Your Puppy's First Vet Visit

Your Puppy's First Vet Visit

Congratulations on the new puppy! Between the sleepless nights, the chewed-up shoes, and all that puppy breath, it's a lot to take in. One of the best things you can do early on is get your pup in to see us so we can start off on the right paw together.

At Creekside Veterinary Clinic, that first visit is about a lot more than just vaccines. It's really our first chance to get to know your puppy, hear their story so far, answer whatever questions are on your mind, and put together a plan for keeping them happy and healthy as they grow.

When Should You Bring Your Puppy In?

Our advice: don't wait too long. Give us a call soon after you bring your new puppy home so we can get them checked out.

Every puppy's a little different, so what we cover at that first visit depends on their age, any vaccines they've already had, their health history, and where they came from.

What Actually Happens at the Visit?

We'll give your puppy a nose-to-tail exam and talk through their medical history and current care with you.

Depending on your puppy's age, background, and what they need, we may also chat about:

  • Vaccination schedules
  • Heartworm prevention
  • Flea and tick prevention
  • Parasite testing and deworming
  • Nutrition and feeding
  • Healthy growth and development
  • Dental care
  • Spay or neuter timing
  • Microchipping and identification
  • Socialization and puppy behavior

Got Paperwork? Bring It Along

If your breeder, shelter, or rescue sent you home with any paperwork, grab it on your way out the door. Vaccination dates, deworming info, medications — anything like that helps us figure out exactly what your puppy needs next.

And if you don't have all of it, don't sweat it. Just bring what you've got and we'll help you piece the rest together.

Ask Us Anything

Puppyhood can feel like a lot to figure out, and that first appointment is a great time to ask about anything that's on your mind — feeding, potty training, chewing, sleep schedules, behavior, safe ways to socialize, you name it.

Honestly, there's no such thing as a silly question when you're getting to know a new puppy.

Setting Your Puppy Up for a Good First Visit

How your puppy's first vet visit goes can shape how they feel about coming to see us down the road, so a little prep goes a long way.

  • Bring along a favorite small treat, if your puppy's comfortable with them.
  • Toss in a favorite toy or a blanket that smells like home.
  • Keep them secure and comfortable on the ride over.
  • Give yourself a little extra time so nobody feels rushed.
  • Jot down any questions you want to remember to ask.

A Healthy Start Begins Here

Puppies change so much in that first year. Starting veterinary care early means you've always got someone in your corner for preventive care, health questions, and everything that comes with each new stage.

If you've recently welcomed a puppy into your home, we'd love 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?

Soon after you bring them home is best. Exactly when depends on your puppy's age, health history, vaccination status, and any veterinary care they've already had.

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

Anything you've got — vaccination records, medical records, deworming info, medications, and whatever paperwork came from the breeder, shelter, or rescue.

What vaccines does my puppy need?

It really depends on your puppy — their age, past vaccines, lifestyle, environment, and general health all play a part. We'll work out the right vaccination schedule together at their visit.

What should I feed my new puppy?

Puppies' nutritional needs change as they grow, so we're happy to help you pick a diet and feeding routine that fits your puppy's age, size, and individual needs.

Can I ask questions about puppy behavior?

Of course! Chewing, potty training, sleep, socialization, introducing them to new people and pets — puppyhood brings up all kinds of questions, and the first visit is a great time to talk through them.

Welcome to Puppyhood

That first year flies by. Starting off with a good relationship with your vet gives your puppy a solid foundation for a long, healthy life together.

Welcome to the Creekside family.

New to Creekside?

Whether you're new to us altogether or just bringing in a new pet, we'd love to meet you both.

NEW CLIENT NEW PATIENT