If you're a new puppy parent, our Richmond veterinarians will guide you through everything you need to know for a successful first vet visit. Get ready with a comprehensive puppy first vet visit checklist.
When should you take your puppy for its first vet visit?
Schedule a first vet visit for your new puppy within a few days of bringing them home.
The vet will review their records, perform a physical exam, and check for health concerns. Puppies typically have appointments every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks old, and ending at 4-5 months old.
First vaccinations usually begin at 6-8 weeks old. If your puppy is older than 4-5 months, they can be vaccinated in two visits spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Your vet may adjust the plan based on your puppy's needs.
Before your appointment, you should collect as much information as possible.
Puppy’s First Vet Visit Checklist
Any veterinary records you received from the breeder or shelter
A written list of important questions
Notes on how much of what types of foods and treats you have
Dog carrier or crate lined with some old towels
Leash and collar or harness
Chew toy for distraction
Small treats to reward good behavior
Any forms provided by your vet that you have already filled out
A stool sample, as fresh as possible
Small puppies will be more comfortable and safer traveling 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 to 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
Dental care
Grooming needs
Nutrition
Flea, tick, heartworm, and internal parasite 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)
Questions to Ask the Veterinarian
Your vet will provide all the necessary information to care for your puppy, but be sure to review the important topics. If you have any questions or need clarification, don't hesitate to ask.
You probably have many questions if you have just got a new puppy, and it is time for their first appointment. Feel free to contact our Richmond vets with any questions or concerns about your first appointment.
