Are you a proud new puppy parent? There’s a lot going on! You’re enjoying the high energy and affection of a puppy, but you’re also navigating so many new responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is scheduling your puppy’s first health check at the vet.
Regular wellness exams are routine visits during which your veterinarian will medically evaluate your pup to help keep them healthy. For puppies, these exams mean multiple vaccines and careful attention to their growth. Puppies should have their first puppy checkup when they’re between 6 and 8 weeks old. Dr. Daniel Dixon, founder and veterinarian at North Keller Animal Hospital, recommends scheduling this ahead of time for the first week you bring your puppy home.
To help you make the most of your time with the vet during a puppy wellness exam, we’ve put together a guide on what to expect and ask at your puppy’s first health check.
What Happens at Your Puppy’s First Health Check?
The first puppy health check typically consists of your veterinarian performing a head-to-tail physical exam and initiating the first round of vaccinations. You may also get your pup microchipped if you haven’t already done so.
It’s also an excellent time to discuss parasite prevention, diet, and exercise requirements. Extras might include a nail trim, training, behavioural resources, and additional bloodwork. Here’s everything to expect.
Physical examination
During a new puppy health check, your vet will look for all the signs of a healthy pup. They’ll likely ask about your puppy’s history and how they’ve been since you brought them home.
A head-to-tail examination may include checking the following:
- Weight: monitoring that growth and development are on par with your pup’s breed and age
- Attitude: looking for a bright, alert, and responsive disposition
- Musculoskeletal system: assessing gait and joints; checking for congenital abnormalities or health issues present at birth, like a luxating patella
- Heart: listening for murmurs or signs of a heart condition
- Lungs: making sure there’s no pneumonia or respiratory problems
- Abdomen: looking for tenderness or any abnormalities, like a hernia or bulge where the intestine is poking through the abdominal wall
- Teeth and gums: checking baby teeth that will have erupted at this point and ensuring gums are healthy and pink
- Eyes, ears, nose: monitoring for discharge, redness, or abnormalities, such as congenital cataracts, blindness, or problems with hearing
- Skin and coat: checking for skin conditions, parasites, or allergies
Vaccinations
Vaccines protect puppies from parasites and other illnesses. Your puppy will likely receive vaccinations at every vet visit during their first few months. “The most common schedule for puppy vaccines will be 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age,” says Dr. Dixon. “This can change with certain situations, and in a few areas, they may need to be seen for another vaccine appointment at 20 weeks.”
Microchipping
Microchipping is an excellent way to keep your pup safe if they ever get lost. If your puppy isn’t microchipped when you first bring them home, you can have it done at your vet clinic once they reach 8 weeks of age. Microchips are easy and usually painless to implant, making them a comfortable and stress-free way to keep your pup safe.
Parasite tests and meds
Along with staying current on vaccines, testing for and discussing ways to prevent parasites are important components of a puppy checkup. This may include:
- A faecal examination. Your vet will have you bring in a stool sample, which they’ll check for internal parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and Giardia.
- A dewormer. Even if your pup’s faecal exam comes back negative, your vet may still administer an oral dewormer. This is common practice since puppies are often born with or quickly get parasites.
- Flea and tick prevention. Many flea and tick medications are safe for puppies to take once they’re 8 weeks old and about 3 or 4 pounds.
- Heartworm prevention. The PDSA recommends that puppies start taking heartworm prevention at three weeks old and repeat this every two to three weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. Check dosage frequency with your vet, as each product differs. If you’ve brought home an older puppy that’s over 6 months of age who hasn’t been taking heartworm meds, your vet will likely recommend giving them a heartworm test before beginning medication.
Discussion of diet and exercise
During your visit, you’ll also want to discuss with your veterinarian the best type of food to feed your puppy based on their age, breed, and activity level. Your vet can advise how much and how often to feed your pup to ensure healthy development, especially during the first few months when they’re growing rapidly.
Exercise is another important topic of discussion, as puppies need lots of gentle exercise that won’t hurt their growing joints. While short walks are a popular method of physical activity, you can also give your pup exercise through play, fun games, and training sessions.
Extras
Your vet may recommend, or you can request, additional services such as a nail trim. You may also need to order additional tests, such as a urine analysis, a complete blood count, and a serum chemistry test. Having a baseline from these tests provides a comparison for any future bloodwork your dog may need.
Additionally, your vet may offer general advice on puppy behaviour, socialisation, and training, providing information about local puppy classes or groomers in the area.
They may also offer tailored information and resources based on your pup’s particular breed, including how to prevent breed-specific health concerns or handle certain temperaments.
What To Bring to a Puppy Health Check
Now that you know what the first wellness exam will entail, here are some of the necessary items you’ll want to bring to your puppy’s first checkup:
- Medical or health records. “Pet parents should bring every record that they have, whether it is from the breeder, another vet, adoption centre, etc.,” recommends Dr. Dixon.
- Lead and harness. Keeping your puppy securely on a lead at the vet will ensure they don’t get spooked and run off. Bringing your puppy’s harness can also help you confirm with your vet that you have the right fit.
- Fresh stool sample. If your vet needs to conduct a faecal exam, you’ll need to bring in a fresh stool sample, ideally within 12 to 24 hours of your visit.
- Favourite toy. A beloved toy or food puzzle can provide comfort or a welcome distraction during a puppy checkup.
- High-value treats. Tasty training treats or long-lasting chews can help create a positive association with the vet.
Puppy Checkup Schedule
After the initial wellness visit, which typically occurs around 6 to 8 weeks old, puppies return to the vet for vaccinations every few weeks until they’re approximately 16 weeks. “After this, as long as things are going well, a six-month and one-year appointment is usually recommended,” says Dr. Dixon.
Below, we break down the typical puppy checkup schedule. Here’s what to expect during each visit based on your pup’s age.
| Puppy Age | What to Expect |
| 8 weeks | Full physical exam, vaccinations, faecal sample, deworming, setting up parasite prevention, and additional testing (if needed). |
| 12 weeks | Vaccinations and checking weight and vital signs. |
| 16 weeks | Vaccinations and checking weight and vital signs. |
| 6 months | Full physical exam, checking weight and vital signs, dental check, and discussing spaying and neutering. |
| 1 year | Full physical exam, booster shots, discussing diet and exercise, and checking weight and vital signs. |
beavera via iStock
Questions To Ask at the Puppy Health Check
Don’t be afraid to ask your vet questions during your puppy’s checkup. “Any question is reasonable at this visit,” says Dr. Dixon. “We realise that we see everyone from brand-new puppy owners to long-term breeders. Asking about training, pottying, biting, and socialisation are all good questions, but no question is a bad one, and it’s important you feel like you have a good handle on everything you need to do.”
Some questions you may want to ask include:
- Is my pup at a healthy weight for their age and breed?
- What breed-specific health issues should I be aware of?
- Are there other vaccinations you recommend for this area and our lifestyle?
- Should we consider additional parasite prevention for our location?
- When is it safe for my puppy to be social with other dogs or in public places?
- When can I start walking with my puppy?
- When is the best time to spay or neuter my dog?
- What type of pet insurance do you recommend?
- What type of food should I feed my puppy?
- How much should I feed my puppy, and what is the recommended feeding schedule?
- At what age do you recommend I switch to adult food?
- Are there any specific nutritional supplements my puppy might benefit from?
- Do you recommend any training, grooming, or doggy daycare facilities in the area?
“Some owners have specific concerns, such as vaccine hesitancy, heartworm prevention, etc., and this is a good time to ask any of these questions as well,” says Dr. Dixon. You can also check for resources on puppy trainers, puppy training videos, pamphlets, and websites. Your vet’s office is likely aware of well-reviewed local options.
Puppy Health Check Costs
Puppy health checks vary in price but generally cost between £30 and nearly £80 per visit, according to an insurer’s survey of 76 vets across the UK and depending on the services provided. Costs will vary depending on your puppy’s health and your location.
Pet insurance can help pay for medical costs, but it’s best to sign your pup up when they’re younger to avoid paying additional fees for pre-existing conditions. It’s also a good idea to research the best plan for you and your pup, as not all plans are the same or offer the same coverage or add-on options.
The PDSA also offers low-cost, reputable vet clinics to help with free or affordable puppy checkups, vaccinations, and spaying and neutering surgeries for eligible pet parents.
Other Times to See the Vet
Sometimes, your pup may need to see the vet outside of a routine puppy health check, especially if they appear sick or hurt. Some signs and symptoms that warrant a vet visit include:
- Increased fatigue or lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhoea for over 24 hours (blood in stool or vomit requires immediate attention)
- Open wounds or bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Noticeable change in eating, sleeping, or potty habits
- Rapid weight loss
- Ingested something harmful or toxic (plant, toy, food, underwear, or household items)
- Swollen or hard abdomen
As a pet parent, you know your pup best! If you notice any behaviour or symptom that something seems off, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. It’s best to err on the side of caution to keep your new puppy healthy and safe as they grow into the best dog they can be!
