What to Expect at Your Dog’s First Vet Visit

Whether you’re the new pet parent to a puppy or an adult dog, their first vet visit marks a big milestone that’ll start them off on the right paw for a happy, healthy life. This first visit will establish care with your veterinarian, Allyson Jacobi, DVM, Animal Medical Clinic of Merle Hay says. This is important to find your dog’s health baseline, prevent and identify potential diseases, and build a relationship with your vet to minimize stress for future visits.

Learn more about how to prepare for your dog’s first check-up, what to expect upon arrival at the vet, and a few additional tips on making it a positive experience.

How To Prepare

Preparation is important for both you and your canine companion. Before taking your dog to their first vet visit, Jacobi recommends refraining from taking them to a professional dog groomer or the dog park unless they’re up-to-date on vaccines and fully protected. Desensitizing your dog to the touching of their ears, toes, mouth, and other areas of their body is also beneficial to reduce fear and increase comfort.

“Ideally, your dog would be properly trained on a leash and know simple commands, like sit, for this first visit—however, don't delay the first vet visit if your dog is not trained!” Jacobi says. “Veterinary staff are trained on how to interact and handle dogs who have varying temperaments.”

She suggests bringing the following to your dog’s first vet visit to make it as stress-free and successful as possible for both you and your pooch:

• All prior medical records or paperwork: This helps the veterinary staff know if there are any gaps in their care (e.g. if their vaccine series isn’t complete, if they haven’t had a fecal exam done to check for internal parasites, if they’ve ever been tested for heartworm, etc.).
• A proper restraint: Being in a new place with new sights, smells and other animals may cause a fight-or-flight reaction. An appropriate-fitting collar and leash will keep you and your pet safe from escape or an unwanted confrontation between other patients, Jacobi says.
• A few pieces of kibble or treats: Trips to the vet can be stressful and scary for dogs. These tail-wag-worthy rewards can help create a positive experience overall.

Arriving at the Vet

As you and your furry friend make your way to the vet’s office, Jacobi recommends arriving early to fill out paperwork with any records you have regarding your pet. You might have to wait in the lobby, so it’s best to make sure your pet is secured on a leash since you never know what other animals you’ll experience or encounter. Don’t forget to reward your pup with treats for their good behavior!

Physical Exam

During your canine companion’s first visit, your vet will do a physical exam and ask questions about their general health.

“A physical exam is where the veterinarian evaluates major body systems by visually inspecting or palpating (feeling for abnormalities),” Jacobi explains.

During your dog’s physical, your vet will make observations from nose to tail and check the following:

• Eyes
• Ears (mites/infection)
• Teeth/oral (deciduous teeth vs adult teeth, estimating age)
• Neck
• Abdomen (feeling for the presence of umbilical hernia)
• Genitals (cryptorchid vs. abnormalities in anatomy, like hooded vulva)
• Skin for ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, etc.)

Vets will also:

• Look at your dog’s coat to see if it’s healthy
• Take vital signs (i.e. temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate for any abnormalities)
• Check their mobility and if they have musculoskeletal or neurological issues
  

Lab Tests

Based on their findings in the nose-to-tail exam and the completion of your pet's prior medical records, your vet may order additional tests.

“If the veterinarian observes something that may need medical attention, they will bring it up and help address the issue," Jacobi says.

For example, they might recommend testing for heartworm and tick-borne diseases in dogs or exposure for dogs who are 6–12 months old. They may also recommend fecal testing to check for intestinal parasites.

Vaccines

Core Vaccines

Dog vaccines protect your pup from certain diseases and support their overall health. Jacobi provides a breakdown of core vaccines for dogs and what they’ll need:

• Distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, +/- parainfluenza virus (aka DAAP vaccine): Starting at 6 weeks old, at least 3 doses spaced between 2–4 weeks apart until they reach 16 weeks old. The puppy series ends after 16 weeks.
• For dogs older than 16 weeks old: 2 doses about 2–4 weeks apart 
• DAAP will need to be revaccinated within one year following the last dose initial series, then boosters every three years.
• Rabies: Required by law; usually boosted every 1-3 years.

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core, or lifestyle vaccines, are recommended based on the region you live in and the risk your dog may have coming in contact with a certain disease.

Examples of lifestyle vaccines include:

• Leptospira: Puppies will need two doses 2–4 weeks apart starting at 12 weeks old; if older than 16 weeks, they’ll also need two doses 2–4 weeks apart.
• Bordetella +/- parainfluenza: These can be administered nasally or orally in a single dose once a year.
• Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi): Dogs of any age will need two doses 2–4 weeks apart and a booster within one year from their previous dose.

Consult your vet to learn more about which non-core vaccines your dog would benefit from.

Asking Your Vet Questions

Our canine companion’s health is our top priority as pet parents. To make the most out of your dog’s first check-up, Jacobi recommends asking your vet these questions if they haven't been already addressed during the visit.

1. Is my pet’s vaccination series complete? Or what else will they need?
2. What are common health conditions my dog’s breed is prone to, and how can I prevent these?
3. What are the symptoms to look for in my dog if they develop the aforementioned health condition?
4. Are there any health concerns you notice in my dog?
5. Are there any gaps in my dog’s health care that we need to address? (i.e. Are they due for a heartworm test, fecal exam, or bloodwork?)

Though trips to the vet can be overwhelming, asking the right questions can help us better understand and be proactive with our dog’s health. 

The bottom line: Your dog’s first wellness check-up doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your canine companion. With adequate preparation—and of course, enough tasty treats—trips to the vet can be smooth and positive experiences for many years to come.