What To Expect At Your First Vet Visit
What to Expect During Your First Vet Visit
All veterinarians are different but here are some basics. Keep in mind post COVID-19 many veterinarian offices are booked further out and have limited availability of staff.
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
- Measuring body temperature and pulse and respiratory rates
- 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
- Opening the mouth to observe the teeth, gums and other structures
- Checking the eyes and ears with instruments that provide light and magnification
- Palpating (using hands to feel) the lymph nodes, joints and organs within the abdomen
- Using a stethoscope to listen to the heart and lungs
- Checking reflexes
If you didn’t bring a stool sample with you from home, your veterinarian may need to collect one to check for intestinal parasites. If your puppy is 6 months old or older, the doctor or veterinary technician may also draw a small sample of blood for heartworm testing. Other lab work is run on an as-needed basis.
Throughout all the new puppy vet visits, the veterinary staff will discuss many important aspects of dog care with you including:
- Exercise and play requirements
- Behavior and socialization
- Pet identification, including microchips and tags
- Reproductive health, including the benefits and risks of spaying and neutering
- Dental care
- Grooming needs
- Travel requirements
- Pet safety and disaster preparedness
- Nutrition
- Flea, tick, heartworm and internal parasite control
- Vaccination schedule