Welcome to Vet Village New Puppies!
Before your first appointment complete our new puppy form:
When to Take a Puppy for Their First Vet Visit
It is a good idea to take your new puppy to the vet for a checkup as soon as possible. This will allow your veterinarian to check for any parasites or signs of viruses that could be transmitted to other pets (or even people) in your home. If your puppy has already received their initial vaccination, the next booster is typically due in 3 to 4 weeks. Please have this information available when you call to schedule an appointment.
What Happens During The First Vet Visit
During your puppy’s first visit, the vet should:
- Weigh the puppy
- Listen to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope
- Take their temperature (note: pet temperatures are taken rectally)
- Examine eyes, ears, nose, feet, and genitalia
- Examine skin and coat
- Look at teeth and mouth
- Palpate the abdomen and lymph nodes
- Examine feces (please bring a sample) for the presence of worms
- Discuss the puppy’s history and any questions you might have about feeding, medical issues, such as worm medications, and future care, such as microchipping, spaying, and neutering
- If you are going home with medications or treatments, make sure that you understand when and how they are to be given. Follow directions to the letter, and set up a schedule for follow-up visits and vaccinations
New Puppy Vet Visit Checklist - What to Bring;
The more information you can give your vet about your new fur baby, the better they will be able to assess your pup's overall health. To help you arrive at your vet's office fully prepared, here is a handy puppy first vet visit checklist. We recommend bringing along the following:
- Any veterinary records you received from the breeder or shelter
- A written list of important questions or concerns that you might have
- Notes on how much of what types of foods and treats you offer at home
- A leash and collar or harness
- A chew toy for distraction
- Small treats to reward good behavior
- A stool sample, as fresh as possible, but at least within 24 hours
Don't underestimate how wiggly and unruly your puppy may become while in a new environment, especially a veterinary office that is filled with lots of other pet smells. Your puppy will need to be kept under control at all times using a leash and collar or harness. This is why a chew toy or some treats are a good idea.
What to Ask a Vet on First Puppy Visit
Your veterinarian should be able to give you 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?
Where are the nearby emergency services for off-hours or holidays?
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 is the best food to meet my puppy's nutritional needs?
How many times a day should my puppy eat?
When do puppies switch to adult dog food?
Ready to schedule your puppy's first visit?
Head over to our New Patient Center to fill out forms and schedule an appointment
We can't wait to see you! Remember to ask for your complimentary copy of Your Pandemic Puppy written by our very own Dr. Marty Greer!