is concluded, praise your dog for its good behavior and give it lots of love and attention so it knows the veterinarian's is a good place to go. Give your dog a treat too, so the dog knows it's been a good dog. It is very important to make certain your dog has regular veterinary care so you can keep your puppy as healthy as possible.

For more Chicago Vet information

How to Care For Your Rescue Dog
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