What To Ask Your Vet During First Puppy Visit

When you get a new puppy, your first appointment with your veterinarian is critically important to ensure that your puppy is healthy and up-to-date with his or her vaccinations.  But it is also a great opportunity to establish a relationship with your vet and to allow you to ask questions about how to care for your new pet, especially if this is your first time owning a dog. With that in mind, we have prepared a list of questions that you may want to ask during your initial vet visit.

Please note: As of this writing, we are still in the middle of a coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, many vet offices across the country are not allowing dog owners to accompany their pets to the appointment. It is not unusual for your vet’s office to require you to drop off your puppy at their door and wait outside while they examine the dog and administer vaccines, etc. Then the vet will come speak with you either outside or by telephone after the exam is completed. This is for your safety as well as the vet office staff’s safety.

Does my puppy have any underlying illnesses or diseases?

Your vet should check your puppy for a variety of medical conditions. They may request that you bring in a stool sample so that they can have it checked as well for any signs of parasites or other concerns. If you observe any problems or concerns with your puppy you should mention these to your vet. If you are not permitted to speak with the vet during the exam, then write out a list of questions in advance and give them to your vet before the exam.

If you got your puppy from a breeder, they may provide a limited money-back guarantee. Therefore, you will want to identify any underlying health issues early on in case you need to return the dog to the breeder.

Do I need to vaccinate my puppy?

Dogs, just like humans, can be susceptible to certain illnesses, some of which can be fatal. Fortunately, a number of vaccines have been developed that can prevent these illnesses and keep your puppy safe and healthy. Your vet will tell you which vaccines are recommended and at what age. Your vet will keep track of your dog’s vaccines to ensure that nothing is missed.

In the meantime, your vet may suggest that you avoid walking your dog around your neighborhood or letting your dog interact with other dogs until he or she has had the necessary vaccinations. This will help to avoid the possibility that your puppy comes into contact with a dog that has not had the proper vaccinations. However, if you or your family own other dogs that you know have been properly vaccinated already, then you may be able to introduce your new puppy to the other dogs in your family (if your vet says it’s OK).

What should I feed my puppy?

If you got your puppy from a breeder, you will probably continue to feed your dog the same kind of food that your breeder served, as this is what the puppy is used to. However, it is a good idea to inquire with your vet as to whether this is the recommended diet and whether to supplement with anything else. Dogs need a balanced diet and your vet may suggest introducing other foods over time. But be careful about serving your dog “people food”, as there are many foods that must be avoided. Your vet may give you a list of foods that are dangerous for dogs, including grapes (and raisins), certain brands of peanut butter (watch out for brands that contain a sweetener called “xylitol” which is toxic to dogs), etc.

When should I spay or neuter my puppy?

Veterinarians typically recommend pets be spayed or neutered before they reach sexual maturity. If the goal is to keep them from reproducing, any time sterilization can be safely accomplished before they contribute to the overpopulation is the right time. Six months of age is the most commonly recommended time for sterilization. Although some shelters will spay or neuter dogs earlier, research has shown that in certain breeds there may be advantages to waiting. Therefore, we suggest that you talk to your veterinarian about what is best for your puppy. 

Should I microchip my puppy?

Some veterinarians will recommend having a microchip placed under the skin of your puppy as a means of permanently identifying your dog in the event they are lost. The microchip is an excellent way to help reunite lost dogs with their families. Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and contain your contact information. The procedure is similar to giving a vaccine and can be done at any time. Not all pet owners want to place a microchip in their pet, but for those interested, a veterinarian is able to provide you will all the information needed to make a decision.

What is pet insurance and should I consider it?

While pet insurance isn’t a must for everyone, it may be helpful for you and your pet. There are several providers of pet insurance. You will need to do some research to find the provider and plan that is best for you and your situation. Your veterinarian should be able to provide you with information about which pet health insurance companies they may use or recommend.

We have only scratched the surface with this list of questions. There may be additional health concerns you will want to raise that are specific to your dog’s breed. It is best to write down all of your questions and bring that list with you to your dog’s appointment to ensure that you do not forget to ask anything. Be sure to listen carefully to the answers and ask follow-up questions if there is anything you are confused about.