Taking in a puppy is a huge, but exciting, responsibility. You want to make sure this new member of the family is set to have a long, happy life. This means committing to your pup’s health. The first year of a puppy’s life is a crucial time for preventive pet care and examinations, so you’ll need to take them to the veterinarian more often than an adult dog. As you’re welcoming your pup into their new home, make the following vet visits.

A Guide to Puppy Vet Visits

When Should a Puppy’s First Visit Be?

Ideally, you’ll take your puppy to a veterinarian within the first few days of bringing them home. You want them to get checked out as soon as possible. The vet will perform a thorough physical exam to ensure your puppy is in good shape. Their information will be entered into the veterinary clinic database, where you and your vet can track your dog’s health history and wellness throughout their lifetime. During this first appointment, your vet will also create an immunization schedule and begin discussing preventive care.

What Preventive Care Do Puppies Need?

Puppies are extra vulnerable to parasites and disease, so you will need to schedule frequent visits. Veterinarians will test for parasites like heartworm and fleas, then administer appropriate shots, topical products, or oral medication.

Between six to eight weeks of age, dogs should receive vaccines for distemper, measles, and parainfluenza. The DHPP vaccination, which includes vaccines for distemper, canine hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus, should be given during the 10 to 12 week, 14 to 16 week, and 12 to 16 month periods. Puppies need rabies vaccinations at both 12 to 24 weeks and 12 to 16 months. After this initial period of immunizations, vaccinations will continue every one to three years.

How Often Should I Bring My Puppy In?

Outside of the initial visit, schedule visits for core vaccinations, as well as optional vaccines your veterinarian may recommend because of your dog’s lifestyle. If they are not spayed or neutered already, consider making that appointment between eight weeks and six months of age. It’s also a good idea to bring your puppy to the vet as soon as they start teething, both to see that their teeth are growing in normally and to manage any discomfort. Of course, if an emergency situation arises, you should go to the clinic immediately.

Raising a puppy takes lots of patience, care, and attention, and Robertsdale Animal Clinic of Baldwin County, AL, is here to help. With their compassionate staff of pet parents and animal lovers, they know how important the health and happiness of your pet is to you. They offer advanced, comprehensive veterinary services, including surgery, internal medicine, dentistry, microchipping, and nutritional services. Set up an appointment with an expert veterinarian today by calling (251) 947-7297. Visit their website for more information.