10 Questions Cockapoo Owners Forget to Ask the Vet

April 26th

You’ve just brought home your furry little bundle of joy. Now what?

First-time Cockapoo puppy owners (and dog owners in general) will be getting closely acquainted with their veterinarian over the coming months, and finding the right vet means asking the right questions.

Here are ten of the most common questions puppy owners forget to ask the vet (that really matter for the wellbeing of your pup).

1. Which types of parasites are common in the local area, and how can I prevent them?

Your vet will probably administer deworming medicine to help your puppy stay parasite-free, but you should also ask your vet exactly which types of parasites are most common in your area—and the symptoms to watch out for should your Cockapoo puppy come down with an infection.

2. Do you offer emergency care during weekends, evenings or holidays?

Many veterinarians are NOT open during off hours such as holidays, weekends or evenings, but should be able to recommend a preferred emergency facility or hotline you can use if their office isn’t open.

3. What are your office’s medical capabilities?

While vets often have an on-site surgery center, others don’t. Check which types of exams, tests and procedures your vet is able to perform themselves, and which will require a referral to another office.

4. Which vaccines are necessary/optional?

All puppies should receive the standard vaccination schedule of adenovirus-2, distemper, rabies, and canine parvovirus-2. But depending on your location, it may also be wise to vaccinate your pooch for other diseases like Lyme disease, leptospirosis and Bordetella.

5. Which flea and tick medications are recommended?

Even for urban dog owners, there’s always a risk for ticks and fleas. These pests are found in just about every environment you can imagine, and often hitch a ride with pets and other wildlife, spreading to other hosts as easily as you might hop on a bus. Your vet should be able to recommend one (of many) solutions to keep your pup safe from these nasty bugs.

6. What’s a healthy weight for my dog’s breed?

While some dog breeds are more prone to obesity than others, a vast majority of overweight dogs are simply being fed too much. Talk to your vet to determine an ideal feeding schedule to keep your puppy healthy and happy.

7. Should I buy pet insurance?

Pet insurance can offer huge savings in the long run. Ask your vet whether they accept health insurance or not, and what their policies are. Although our puppies are backed by a ten-year health warranty, you never know when unexpected accidents could occur—it’s better to be safe!

8. How often does my pup need to be examined?

Most of the time, vets will recommend that your puppy be seen at least once per year, but now’s the time to work out a convenient schedule you can stick with for the future.

9. Should my puppy be spayed or neutered?

If you don’t intend to breed your puppy (which covers a vast majority of dog owners), then it’s highly recommended that you spay or neuter them. Our dogs are spayed/neutered before adoption, meaning you have one less thing to worry about.

10. How long will I normally have to wait?

It’s not always possible to make an appointment, so it’s important to ask your vet how busy they are on a typical day, and how fast you’ll be able to meet with your vet in an emergency.

There are no bad questions

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask your vet if you have a question—even if it’s one you think is silly or obvious. Your vet is a medical professional and should take pride in keeping you informed and your pup healthy.

And of course, if you’re still looking for the perfect puppy, take a look at our puppy finder and get ready to meet the pooch of your dreams.