Do not assume that you will be able to hold a wiggly puppy in your arms when they experience all the new sights, sounds and smells at the clinic. Small puppies will be more comfortable and safer if they travel in a crate. Get a complete guide to dog vaccines here. Your veterinarian may adjust this plan based on your puppy’s particular history and needs. Puppies who receive their first vaccinations when they are older than 4 or 5 months of age can usually be caught up in two visits scheduled 3 to 4 weeks apart.

Most puppies start their vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. It’s best to learn about problems as soon as possible before any health guarantees the breeder provides expires.Ī typical vet schedule for puppies is for appointments to occur every 3 to 4 weeks starting when puppies are 6 to 8 weeks old and ending when they are 4 or 5 months old. The doctor will also perform a complete physical examination and perhaps run some laboratory tests to identify any potential health concerns. This will allow the veterinarian to review your pup’s records and quickly provide any overdue care.

You should receive paperwork that clearly states what type of care has already been provided, when that occurred, and when you should schedule your puppy’s next veterinary visit.īut regardless of what the shelter or breeder has already done, it is always a good idea to schedule a new puppy vet visit within a few days of picking up your new canine companion. Many dog shelters and breeders start vet visits for puppies before they release their little ones to new pet parents. When to Take a Puppy to the Vet for the First Time If you’re the proud pet parent of a new puppy, here is what you should know about taking your puppy to their first vet visit. Healthy puppies need to start on their preventative care so that they can stay healthy, and sick puppies need treatment before their condition becomes serious or even life-threatening. It’s absolutely vital that you schedule your puppy’s first vet visit within the first few days of bringing them home. Puppies may act like they’re up for anything, but because of their immature immune systems, they’re quite susceptible to illness and injury.

Bringing home a puppy checklist