What to Expect at Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit

You may already know that a trip to the vet is in order, but do you know what to expect at your puppy’s first vet visit? First off, congratulations on your new bundle of joy, bringing a new puppy into your home is a very exciting time and it will sure to be an amazing adventure the whole family will treasure for years to come. If you got your puppy from a breeder then most likely your new puppy has already had its first veterinary exam. Make sure you have copies of everything that was done for your puppy to bring with you to your veterinarians. If you adopted your puppy from a rescue or a shelter then it is extremely important to make an appointment at your vet’s office right away.

The Physical Exam

After saying hello to your new baby, the vet will give your puppy a thorough overview. Your puppy will be weighed, and their temperature will be taken, rectally of course. It’s important that you remain calm, to help your puppy feel safe and secure. They will check your puppy’s body, skin, coat, heart, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. They will also test vision, hearing, and alertness. The vet will discuss the puppy’s history and will be happy to answer any questions you have about feeding, medical issues, and future care like spaying and neutering or microchipping. Make sure to bring a stool sample with you so the vet can examine it for worms. Don’t be alarmed, though, most puppies are born with roundworms and will receive a deworming medication.

Vaccinations

When puppies begin to wean off their mother’s milk, they become susceptible to a number of potential disease and conditions. That’s where vaccinations step in to protect your puppy. Four main vaccines that are recommended for all puppies are distemper, canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus, and rabies. Depending on your geographic location, there may be other non-core vaccines that your vet will recommend. For example in Maryland, with its high rate of Lyme disease, your vet may recommend getting the vaccine at some point.

We understand how exciting and overwhelming bringing a new puppy home can be. That’s why at Family Veterinary Clinic, we take time during your puppy’s first vet visit to answer any and all of your questions. We look forward to getting to know your puppy as it continues to grow. Learn more about scheduling your next appointment.