First Vet Visits, What Every New Dog Owner Should Know

The first 48 hours, why it matters

If you've just brought a puppy home from a breeder or rescue, schedule a vet visit within 48–72 hours. Not because something is likely to be wrong, but because:

• You want a baseline health check on record
• You can ask all your questions in one place
• Any hidden health issues (heart murmur, hernia, parasite burden) are better caught now
• You start the relationship with your vet early

Reputable breeders often include a vet check guarantee, you need to complete this within a specified window.

What happens at the first appointment

A thorough first appointment typically includes:

Physical examination

The vet will check from nose to tail:

• Eyes, ears, and nose. Discharge, clarity, odour
• Mouth and teeth. Development, bite
• Heart and lungs, listening for murmurs or abnormal sounds
• Abdomen, organ size and consistency
• Skin and coat. Parasites, conditions, coat quality
• Joints and movement, structure and gait
• Lymph nodes, any swelling
• Genitals, cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) in males

Weight and baseline measurements

Your vet will record weight, which becomes the starting point for growth tracking.

Vaccination planning

Depending on what the breeder has already done, your vet will map out the full vaccination schedule. Bring any existing paperwork, or show what's logged in PetsyPlanet.

Discussion of worming and parasite prevention

The vet will advise on deworming frequency and recommend a flea and tick prevention approach suitable for your lifestyle.

The puppy vaccine timeline (typical)

Your specific timing may vary slightly, follow your vet's guidance.

Questions to ask at the first visit

Don't leave without asking:

• What should I feed my puppy, and how much?
• When should we start socialisation? Is puppy class safe before vaccines are complete?
• What are the signs of illness I should watch for at this age?
• What's the neutering advice for my breed?
• When should I get pet insurance?
• How do I start dental hygiene?
• What parasite prevention do you recommend for this time of year?

Write down the answers or take notes in your phone.

The socialisation window, don't miss it

Between 3 and 14 weeks of age, puppies are in a critical socialisation period. Positive exposures during this window shape the dog's temperament for life. Before vaccines are complete, you can still socialise safely:

• Puppy classes at good training facilities (which require age-appropriate vaccines)
• Carrying your puppy in arms or a bag in public spaces
• Inviting vaccinated, healthy dogs to your home
• Exposure to sounds, surfaces, people of different ages, handling

Waiting until vaccines are fully complete to start socialisation is a common mistake, the risks of a fearful or reactive dog outweigh the disease risks in most environments.

Microchipping, if not already done

Puppies should be microchipped (typically at 6–8 weeks by the breeder in most countries). If this hasn't been done, do it at the first visit. It's a brief procedure, most puppies react less than they do to vaccines.

Register the chip number on the national database and add it to your PetsyPlanet profile so it's always accessible.

How to prepare for each vet visit

Bring:

• Previous vaccination records (or open PetsyPlanet)
• A fresh stool sample (some vets request this routinely for parasite testing)
• A list of questions
• Treats the puppy likes

Observe beforehand:

• Eating and drinking behaviour
• Stool consistency and colour
• Energy levels
• Any coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhoea

Even things that seem minor are worth mentioning.

Keeping records from day one

The foundation of lifelong health management is a complete record from the beginning. In PetsyPlanet:

• Create your puppy's profile with name, breed, and date of birth
• Log the first weight
• Add every vaccination as it happens (with batch number if available)
• Record vet visits with notes from the appointment
• Set reminders for the next appointment

When you arrive at that 12-month booster with a full year of health history, your vet will thank you.

Summary

The first vet visits set the foundation. They establish baselines, complete the vaccination series, and give you a trusted expert to call when you have questions. Prepare, ask everything, and record everything.

Being a new dog owner is a learning curve, your vet is there to help. Don't hesitate to call between appointments if something concerns you.