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

If you're a new puppy parent, our Edgewater 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 go over their medical history, perform a physical exam, and look for any health issues. Puppies typically have 3-4 week appointments beginning at 6-8 weeks of age and ending at 4-5 months of age.

Typically, the first vaccinations are administered at the age of 6-8 weeks. If your puppy is over the age of 4-5 months, they can be vaccinated in two visits separated by 3-4 weeks. Your veterinarian may modify 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 safe traveling in a crate. Do not expect to be able to hold your puppy in your arms as they experience all of the new sights, sounds, and smells at the clinic. It is critical to bring a harness or leash to control your dog if they are 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)

The cost of your puppy's first vet visit will depend on many factors. Contact your vet directly to get a more accurate estimate.

What should I ask the vet on my puppy's first visit?

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 Edgewater vets with any questions or concerns about your first appointment.