Are you the proud owner of a new puppy? Today, our Fountain Valley vets explain when it is time to bring your puppy to the vet for a checkup and what you can expect.
Taking Your Puppy to the Vet for the First Time
Many puppy shelters and breeders start vet visits for puppies before they release their little ones to new pet parents. You should receive paperwork stating the care your pup has already received, and when you should schedule your puppy’s first veterinary exam.
But regardless of what the shelter or breeder has already done, it is always a good idea to schedule a new puppy vet visit within a few days of picking up your new canine companion. This will allow the vet to review your puppy’s records and quickly provide any overdue care.
The doctor will also perform a complete physical examination and perhaps run some laboratory tests to identify any potential health concerns. It’s best to learn about problems as soon as possible before any health guarantees the breeder provides expire.
A typical vet schedule for puppies is for appointments to occur every 3 to 4 weeks starting when puppies are 6 to 8 weeks old and ending when they are 4 or 5 months old.
Most puppies start their vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old.
Puppies who receive their first vaccinations when they are older than 4 or 5 months of age can usually be caught up in two visits scheduled 3 to 4 weeks apart. Your vet may adjust this plan based on your puppy’s particular history and needs.
Before your appointment, you should collect as much information as possible.
Puppy’s First Vet Visit Checklist
When your puppy has their first vet visit coming up, you want to be prepared by bringing the following things with you:
Leash and collar/harness
Chew toy for distraction
Small treats
Any filled-out forms (provided by vet)
A stool sample, as fresh as possible
Veterinary records
Written questions about your pup
Notes on diet & eating habits
Dog carrier/crate lined with some old towels
Small puppies will be more comfortable and safer if they travel in a crate. Do not assume that you will be able to hold your puppy in your arms when they experience all the new sights, sounds, and smells at the clinic. It is important to bring a harness or leash to control your dog if they are feeling stressed.
What You Can Expect During Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit
Veterinary staff will start the visit by asking you a series of questions about your puppy’s history and how they are doing at home, followed by:
A weight check
A complete physical examination, which includes
Observing the puppy move around the exam room
Looking at the whole body including the eyes, ears, nose, feet, nails, skin, coat, and genitalia
Using a stethoscope to listen to the heart and lungs
Checking reflexes
Measuring temperature and pulse and respiratory
Opening the mouth to check out the teeth, gums, and other structures
Checking the eyes and ears
Palpating the lymph nodes, joints, and organs within the abdomen
Throughout all the new puppy vet visits, the veterinary staff will discuss many important aspects of puppy care with you including:
Behavior and socialization
Pet identification, including microchips and tags
Reproductive health
Travel requirements
Pet safety and disaster preparedness
Zoonotic diseases
Grooming needs
Nutrition
Flea, tick, heartworm, and internal parasite control
Vaccination schedules
Exercise and play requirements
Questions to Ask Your Vet
Your vet should provide you with all the information that you need to help your puppy thrive, but look over the topics listed above. If your vet forgot to talk about something or the information they provided was confusing, don’t hesitate more questions.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.
Is your puppy due for a visit to the vet? Contact our Fountain Valley vets today to book your pup an appointment.
