Your Puppy's First Vet Visit: What Happens and How to Ace It

What the vet will do

Full nose-to-tail exam, weight, heart and lungs, teeth and bite alignment, joints, coat and skin, plus a deworming plan, vaccine schedule mapped out, parasite prevention suited to your region, and microchipping if not done. Bring any paperwork from the breeder or rescue and a stool sample if asked.

Your question list

Ask about: feeding amounts and food choice, sterilization timing for the breed, socialization-vs-vaccination balance, pet insurance timing, dental care start, and anything odd you've noticed. No question is too small at this appointment — that's what it's for.

Make it a party

Bring irresistible treats and feed them throughout — on the scale, on the table, during handling. Ask staff to say hello and treat too. A puppy whose first visit was a buffet walks in happily for life; fear-free starts at visit one.

Between-visit homework

Practice handling paws, ears, mouth and tail daily at home for treats, and drop by the clinic occasionally just for a biscuit and a hello. You're not just raising a healthy puppy — you're raising a good patient.