Are you a proud owner of a new puppy? In this blog post, our Fort Worth vets will share everything you need to know for a successful first visit with the vet.
When should you take your puppy for its first vet visit?
The first visit to the veterinarian for your new puppy should be scheduled within the first few days after you bring them home from the shelter or the breeder.
During this visit, the vet will review your new puppy's medical records, conduct a physical exam, and check for health concerns. Puppies typically have appointments every three to four weeks, starting when they are between six and eight weeks old and ending when they are four or five months old.
First vaccinations typically begin when your puppy is between six and eight weeks old. If your pup is older than four or five months, they can receive their vaccinations in two visits, spaced three to four weeks apart. Your vet may alter this plan based on your puppy's individual requirements.
In the time leading up to your appointment, you should gather as much information as you can from the location where you obtained the dog.
Puppy's First Vet Visit Checklist
Here is a list of items you might find helpful to bring with you to your puppy's first veterinary appointment:
Any written records you've received from the breeder or shelter
A list of important questions
Dog crate or carrier lined with some old towels
Notes about which types of foods and treats your puppy eats
Leash and collar or harness
Chew toy for distraction
Small treats to reward good behavior
Any forms provided by a previous veterinarian that you've already filled out
A stool sample, as fresh as possible
Small puppies are typically safer and more comfortable travelling in a crate. Do not assume that you'll be able to hold your puppy in your arms. They experience the array of new sights, smells, and sounds at the vet clinic. This may cause them to become overly-excited or scared. It's important to bring a leash or harness to control your pup if they are feeling stressed, anxious, or excited.
What to Expect During Your Puppy's First Vet Visit
Veterinary staff will start your visit by asking you a series of questions regarding your puppy's history and how things are going at home. They will then check your puppy's weight and perform a complete physical examination, which includes:
Examining your puppy's entire body, including the eyes, ears, nose, feet, skin, nails, coat, and genitalia
Using a stethoscope to listen to the heart and lungs
Checking reflexes
Palpating the lymph nodes, joints, and organs within the abdomen
Measuring temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate
Opening the mouth to check the teeth, gums, and other oral structures
Watching the puppy move around the exam room
The veterinary staff will talk to you about a variety of important aspects of puppy care throughout all of the visits to the veterinarian for the new puppy, including the following:
Grooming needs
Nutrition
Flea, tick, heartworm, and internal parasite (such as hookworm) control
Vaccination schedules
Exercise and play requirements
Behavior and socialization
Pet identification, including microchips and tags
Reproductive health, including the benefits and risks of spaying and neutering
Travel requirements
Pet safety and disaster preparedness
Diseases that can be spread from pets to people (and vice versa)
What to Ask the Veterinarian During Your Puppy's First Visit
Your vet will provide all the necessary information for you to care for your puppy at home, but be sure to as your vet questions if you are ever unsure about anything. Here are some specific questions you might consider asking:
Could my puppy have any illnesses or diseases?
Is my puppy at a healthy weight?
How often should I bring my puppy in for a vet exam?
How can I prevent my puppy from getting injured or becoming ill?
How much barking or howling is normal? When does barking at night typically stop?
How often should I feed my puppy?
Is there a specific type of food I should feed my puppy? What should I know about proper nutrition?
Of course, the questions you ask might vary depending on your concerns. Never hesitate to ask your vet any questions you might have about your puppy's health and development during your visits.
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.
If you've just brought your puppy home and need to book its first appointment, you likely have many questions. Contact our vets at Harris Parkway Animal Hospital to book your puppy's first appointment. You can also ask the vet any questions you may have.
