Puppy’s First Vet Visit: Checklist & What to Expect

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and joyful experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important things you need to do when you bring home a new puppy is to take them to the vet for their first check-up. In this blog post, we will provide you with a checklist of things to do before and during your puppy’s first vet visit, as well as what to expect during the visit.

Before the Visit:

Choose a Vet: The first thing you need to do is choose a veterinarian that you trust and feel comfortable with. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or do your research online.

Schedule the Appointment: Call the vet’s office and schedule your puppy’s first appointment. Most vets recommend that you bring your puppy in for their first check-up when they are between 6-8 weeks old.

Get Prepared: Make sure you have all the necessary documents and information about your puppy, such as their medical records, any medications they are taking, and their vaccination history. You may also want to bring a list of questions to ask the vet.

Make Arrangements: If you have other pets at home, make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations and that they are not sick. You may also want to bring someone with you to the appointment to help you manage your puppy.

During the Visit:

Health Check: The vet will start by giving your puppy a thorough physical exam, checking their eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin, and overall body condition.

Vaccinations: The vet will likely recommend a series of vaccinations to protect your puppy from common diseases. These may include the distemper vaccine, the parvovirus vaccine, and the rabies vaccine.

Parasite Prevention: The vet will also recommend a parasite prevention plan for your puppy, which may include flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, and deworming.

Nutrition: The vet may offer advice on your puppy’s nutrition, including the type of food to feed them, how much to feed them, and how often to feed them.

Behavioral Advice: The vet may offer advice on how to train and socialize your puppy, as well as how to manage any behavioral issues that may arise.

After the Visit:

Follow-up: Make sure to schedule any necessary follow-up appointments, such as vaccinations or deworming.

Settle In: Give your puppy some time to settle in and adjust to their new environment.

Continue Care: Continue to provide your puppy with proper care, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and plenty of love and attention.

If you require any further information or require clarification on the topic discussed, please do not hesitate to seek assistance from the professionals at Bloor-Kipling Animal Clinic.