If you got a new puppy, the house is probably buzzing with excitement. Your head is probably swirling with things you plan to do—make a bed, get treats and fun toys, stock up on kibble, start house training, etc.
One thing you don't want to forget though is to make that first veterinarian appointment. That may be the most important thing you can do if you want to set your puppy on the road to a long and healthy life.
When to Plan Your Puppy's First Vet Appointment
If your own dog gave birth to your new puppy, the pup will be ready to see a vet around the age of six weeks.
If you purchased your puppy from a breeder or adopted the puppy from a shelter, she will probably have already had a vet check-up. Still, it is a good idea to go to your own vet and verify the puppy's health is in good condition. This is particularly true with a breeder, as you only have a limited time to notify them of health issues they may be liable for (check state laws to see how long you have).
Preparing for The First Vet Visit
When you make an appointment, ask the vet's office for special instructions. Do they want you to stop offering food and/or water by a certain time before your visit? Should you bring a stool sample? They'll let you know the details.
If you have any paperwork from a breeder or shelter, bring it with you. Your vet will also want to know if your puppy has been traveling, her eating habits, her potty habits, her behaviors, and if she has shown any symptoms of any illnesses. These are things you can write down or make a mental note of before leaving for the office.
It may also help if you jot down any concerns or questions for the vet; sometimes in the exam room, so much is going on that questions can fly out of your head.
If you're crate-training your puppy, you may wish to have a towel-lined crate in the car in preparation for the journey. You should also have a leash with a collar or harness.
Bring some treats along to reward and reassure your pup throughout the day. A chew toy can help you distract your fur baby while you talk to the vet.
At the Vet's Office
There may be other dogs at the vet who get excited when your puppy comes in. Keep your puppy leashed. If necessary, hold your puppy to keep her out of reach of bigger dogs. They may only want to play, but for a small puppy, this can be a scary experience.
When it comes time for the exam, let your puppy sniff around the exam room until the veterinary team enters. Offer her a treat, pet her, and reassure her so she feels comfortable.
After each part of the exam, offer your puppy praise and give her affection briefly.
Once the exam is complete, talk to your vet about a plan for vaccinations, microchipping, and preventative heartworm, flea, and tick medication. It is also a good time to discuss all the questions you prepared.
How We Can Help
For 40 years, The Animal Doctors have provided high-quality veterinary care to pets and their humans in the San Francisco Bay area. We have the experience and expertise to help provide your puppy with outstanding medical care, and the old-fashioned bedside manner to help offer you support and guidance in raising a happy, healthy pet.
Only 15% of United States veterinary offices are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and The Animal Doctors are proud to be among them. We do this by holding ourselves to the highest standards of cleanliness, professionalism, patient care, and quality of veterinary medicine.
Our primary care services include everything you will need: annual exams, vaccinations, in-depth diagnostic procedures, on-site laboratory testing, surgery, geriatric animal care, hospice, and counseling and support for end-of-life choices. We also refer our patients to specialists when necessary, and work hand-in-hand with those specialists to provide your dog with the best possible care.
Call us so that we can help your puppy get off to a great start in life. Our areas of coverage include the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
