Taking Good Care of Your New Puppy or Adult Dog

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our life whole

From the first time you bring home a new puppy, or adopt an adult dog, you know you want the very best for your pet. The veterinarians at Berkeley Veterinary Center understand how important it is to get your new pet off on the right start so that you can have many years of enjoyment together.

Puppy's First Visit

Your pet's first visit with us will probably be longer than a normal wellness examination. We want to make sure you get all the information you need to start your life with your new pet on the right track. We know that you will likely have a lot of questions in the beginning, and we are here to answer anything you want to ask, including how to housebreak your new puppy and what training options we recommend.

Your new puppy will be given a complete physical examination along with all of the necessary vaccinations to protect your new pet and prevent future infection from diseases. We will also test your pet for parasites and discuss ways to protect your pet and your family from potentially harmful parasites.

Adult Dog Care

Once your dog reaches one year of age, he or she is considered an adult. We recommend that you bring your dog in for a checkup every six months. This allows us to monitor your pet's health and address any issues that may come up, often without you being aware that there is a problem.

At your dog's wellness exam, we will:

Conduct a thorough physical examination
Ensure that all vaccinations are up to date
Make recommendations for flea, tick, and heartworm control
Examine your dog's teeth and gums
Evaluate your dog's diet and nutritional health
Answer any questions you have about your pet's health, behavior, nutrition, and exercise recommendations

Microchipping

We strongly recommend that new pet owners microchip their pets. Microchip identification is an easy and painless way to protect you and your pet. Microchips provide an extra level of protection so that if your pet gets lost, you have a very good chance you will get him or her back.