Your dog’s first veterinary appointment sets the stage for a lifetime of good health. It’s crucial for vaccinations, identifying congenital or early health issues, and establishing a trusted relationship with your veterinarian. Preparing in advance, understanding what to expect, and knowing how to interact with your dog during the visit ensures a calm, productive experience for both you and your pet
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Our Top 10 tips for your dog's first vet visit
Prepare records and questions – Gather any previous vaccination history, breeder or shelter notes, dietary information, and behavioural observations. Write down questions you want to ask your vet
Introduce carriers and leashes – Before the visit, get your dog comfortable in a travel carrier or on a leash. Practice short trips to familiarise your dog with movement, reducing stress during a journey to the clinic.
Schedule wisely – Book the appointment during quieter clinic hours if possible. Early mornings or mid-afternoon can reduce exposure to loud noises and other stressed pets, helping your dog remain calm.
Keep your dog calm – Speak softly, use treats, and maintain a relaxed demeanour. Avoid high-pitched excitement or scolding, as dogs mirror your stress levels, influencing their behaviour in the clinic.
Discuss vaccinations – Review core and non-core vaccines appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle. Understand timing, possible side effects, and when boosters are needed to ensure full protection.
Check weight and growth – The vet will assess your dog’s weight, body condition, and growth milestones. Discuss nutrition, portion control, and any concerns to maintain healthy development and prevent obesity-related issues.
Review diet and behaviour – Talk through your dog’s current diet, feeding schedule, and any behavioural challenges. The vet can provide tailored advice for optimal nutrition, behavioural training, and enrichment strategies.
Full physical exam – Expect a head-to-tail examination including eyes, ears, teeth, skin, paws, and joints. This helps identify congenital issues, early infections, or other conditions that might not be immediately obvious.
Arrange follow-up visits – Establish a vaccination, deworming, and check-up schedule. Planning in advance ensures your dog maintains preventative care routines consistently, reducing the risk of illness or delayed interventions.
Seek expert advice – If you notice anything unusual such as persistent scratching, coughing, vomiting, or abnormal behaviour, ask your vet immediately. Early intervention improves outcomes and helps you understand when urgent care is necessary.
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Summary of this article
A successful first vet visit involves preparing records and questions, introducing your dog to carriers or leashes, scheduling during calm clinic hours, keeping the dog calm, and performing a physical exam
From the experts – Arrive calm and prepared with questions, keep your dog comfortable with treats and familiar items, review vaccinations and diet, and schedule follow-ups for preventative care. Max can guide you on what to expect at your first visit, how to monitor your dog afterward, and how to address any early health or behavioural concerns.
Got questions? Max is hanging out on the right of your display - give him a shout!
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