How to Handle Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit A Vet’s Own Checklist 2025 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Your puppy’s first vet visit is a big milestone—but for many pet parents, it’s also a source of stress. Will your pup be scared? Will they get a shot? What should you bring?

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston. Here’s exactly how to make your puppy’s first checkup smooth, stress-free, and successful—for both of you.

🗓️ When to Book the First Appointment

• 📆 Ideally within the first 3–5 days of bringing your puppy home
• 🧾 Especially important if they came from a breeder, shelter, or transport
• 💉 First core vaccinations usually happen around 6–8 weeks old

📦 What to Bring to the Appointment

• 🧸 Favorite toy or comfort item
• 📋 Any paperwork from breeder/rescue (vaccination, microchip, worming)
• 🥩 High-value treats
• 💩 A fresh stool sample (if requested for deworming/fecal testing)

👩⚕️ What the Vet Will Do

• 🩺 Full physical exam – heart, lungs, eyes, ears, joints, weight, and teeth
• 💉 Administer first or second vaccinations if due
• 🪱 Discuss parasite control: fleas, ticks, worms, and heartworm
• 🗣️ Talk about diet, training, microchips, and desexing

Vet Tip: Write down your questions beforehand—you’ll always forget something in the moment.

🧠 How to Prepare Your Puppy

• 🏥 Visit the clinic’s parking lot a few days before for a “happy visit”
• 🧠 Gently handle paws, ears, and mouth at home to mimic vet handling
• 🥓 Use treats to reward calm behavior in and around the clinic
• 🛏️ Ensure your pup is well-rested and not overdue for a nap

🧘 What to Expect Emotionally

• 😮 Mild nervousness is normal
• 🧃 Some pups vomit or poop from car sickness—bring spare towels
• 🧊 Treat and praise them after the visit to reinforce a positive association

🧾 Questions to Ask Your Vet

• 🗓️ What’s my puppy’s full vaccine schedule?
• 💊 When and how often should I deworm?
• 🥣 Is my puppy eating the right food?
• 🦷 When should I start brushing teeth or nail trims?
• ✂️ When should I desex or spay/neuter?

🎁 Gear to Help With First Vet Visits

• Explorer Harness – Soft, secure support for the car ride and exam table
• Bungee Lead – Smooth lead handling if your pup gets nervous or pulls
• Dual Pocket Treat Dispenser – Perfect for treats + poop bags on vet day

💬 What Puppy Parents Say

“We brought her favorite blanket and the Woopf treat pouch—she was calm the whole time!” – Leah & Luna

“Our vet visit went so smoothly because we did a practice trip the day before. Total gamechanger.” – Max & Blue

👩⚕️ Want Help Planning the First Vet Visit?

Send your puppy’s age, breed, and prior records to Ask A Vet and get a custom vet visit checklist, vaccination timeline, and question guide.

Final Thoughts

Your puppy’s first vet visit is more than a checkup—it’s a training opportunity. Prepare with purpose, stay calm, and reward often. You’re not just raising a healthy pup—you’re raising a confident one too.