What to Expect at Your Puppy's First Vet Visit
If it's time for your puppy's first vet appointment, you might be wondering exactly what this first visit will involve. You can expect that your vet will do the following during your pooch's first time at our clinic:
- Weigh your puppy
- Take your puppy's temperature
- Listen to your puppy's heart and lungs
- Examine the puppy's coat and skin
- Examine your puppy's eyes, ears, nose, feet, and genitalia
- Check the puppy's mouth, teeth and gums
- Palpate your puppy's abdomen and lymph nodes
- Examine your puppy's feces to check for worms (bring a stool sample if possible)
- Discuss your puppy's health history and address any questions or concerns you may have about feeding, medical issues, and future care
If you are sent home with medications or your vet has recommended specific at-home treatments, make sure you understand how they are to be administered. Follow directions to the letter, and book followup visits and vaccinations.
Your Puppy's First Vet Visit Checklist
You'll likely want to pack the following items when preparing for your puppy's first veterinary examination. The more information you're able to provide the vet, the better they will be able to assess your puppy's health, and diagnose and treat any health issues.
- Any veterinary records you've received from the shelter or breeder
- A list of important questions or concerns you'd like to address with the vet
- Any forms provided by your veterinarian that you've already filled out
- Notes on how much and which types of foods and treats you offer your puppy at home
- A dog crate or carrier lined with old towels or shirts that smell like home (to help keep your puppy calm in the waiting room)
- A chew toy to distract your puppy in the waiting room and during the appointment
- A leash and collar or harness
- Small treats to reward good behavior
- A stool sample, as fresh as possible
Small puppies will likely be safer and more comfortable in a crate. Don't expect to be able to hold a wiggly puppy in your arms while sitting in the waiting room. Puppies must be kept under control at all times using a leash and collar or harness. This is why it's a good idea to bring some treats or chew toys to distract your puppy while you wait to see the vet.
What to Ask Vet on Your Puppy's First Visit to the Vet
Your veterinarian should be able to provide all of the information you require to help your puppy grow. Based on the information above, if you have any questions that you believe they have overlooked, or if the information they have supplied is confusing, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
Having said that, a list of questions can help make the most out of your first visit. Here is a list of some good questions to ask your vet during the visit.
Health & Safety
- How often does my puppy need to come to the vet?
- When should I spay or neuter my puppy?
- Should I microchip my dog?
- How many times a day should my puppy poop?
- Are there any health concerns specific to my puppy’s breed(s)?
- Does my puppy need flea and tick prevention?
- What is heartworm disease and why is prevention important?
Training & Behavior
- When can my puppy go to the pet store/dog park/groomer?
- Do you recommend crate training?
- How long can she stay in her crate?
- How do you potty train a puppy?
- How much exercise does my puppy need?
- How do I socialize my puppy with other humans and dogs?
- Do you know any local trainers?
Food
- What should my puppy eat?
- How many times a day should my puppy eat?
- When do puppies switch to adult dog food?
Factors That Determine How Much Your Puppy's First Vet Visit Will Cost
The majority of what happens during a puppy's first vet appointment is routine, but costs can be determined by a variety of factors like location, vaccines, and prescribed medications. Vaccination clinics, and pet insurance can help to save you money. You can contact your vet directly for a more precise quote so there are no nasty surprises.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.