Bringing home a new puppy is a joyful experience full of cuddles, playful tumbles, and plenty of learning opportunities. One of the most important early steps in ensuring a long, healthy life for your little furry friend is scheduling that very first vet appointment.
Here, we will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right vet to packing essential items—so you can confidently make your puppy’s debut clinic visit a positive, stress-free experience.
When to Schedule the First Vet Visit
Making a timely vet appointment is crucial to kickstart your puppy’s healthcare routine. Most puppies should visit a vet within the first week or two of arriving home, particularly if you have limited information about their vaccination or medical history.
This ensures:
- A thorough health check
- A clear vaccination schedule
- Early detection of any existing health concerns
- A chance to address fleas, worms, or other parasites right away
Even if your breeder or rescue provided initial records, scheduling a vet consult soon after you bring your puppy home guarantees you stay on track with recommended treatments and helps your new pup settle confidently into their forever home.
Choosing the Right Veterinary Practice
Finding the right vet is about more than simply picking the nearest clinic. You’ll want a team that resonates with your approach to pet care, offers comprehensive services, and is conveniently located. Here are a few considerations:
1. Recommendations and Reviews
- Ask friends, family, or local pet communities about their experiences.
- Research online reviews to see what other pet owners say about the clinic’s staff and services.
2. Location and Accessibility
- Close proximity to your home can be crucial during emergencies or for regular checkups.
- Check if the clinic has easy parking or access to public transport.
3. Clinic Environment
- Does the clinic have separate waiting areas for dogs and cats?
- Is the staff friendly and accommodating when you phone or visit?
4. Additional Services
- Some practices also offer grooming, training, or boarding—bonus points if you’d like one-stop convenience.
We recommend asking plenty of questions beforehand. A good vet will welcome your curiosity and ensure you feel well informed about their protocols and expertise.
Preparing Your Puppy for the Vet
Your puppy’s first vet visit can be a big event, and the best way to ensure it goes smoothly is by acclimating them beforehand. Our team of pet experts suggests the following to help set your puppy up for success:
Practice Being Handled
- Gently handle your puppy’s paws, ears, and mouth at home to build their comfort with touch.
- Get them used to being lifted onto low tables or countertops (safely) so the vet’s exam table won’t feel too foreign.
Desensitise Through Short Trips
- Take quick car rides or walk your puppy past the vet clinic so they can experience these environments without any medical procedures involved.
- Reward them with treats and praise during these “practice runs” to create positive associations.
Positive Reinforcement
- Reinforce calm behaviour with gentle praise and occasional treats.
- If your puppy seems anxious, remain calm and reassuring—your demeanour sets the tone for how they interpret new situations.
What to Bring on Vet Day
Being well-prepared helps make the experience smooth for both you and your pup. A few essentials include:
- Medical Records or Documentation - Bring any paperwork from breeders, rescues, or previous owners detailing vaccines and treatments.
- Comfortable Carrier or Bed - Our Easy Traveller Bed is perfect for a cosy, secure ride. It’s designed to help your puppy feel snug and calm on the go.
- Treats and Toys - Small, tasty treats will help with positive reinforcement, while a familiar toy can offer comfort in unfamiliar surroundings. Stock up on tasty training treats here
- Lead and Harness - Always secure your puppy, even if you have a carrier. This ensures you can safely guide them around the waiting area.
- Stool Sample (If Requested) - Check if your vet wants a fresh sample for parasite testing. If so, collect it just before the appointment.
Travelling to the Vet
Safety First
- Secure your puppy in a travel crate, carrier, or on a harness fastened in the car. This prevents distractions and keeps them safe during the journey.
- A bed like the Easy Traveller Bed can be buckled in or placed in a stable spot so your pup feels at ease.
Short Familiarisation Drives
- If your puppy is new to car rides, start with short, fun trips around the block or to a local park.
- Gradually increase the distance and reward calm behaviour along the way.
Keep the Atmosphere Calm
- Use a soft tone of voice and, if possible, a quiet environment in the car (lower radio volume, for instance).
- Avoid sudden stops or erratic driving—gentle, steady driving helps your puppy remain relaxed.
Handling the Waiting Room
Vet waiting rooms can be bustling places, filled with unfamiliar scents and animals. Here’s how to keep the experience positive:
- Stay Close - Keep your puppy on a short lead or in their carrier to prevent unwanted interactions with other pets. If they haven’t been vaccinated yet we’d recommend keeping them in their carrier or sat on your lap to minimise infection risk.
- Pick a Calm Spot - Some clinics separate dogs and cats—choose the dog-friendly side if it’s less hectic.
- Offer Comfort - Speak reassuringly, stroke your puppy gently, and provide a treat for good behaviour.
What to Expect During the Exam
Once called in, the vet will likely perform a thorough check to assess your puppy’s overall health. This involves examining the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, heart, and lungs. Making your pup feel comfortable on the exam table is crucial:
- Place a familiar toy or blanket on the table to ease any nerves. A lot vets will also provide your puppy with treats during the exam to help reassure them and build trust
- Stay relaxed and speak soothingly; puppies pick up on your energy.
- Reward calm behaviour with gentle praise—or a small treat if the vet allows.
Key Procedures at the First Vet Visit
Your puppy’s inaugural appointment often covers a few foundational treatments and discussions:
- Physical Examination - A nose-to-tail check ensures your puppy has no underlying medical issues that need attention.
- Vaccinations - Puppies typically start their core vaccinations around 6–8 weeks old, with boosters scheduled in the following weeks or months. Your vet will clarify the exact timeline.
- Microchipping - If your puppy isn’t already chipped, the vet can usually do it on site. This quick, relatively painless procedure provides your pet with permanent identification.
- Flea & Worm Prevention - Young puppies can be prone to parasites. Your vet will recommend treatments to guard against fleas, ticks, and worms, and outline an ongoing preventative routine.
- Nutritional & Behavioural Advice - Vets can guide you on puppy-appropriate foods, treats, and basic training tips. Don’t hesitate to ask questions!
Essential Tips in a Nutshell
- Book Early: Schedule a vet appointment soon after bringing your puppy home.
- Practice Handling: Get them used to gentle touches and being lifted.
- Travel Prep: Use a comfortable, secure carrier or bed like our Easy Traveller Bed.
- Waiting Room Strategy: Keep them on a lead or in a carrier, choose a quiet corner, and reassure them with a calm voice.
- Follow Vet Guidance: Stick to the recommended vaccination, microchipping, and parasite prevention schedules.
Final Thoughts
Your puppy’s first vet visit lays the groundwork for a lifetime of good health. By choosing a reputable veterinarian, preparing your pup with gentle handling, and bringing the right essentials—from carriers to treats—you can make this inaugural trip a positive milestone rather than a stressful one. We at Lords & Labradors believe every puppy deserves a great start in life, and our team of pet experts are always here to support you with advice, products, and resources.
Remember, the better the experience at this early stage, the more likely your puppy will feel comfortable during future checkups. A little preparation today goes a long way toward ensuring a lifetime of wagging tails and happy vet visits in the years to come!
Shop all the puppy essentials you will need for your pups first vet visit and beyond at Lords & Labradors.
