When you bring home a French Bulldog puppy from Coastal Frenchbulldog, you receive a 1-year health guarantee. But there's one critical step you must take within the first 72 hours to activate that guarantee: a veterinary examination.
This guide explains why the 72-hour vet check matters, what your veterinarian will look for, how to prepare, and what to do with the results. Call 772-208-3723 if you have any questions about scheduling or what to expect.
Why Is the 72-Hour Vet Check Required?
The 72-hour vet check serves three important purposes:
- Protects you: It documents your puppy's health status immediately upon arrival. If any pre-existing condition is found, we make it right.
- Protects us: It confirms the puppy was healthy at the time of delivery. We can't guarantee conditions that develop months later without a baseline exam.
- Protects your puppy: Early detection of any health issues means faster treatment and better outcomes.
What Your Vet Will Check
During the wellness exam, your veterinarian should perform a thorough physical examination, including:
- General appearance: Alertness, body condition, coat quality
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat: No discharge, redness, or abnormalities
- Heart and lungs: Normal heart rate and rhythm, clear breathing
- Abdomen: No pain, masses, or organ enlargement
- Musculoskeletal system: Normal gait, joint movement, no lameness
- Skin and coat: No rashes, parasites, or bald spots
- Temperature: Normal range (100-102.5°F for puppies)
How to Prepare for the Vet Visit
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth appointment:
- Schedule before your puppy arrives: Call your veterinarian as soon as you know your puppy's arrival date. Many vets are booked days in advance.
- Bring all paperwork: We provide vaccination records, deworming history, and our health guarantee terms. Bring everything to your appointment.
- Keep your puppy calm: Avoid heavy play or stressful activities right before the exam.
- Write down questions: Use this opportunity to ask about feeding, exercise, vaccine schedules, and any breed-specific concerns.
- Your puppy's health records (provided by us)
- Our health guarantee document
- A fresh stool sample (if possible)
- A list of any questions or concerns
- Your puppy's feeding schedule and food brand
What to Ask Your Veterinarian
This is your chance to get expert advice specific to your puppy. Consider asking:
- "What vaccine schedule do you recommend for a French Bulldog puppy?"
- "How much should my puppy weigh at this age, and how fast should they gain?"
- "What are the early warning signs of common French Bulldog health issues?"
- "How much exercise is appropriate for a puppy this age?"
- "What should I feed, and how much?"
- "When should I schedule the next appointment?"
What to Do After the Vet Visit
Within 5 days of the exam, you must email the vet records to us at info@coastalfrenchbulldog.com. Include:
- The vet's examination notes
- Any test results
- Vaccination recommendations
- The vet's contact information
Keep copies of all records for your files. You'll need them for future vet visits and to maintain your health guarantee.
What If the Vet Finds a Problem?
If your veterinarian discovers a congenital or hereditary condition within the 72-hour window, contact us immediately at 772-208-3723. We will:
- Review the vet's findings
- Discuss treatment options with you and your vet
- Honor the health guarantee according to its terms (replacement puppy or refund)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to schedule: Book your vet appointment BEFORE your puppy arrives.
- Using a mobile or online vet: The exam must be performed by a licensed veterinarian in a clinical setting.
- Forgetting the paperwork: Bring all health records we provided.
- Missing the 72-hour deadline: The clock starts at pickup/delivery time. Don't wait until day 3.
- Not following up: Email us the records within 5 days.
Why We Require This (And Why Good Breeders Do Too)
Reputable breeders always require a 72-hour vet check. It protects everyone — you, us, and most importantly, your puppy. If a breeder doesn't require a vet check, that's a red flag. It means they don't want their puppies examined by an independent professional.
At Coastal Frenchbulldog, we're confident in the health of our puppies. We encourage the vet check because we know your puppy will pass with flying colors — and if there's ever an issue, we want to know about it immediately so we can make things right.