Your Puppy's First Veterinary Visit

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of questions. One of the most important first steps is establishing a veterinary relationship and making sure your puppy gets off to a healthy start.

At Creekside Veterinary Clinic, your puppy's first visit is about more than vaccines. It is an opportunity to establish a health baseline, review your puppy's history, answer your questions, and create a plan for healthy growth and development.

When Should Your Puppy Have a First Visit?

We recommend scheduling your puppy's first veterinary visit soon after bringing them home.

Your puppy's age, previous vaccinations, health history, and where your puppy came from will all help determine what should happen at that first appointment.

What Happens During a Puppy Visit?

Your puppy will receive a thorough physical examination while your veterinary team reviews their medical history and current care.

Depending on your puppy's age, history, lifestyle, and individual needs, your visit may include discussion of:

Bring Your Puppy's Records

If you received paperwork from a breeder, shelter, or rescue organization, bring it with you. Previous vaccination dates, deworming information, medications, and other medical records can help your veterinary team determine what your puppy needs next.

Don't worry if you don't have everything. Bring what you have and we'll help you make sense of it.

Questions Are Part of the Visit

Puppyhood can feel like a lot to navigate. Your puppy's first appointment is a good time to ask about anything you're wondering about—from feeding and potty training to chewing, sleeping, behavior, and safe socialization.

There is no such thing as a silly question when you're learning your new puppy's needs.

Helping Your Puppy Have a Positive First Visit

Your puppy's first veterinary experience can help shape how they feel about future veterinary care. A little preparation can make the visit easier for everyone.

A Healthy Start Begins Here

Puppies grow quickly during their first year. Establishing veterinary care early gives you a trusted resource for preventive care, health questions, and the changes that come with each stage of puppyhood.

If you've recently brought home a puppy, we're happy to help you get started.

Request a Puppy Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I take my puppy to the veterinarian for the first time?

Schedule your puppy's first veterinary visit soon after bringing them home. The appropriate timing may depend on your puppy's age, health history, vaccination status, and previous veterinary care.

What should I bring to my puppy's first appointment?

Bring vaccination records, medical records, deworming information, medication information, and paperwork provided by the breeder, shelter, or rescue organization.

What vaccines does my puppy need?

Puppy vaccination needs vary according to age, previous vaccines, lifestyle, environment, and individual health considerations. Your veterinary team can establish an appropriate vaccination schedule during your puppy's visit.

What should I feed my new puppy?

Puppies have changing nutritional needs as they grow. Your veterinary team can help you choose an appropriate diet and feeding routine based on your puppy's age, size, growth, and individual needs.

Can I ask questions about puppy behavior?

Absolutely. Puppyhood comes with plenty of questions about chewing, potty training, sleep, socialization, introductions, and other behaviors. Your puppy's first visit is a great time to discuss those concerns.

Welcome to Puppyhood

The first year goes by quickly. Starting with a good veterinary relationship helps give your puppy the foundation for a long, healthy life.

Welcome to the Creekside family.

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