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For a puppy first vet visit, bring every paper the breeder or shelter gave you, a fresh stool sample if the clinic asks for one, a note of what your puppy eats, and your questions written down. Expect a full check-over, a plan for vaccines and parasite control, and a chat about feeding, training and the months ahead.
You'll be back a lot. The Merck Veterinary Manual says puppies see the vet every 3 to 4 weeks until about four months of age, so this first appointment is when you set up the records, reminders and habits that'll carry your dog through life. Here's what to bring, what usually happens and what to ask.
When should you book the first vet visit?
Book it as soon as you know when your puppy's coming home, and aim for the first few days. A lot of clinics have a wait for new patients, so call early. If you don't have a vet yet, our guide on how to find a new vet can help.
When you book, ask how long the appointment runs, whether they want a stool sample, and whether you can send the breeder's records ahead of time.
What to bring to a puppy first vet visit
The most important thing to bring is paper: the vaccine and deworming records from the breeder, shelter or rescue, with dates and product names, plus the microchip number and paperwork if your puppy's chipped. If the clinic asked for a stool sample, bring a fresh one in a clean bag or container.
Your vet will also want to know the food brand, how much and how often you're feeding, and anything that seems a bit off: coughing, diarrhea, scratching, limping, skipping meals. Write it down, along with your questions. Your memory goes blank the moment the vet walks in. Everyone's does.
Last, the practical stuff. Small treats your puppy loves, and a leash or a secure carrier.
Photograph every paper from the breeder or shelter on the day you get your puppy. Papers go missing; photos don't.
What usually happens at the appointment?
Most first puppy visits are a full exam plus a plan. Every clinic does it a little differently, but you can usually expect:
- A weight check and a nose-to-tail examination.
- A review of the vaccines and deworming already given.
- Vaccines that are due, following the plan your vet recommends.
- A stool test for intestinal parasites, if you brought a sample.
- A talk about parasite prevention for where you live.
- Advice on feeding, house training, socialization and handling.
Which vaccines will my puppy need?
Your puppy will need the core vaccines, and maybe a few others depending on where you live. The Merck Veterinary Manual says core vaccines, recommended by nearly all vets, protect against distemper, parvovirus and rabies, while others like Lyme disease or Bordetella depend on your region and your dog's lifestyle. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends puppy doses every 2 to 4 weeks, the last one at 16 weeks or older, then a revaccination at or after 26 weeks.
In Ontario, Regulation 567 requires dogs, cats and ferrets three months of age and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Your vet will give you a certificate. Hang on to it, because daycares, groomers and kennels ask for proof. Our vaccine schedule for Canada explains the usual timing in more detail.
What about worms, fleas and heartworm?
Your vet will set a parasite plan for your area. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that a fecal test checks for intestinal parasites, that roundworms and hookworms can infect people, and that heartworm is spread by mosquitoes. Ask which products your puppy needs, when to start, and for how many months of the year.
Meanwhile, pick up after your puppy right away and wash your hands well, especially if there are kids at home.
Questions to ask at the first puppy appointment
Jot these down before you go, and cross off what the vet covers on their own:
| Topic | Question |
|---|---|
| Vaccines | Which vaccines does my puppy need, and when is the next one? |
| Going out | When can my puppy go to puppy class, parks and other dogs' homes? |
| Parasites | Which prevention do you recommend here, and for which months? |
| Food | Is this food right for my puppy's size, and how much should I feed? |
| Spay or neuter | When should we talk about spaying or neutering? |
| Microchip | Is the chip working and registered to me? |
| Emergencies | What do I do after hours, and which emergency hospital do you use? |
| Insurance | Should I consider pet insurance, and what do clients usually find useful? |
The going-out question matters more than people expect. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior calls the first three months the primary window for socialization, and says puppies can start classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks, with at least one set of vaccines 7 days before the first class and a first deworming. Ask your vet how that fits your puppy.
Make the first visit a good experience
A calm first visit makes the next ten years of visits easier. Feed a lighter meal beforehand so treats are extra welcome, bring a favourite toy, and ask the team if you can pop in between appointments just to say hi and collect a treat. Plenty of clinics are happy to do this, and your puppy learns the waiting room is a pretty good place.
After the visit: set up the records
Before the details blur, add your puppy's vaccines, deworming dates, weight and microchip to their pet records in the free PetGrid app. Reminders are created from each next due date, so the next puppy visit doesn't slip. If your clinic is on PetGrid, you can also book the next appointment and message the team in the app.
Questions fréquentes
When should my puppy have its first vet visit?
Within the first few days after you bring your puppy home is a good aim. After that, puppies usually see the vet every 3 to 4 weeks until about four months of age, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
What should I bring to my puppy's first vet appointment?
Bring the breeder or shelter records, the microchip paperwork, a fresh stool sample if the clinic asks, food details and your written questions.
How many vaccine visits does a puppy need?
Usually several. WSAVA recommends doses every 2 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks or older, then a revaccination at or after 26 weeks, and your vet sets the exact plan.
Does my puppy need a rabies vaccine in Ontario?
Yes, once your puppy is three months old. Ontario Regulation 567 requires rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets three months of age and older.
When can my puppy start puppy class?
Often as early as 7 to 8 weeks. AVSAB says puppies should have at least one set of vaccines 7 days before the first class, plus a first deworming, so check with your vet.
En bref
A good puppy first vet visit is mostly about showing up prepared: every record, a stool sample if they asked, food details and your questions on paper. You'll leave with a vaccine and parasite plan and the date of the next visit, which will come around sooner than you think.
Set up your puppy's records and reminders that same day, so the busy months ahead stay on track. The PetGrid app is free for pet owners.
Gardez les dossiers, les vaccins et les visites de votre animal dans un seul endroit sûr. L'application PetGrid est gratuite pour les propriétaires d'animaux, avec ou sans clinique.
Get the free PetGrid appSources
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