As soon as you bring a new cat or dog home, your first step should be setting up an appointment with a veterinarian. This visit will ensure your pet is in good health while setting them up for a lifetime of attentive, quality care. If this is your first time with a pet, here’s what to expect during your initial visit.

A Guide to Your Pet’s First Vet Appointment

Wellness Exam

Expect your pet to receive a thorough physical exam. The veterinarian or a vet tech will record their weight, temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate. Be prepared to answer a few questions about their history, diet, and general health. They may ask what shelter, rescue, or breeder your pet came from, or what brand of food they eat. Try to be as specific and accurate in your answers as possible.

The vet will examine your companion’s ears, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, skin, and coat for anything unusual. If they didn’t ask for a stool sample beforehand, they will take one for lab testing during the appointment. Blood and urine samples may also be taken. These tests are meant to detect the presence of parasites and certain diseases, such as heartworms. Your pet’s first wellness exam establishes a baseline, which allows your vet to determine when a symptom is a cause for concern at future checkups.

Preventative Care

After checking your pet’s current health, your veterinarian will want to set up a preventative care routine and start administering treatments. This might include pet vaccinations, parasite control, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. All preventative care will be customized to meet your pet’s specific needs and keep them healthy. Your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and environment help determine what types of medications or treatments will suit them best.

Discussion & Questions

Your veterinarian will always leave time for discussion. They’ll offer you advice about nutrition, non-core vaccinations, dental care, and other aspects of your pet’s health. Come with a list of questions or concerns in case they don’t get answered during the appointment. You could ask about the best training methods or healthiest food brands. Make sure you leave the appointment ready to give your new companion the best care possible at home.

If you’ve recently added a furry friend to the family, bring them to Covedale Pet Hospital in Cincinnati, OH, for their first checkup. Serving the West Price Hill area for over 25 years, these experienced veterinarians offer exceptional pet care in a clean and comfortable environment. From routine physical exams to advanced laser surgery treatments, their team uses state-of-the-art equipment and methods to keep your pet happy and healthy. Learn more about their services online. To schedule your pet’s first appointment, call (513) 251-4666.