Your puppy's first vet visit: a checklist

Your puppy's first vet visit should happen within the first few days after bringing them home. The visit covers a general health check, sets up the vaccine and parasite schedule, checks the microchip and answers your questions. With a little preparation, one appointment gives you a clear picture of your puppy's health and a plan for the months ahead. This page is a checklist: what to bring, what the exam covers, which questions to ask, and how to make the visit easier for your puppy.

What to bring

• The vaccine card and any health papers that came with your puppy
• Date of birth, where your puppy came from, what food they eat now and how many meals a day
• The date and product of the last deworming (if you know it)
• A fresh stool sample (if the clinic asks; check beforehand)
• A collar and leash or a carrier
• Small favorite treats
• A towel or blanket for the carrier, for a familiar smell
• A written list of your questions
• Paper towels and bags in case of accidents on the way

What the exam covers

If your puppy is old enough, the first vaccine or deworming may be given the same day. You can see which shots happen in which week in the puppy vaccine schedule.

Microchip

Many countries require dogs to be microchipped and registered. At the first visit your vet will scan for a microchip; if there is one, they'll check whose name it's registered to, and if not, they can implant and register one. If you got your puppy from a breeder, another person or a shelter, make sure the record is transferred to your name. A microchip only helps if the record is current.

Questions to ask

Vaccines and parasites

• What should the vaccine schedule be, and when is the next shot?
• How often is deworming and flea and tick prevention needed? (The dog flea, tick and deworming schedule helps you prepare.)
• Can my puppy go outside before vaccines are complete, and when can they meet other dogs?

Food

• Is the current food right, and how do I switch if needed?
• How many meals a day, and how much?
• Which treats are safe, and which foods should I avoid?

Growth and behavior

• Are there breed-specific health issues to watch for?
• When does teething start, and how do I handle biting?
• When and how should I start potty training?

Looking ahead

• When should we talk about spaying or neutering?
• When is the next checkup?
• Which clinic should I go to in an emergency outside office hours?

Depending on where your puppy came from

• Shelter or rescue: Ask for records of vaccines, deworming and any spay or neuter surgery. Make sure the microchip record has been transferred to you.
• Breeder or another person: Ask for the parents' health information and the dates of your puppy's first vaccines and deworming. If there's a health guarantee, check how long it lasts; it often depends on a first vet exam, so book the appointment accordingly.
• Found as a stray: If the age isn't known, your vet can estimate it from the teeth. If you have other pets, keep the puppy in a separate room until the first exam and deworming are done.

Signs of stress at the clinic

A tucked tail, trembling, yawning or lip licking, and trying to hide all show your puppy is tense. Instead of pushing on, pause for a few seconds, talk calmly and offer a treat. Your vet can slow the exam down too.

Making the visit easier for your puppy

• Practice the trip: leave the carrier open at home for a few days beforehand, with treats inside.
• Keep them in your arms or the carrier: don't put a puppy whose vaccines aren't complete on the clinic floor; sick animals come through the waiting room too.
• Stay calm: talk softly during the exam and give small treats when your puppy stays calm.
• Keep it short: book an appointment and arrive on time to cut down on waiting.
• End on a good note: a short play session and a rest at home. The better the first visit goes, the easier the next ones will be.

After the visit

• If your puppy was vaccinated, mild tiredness for a day or two is normal. Call your vet right away if you see facial swelling, vomiting or trouble breathing.
• Save the dates your vet gives you right away; intervals in the puppy series are short.
• Start building routines from the first days. For potty training, the 14-day puppy potty training plan is a good place to start.

In SarPet

• Take a photo of the vaccine card; SarPet reads the vaccine names and dates and reminds you of the next one on time.
• Enter the microchip number and date of birth in Identity; the life timeline is built from them.

Frequently asked questions

My puppy looks healthy. Do I still need to go right away?

Yes. Parasites and some congenital problems may show no signs, and the vaccine schedule needs to start on time.

My shelter puppy was already examined. Do I need another visit?

A shelter exam is valuable, but a visit within the first week is still recommended to create a baseline record with your own vet and take over the schedule.

Will my puppy get vaccines at the first visit?

Usually yes, if they're old enough and healthy. If your puppy is unwell, your vet may postpone the shot for a few days.