As one of the many “firsts” with your new puppy,
take them to your vet soon after bringing them home!
Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit
Since most puppies go to their new homes around 6-8 weeks, your puppy’s first vet visit needs to be scheduled. Dr. Vivian Cardoso-Carroll, DVM of PetMD.com recommends having your pup meet his vet within the first week of bringing them home. This gives the puppy time to settle into their new home and for the pup parent to learn about their personality.
Caution: If you are adopting a puppy from a breeder or shelter, carefully read your contract about when you need to take your puppy to see the vet to avoid breaking your contract and potentially dire consequences!
Some breeders require a vet visit within 72 hours, so be sure to read the fine print or ask the breeder directly.
Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit: What to Expect
Taking your new puppy to the vet soon after his adoption offers many benefits!
- First, a vet visit is an important part of a young puppy’s socialization and establishes a crucial relationship for the rest of his life.
- An early vet visit helps your veterinarian establish a baseline for your young dog’s overall health as well as any potential issues or abnormalities through a physical examination. If necessary, the vet may also do some lab tests. The vet will check your puppy’s body, skin, coat, eyes, ears, nose and mouth. In addition, they will also test their vision, hearing and alertness. Preventative puppy care will ensure a healthy pup!
- The vet will also review the breeder’s vaccination and deworming history and schedule the puppy’s remaining vaccinations. Vaccinations are critical protection for your pup’s health since the protective antibodies from their mother’s milk have begun to wear off (around 6 weeks).
- Four core vaccines are recommended:
- Distemper.
- Canine Hepatitis.
- Canine Parvovirus.
- Rabies (not given until 14-16 weeks of age).
- Four core vaccines are recommended:
- Your puppy’s first vet visit is important for your new bundle of fur, but it is also a great opportunity for you to get your questions answered by a professional!
- What should you bring along to your puppy’s first vet visit?
- You and your puppy.
- Fresh poop sample.
- All records and paperwork.
- Your questions (write them down so you do not forget!).
- The first vet visit is also a good time to discuss microchipping your puppy!
Looking for a New Puppy Near Northern Arkansas?
Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers, English Cream Golden Retrievers,
Aussiedoodles, Labradoodles, Toy Aussiedoodles,
Mini Aussiedoodles and Mini Labradoodles!
All puppies come with a one-year health guarantee.
Previous Vet Visits by Your Puppy
Before you adopted your furry new friend, a reputable breeder will have already taken the pup in for a vet visit around 2-3 weeks of age. Again, take any paperwork from your breeder to your first vet visit so the veterinarian has a complete medical history for your puppy. The more your vet knows about previous vet care and dosages, the better he can care for your new addition!
After Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit: Moving Forward
After your first vet visit with your new puppy (around 6-8 weeks of age), vet visits should occur every 3-4 weeks ending around 4-5 months of age. This may be adjusted by your vet based on your puppy’s needs and history.
Work to make your puppy’s first vet visit
happy and calm!
Bring along his favorite treats and generously
reward his good behavior!
ARKANSAS BEAR CREEK GOLDENS AND DOODLES
F1 Toy Aussiedoodle Puppies Now Available!
F1 Goldendoodle Puppies Also Available!
We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
All our puppies come with a health guarantee for their first 12 months of age.
Please text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 or use our Contact Form here for more information about upcoming litters.
