Bringing a new puppy home is always an exciting moment! It’s so much fun watching them explore their surroundings, find out which toys they like best, and imagining the adventures you will share. But whether you adopted your puppy from a shelter, a breeder, or a friend, one of the first things you need to do is schedule a veterinary checkup. A puppy’s first vet visit is a very important milestone, and it’s the best way to make sure that your puppy grows up into a healthy, happy dog.
What to Expect at Your Puppy’s First Checkup
1: Physical Exam
During a physical exam, your vet will record your puppy’s weight and take their temperature. Then they’ll examine your puppy from nose to tail. They will listen to your puppy’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope, and gently press on their belly and lymph nodes. They will look closely at your puppy’s teeth, eyes, ears, nose, paws, and genitals to check for signs of illness or disease. They will also stretch your puppy’s legs and observe the way they move around.
Your vet might also ask you to bring a fresh stool sample so they can test for parasites like roundworms, which are common in puppies. If the lab finds evidence of parasites, your vet will prescribe a deworming medication and advise you to keep your puppy away from other pets (and children) until they have recovered.
2: DAPP Core Vaccines
If your puppy is old enough, they can also get their first round of core vaccinations. If they are still too young, then your vet will discuss the vaccines coming up and schedule your next appointment. Puppies will need to visit the vet for vaccinations three times during their first year. They get their first dose at around six to eight weeks of age, and their second and third doses over the course of the next two months.
It’s important to keep your puppy away from other dogs—including pet stores and dog parks—until they have completed their third round of vaccinations. Although the DAPP core vaccines will protect them from deadly diseases like parvovirus, the vaccine won’t be fully effective until after the final dose.
3: Microchipping
If you adopted your puppy from a rescue or shelter, they probably already have a microchip ID. If you’re not sure whether your puppy has one, your vet can scan them to check. Pets with microchips are far more likely to be reunited with their owners if they ever get lost. If your puppy does not have a microchip yet, your vet can give them one at their first checkup.
A microchip ID is a tiny device, smaller than a grain of rice, that’s injected under your puppy’s skin. It’s a lot like a barcode—it links your pet’s ID number to your contact information in an online database. You’ll need to log in to the database to update your info if you ever move to a new address or get a new phone number.
4: Q & A with Your Vet
At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we always schedule plenty of time at your puppy’s first visit (and every visit!) for you to ask as many questions as you want. Raising a puppy is a big responsibility, and we want to make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge to handle any situation.
We can answer questions about how much and how often to feed your puppy, how to recognize symptoms of illness, and what to expect in your puppy’s first year. From the best ways to puppy-proof your house, to leash training and potty training, or how to get your puppy to let you brush their teeth, we’re here to help.
We’ll also discuss the advantages of spaying or neutering your pet, and the best age to perform the operation. And if you have any concerns about the safety of puppy vaccinations or microchipping, we’d be glad to put your mind at ease.
Book Your Puppy’s First Checkup at Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert
A veterinary examination is one of the first things every puppy needs. If you live in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, or the surrounding areas, we’d love to meet you and your new pet! To make an appointment, please send us a message or give us a call at 480-497-0505 today.
Photo by Lydia Torrey on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 7/30/2024.