Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit: A Step-by-Step Survival Guide
New pet parent? Our detailed vet visit guide covers vaccines, exams, costs, and how to handle puppy anxiety. Be prepared, not scared!
HEALTH & WELLNESSDOGS
First Vet Visit Decoded: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes
📋 Pre-Vet Checklist
Bring:
Previous medical records (even if just breeder notes)
Fresh stool sample (use this container)
Your puppy’s favorite treat (avoid chicken if vaccines are due)
Avoid:
Feeding 2 hours before (in case of blood work)
Overcleaning ears (vets need to see natural wax)
🩺 The Appointment Timeline
1. Weight & Temp Check (5 mins)
Pro Tip: Distract with a Lick Mat smeared with peanut butter.
2. Physical Exam (10 mins)
What Vets Check:
Heart/Lungs: Stethoscope for murmurs or irregularities
Joints: Range of motion for hip dysplasia signs
Teeth: Baby teeth alignment and gum health
Coat & Skin: Look for fleas, ticks, or rashes
3. Vaccine Discussion (15 mins)
Core Vaccines:
DHPP: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza ($20-$35 per shot)
Rabies (Legally required, $15-$25)
Lifestyle Vaccines:
Bordetella (Kennel cough, $19-$45)
Leptospirosis (Water-borne bacteria, $20-$30)
4. The "Awkward" Q&A (10 mins)
Common Questions:
"Is this poop color normal?"
Green: Could indicate parasites
Black: Possible internal bleeding
"Why does he eat grass?"
Vet Insight: Usually harmless, but monitor for vomiting
"How often should we deworm?"
Standard: Every 2-3 weeks until 12 weeks old
😌 Handling Puppy Anxiety
Pre-Visit Prep:
7 Days Before: Practice handling paws/ears daily
1 Hour Before: Give calming chews
Car Ride: Play dog relaxation music on Spotify
In the Exam Room:
Positioning: Sit on the floor to make your pup feel secure
Distraction: Bring a toy sprayed with Adaptil pheromones
🐶 Real Owner Story:
"My Golden Retriever peed on the scale…twice. The vet laughed and said, ‘We’ve seen worse – last week a parrot flew into our coffee maker!’"
🚨 Red Flags to Watch Post-Visit
Symptom -> Action
Lethargy >24 hours -> Call vet immediately
Swollen face -> Emergency clinic visit
Mild diarrhea-> Monitor + offer bland diet
