While it's always exciting to bring home a new puppy, there are some things pet owners should know before taking them to the vet. In this blog post, our Brentwood vets discuss what you can expect from your puppy's first visit to the vet.
What Will Happen During Your Puppy's First Vet Visit
Your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive exam and check on the following aspects of your puppy's health during their first vet visit. Specifically, the vet will do these things:
- Listen to your puppy's heart and lungs
- Examine the puppy's teeth and mouth
- Look at the puppy's skin and coat
- Take your puppy's temperature
- Weigh your puppy
- Analyze feces for presence of worms
- Inspect the eyes, ears, nose, feet, and genitalia
- Palpate abdomen and lymph nodes
- Discuss any medical history or concerns you may have about your puppy
- Prescribe any medications your puppy requires
What to Bring to Your Puppy's Visit
Try to bring the following items to your puppy's first veterinary appointment. The more information you can give your veterinarian, the better treatment they'll be able to provide to your new puppy.
- Any veterinary records you have
- A list of important questions or concerns
- A stool sample, as fresh as possible
- Notes about food or treats provided at home
- A dog crate or carrier
- Small treats to reward good behavior
- A leash and collar/harness
- A chew toy for distraction
What to Ask Your Vet During Your Puppy's First Visit
Your veterinarian should be able to provide you with all the information you'll need to help your puppy develop as they should and live a long, happy life. Based on the information provided above, feel free to ask your vet for clarification if you have any questions you think have been overlooked or if you are confused about any instructions they provided.
That said, a list of questions can help make the most out of your first visit. Here is a list of some questions you might ask your vet during your visit.
Health & Safety
Ask your vet the questions listed below, as well as any other health and safety concerns you may have.
- Should I microchip my dog?
- When should I spay or neuter my puppy?
- How often does my puppy need to visit the vet?
- How many times a day should my puppy poop?
- What vaccinations and parasite prevention measures are necessary?
- Are there breed-specific health concerns?
Training & Behavior
Ask your vet for advice about any questions you have about behavior and training you may have, including those listed below.
- Do you know any local trainers?
- How do you potty train a puppy?
- Do you recommend crate training?
- When can my puppy go to the groomer?
- When can my puppy go to a dog park?
- How long can she stay in her crate?
- How much exercise does my puppy need?
- How do I socialize my puppy with others?
Food
Find out what type of diet your puppy should have by asking your vet the following questions:
- What should my puppy eat?
- How many times a day should my puppy eat?
- When do puppies switch to adult dog food?
- Do you offer nutritional counseling?
Factors That Determine How Much Your Puppy's First Vet Visit Will Cost
While most of what happens during a puppy's first vet appointment is routine, costs can vary based on factors such as location, how many vaccines your puppy needs, and any medications prescribed by your vet. Wellness plans and pet insurance can help you save money. You can contact your vet directly for a more precise cost estimate so you won't encounter any nasty surprises.
Veterinary Care for Puppies in Brentwood
Our vets at Brentwood Veterinary Clinic understand you'll probably be filled with excitement, anticipation and lots of questions after you first bring your new puppy home, especially if this is the first canine friend you've added to your family.
We're here for you every step of the way, from performing a thorough checkup and addressing all of your questions and concerns during the first visit to tracking your pup's development milestones and treating any health issues that may come up. Our veterinary team looks forward to making sure you have everything you need, so you and your puppy can enjoy a wonderful life together.
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.