Congratulations on your new puppy! Our New Ulm vets hope you and your new furry friend have a long and happy life together. The first step to ensuring that is to make sure your pooch has regularly scheduled vet visits. The first visit can be daunting, but in today's post, our New Ulm vets will tell you everything you should know heading into your puppy's first vet visit, and how to prepare for it.
When to Take a Puppy to the Vet for the First Time
Many puppy shelters and breeders start vet visits for puppies before the dogs are even available for adoption. When you adopt a dog, you should receive paperwork that clearly states what type of care has already been provided, when that occurred, and when you should schedule your puppy’s next veterinary visit.
Regardless of what the shelter or breeder has already done, it is always a good idea to schedule a new puppy vet visit within a few days of picking up your new canine companion anyway. This will allow the vet to review your puppy’s records and quickly provide any overdue care and administer preventative care.
The doctor will also perform a complete physical examination and perhaps run some laboratory tests to identify any potential health concerns. It’s best to learn about problems as soon as possible before any health guarantees the breeder provides expire.
A typical vet schedule for puppies is for appointments to occur every three to four weeks starting when puppies are six to eight weeks old and ending when they are four or five months old.
When it comes to vaccinations, most puppies start their vaccinations when they are six to eight weeks old.
Puppies who receive their first vaccinations when they are older than four or five months of age can usually be caught up in two visits scheduled about a month apart. Your vet may adjust this plan based on your puppy’s particular history and needs.
Puppy’s First Vet Visit Checklist - What to Bring With You
- Any veterinary records you received from the breeder or shelter
- 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 if they travel 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
Veterinarian 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)
What to Ask the Veterinarian at your Puppy's First Visit
Your vet should provide you with all the information that you need to help your puppy thrive, but look over the topics listed above. If your vet forgot to talk about something or the information they provided was confusing, don’t hesitate more questions.
What will my puppy's first vet visit cost?
Veterinary care costs will vary depending on your physical location, your dog/their size, and what needs to be done. Contact your veterinarian for more specific pricing.
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.