Mochi's ClinicPuppy or Kitten's First Vet Visit
Bringing a new furry friend home is a huge joy, but it also brings many questions. We'll tell you step-by-step what to expect during their first vet check-up.
This is general information: for any health concerns, consult your veterinarian.
When to Schedule Your Puppy or Kitten's First Vet Visit
The ideal time is within the first three to five days after your new pet arrives home. It's good to allow this short window for the animal to adjust a little to its new environment.
If it's a very young puppy or kitten, under eight weeks old, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to ensure everything is going well from the start.
What Happens During the General Check-up
The vet will perform a complete physical examination to assess your pet's general health and rule out any congenital problems.
During the consultation, weight and body condition will be checked, along with monitoring growth and development according to the animal's age. Body temperature will also be measured, and vital signs will be monitored.
Eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, and gums will be carefully examined to check the state of their dentition. Similarly, the specialist will evaluate the skin and coat, and listen to the heart and lungs to check the cardiopulmonary system.
The examination is completed by examining the abdomen and joints to check mobility. Finally, behavior, socialization, and the little one's adaptation will be assessed.
Additionally, you will receive comprehensive advice on nutrition, including the appropriate type of food, recommended daily amount, and feeding frequency.
Microchip, Health Booklet, and Mandatory Documentation
Microchip implantation is a mandatory procedure for dogs and, in many autonomous communities, also a requirement for cats. If your companion doesn't have one yet, the vet will implant it during the visit.
At this first appointment, the health booklet or veterinary passport is also issued or updated. This document serves as an identification card, a record of health history, and mandatory legal support for vaccinations, especially rabies, and for travel. It's very important that each visit and treatment is duly recorded and stamped.
Vaccination and Deworming Plan
Deworming should be done before or about four to five days before vaccination. It is divided into two types:
Internal deworming is used to combat intestinal worms, such as roundworms and tapeworms. For kittens, it is recommended to start the first deworming treatment at three weeks of age and repeat it every two weeks until the weaning stage is complete.
External deworming is applied to prevent fleas, ticks, mites, and mosquitoes.
Regarding vaccination, an adapted schedule is established. For dogs, the usual protection against parvovirus, distemper, infectious hepatitis, and leptospirosis is sought.
In cats, vaccination protects against feline panleukopenia, herpesvirus, and calicivirus, known as feline flu. If they go outdoors or depending on the region, rabies or feline leukemia may be considered. Remember that the latter should not be administered before twelve weeks of age and requires a prior blood test to rule out infections.
To conclude this section, the vet will schedule the next follow-up appointment, which usually involves a second check-up or a booster of basic immunization about four weeks later.
Questions It's Good to Have Written Down
To make the most of the consultation and not forget anything, it's very useful to come prepared with a list of questions from home.
You can take the opportunity to resolve doubts about the vaccination schedule and upcoming appointments, ask about basic training guidelines, socialization, and how to correct certain behaviors.
It's also the perfect time to consult about feline environmental needs, how to adapt your home or apartment, what the optimal diet is, or specific hygiene care, such as dental health.
Finally, don't forget to ask the specialist about your pet's future sterilization.
How to Keep Your Pet Calm
To make the journey as calm as possible, it's essential to use an appropriate and safe carrier for both dogs and cats. For felines, it is practically indispensable to reduce their stress level.
Don't forget to bring any previous documentation you have, such as the breeder's or shelter's booklet and other relevant reports.
Also, if possible, it's a great idea to bring a fresh stool sample in case the vet needs to perform a parasitological analysis.
Frequently asked questions
When should the first vet visit take place?
The ideal time is within the first three to five days after they arrive home. If it's a puppy or kitten under eight weeks old, you should go as soon as possible.
Is it mandatory to get a microchip on the first visit?
Yes for dogs, and in many communities, also for cats. If they don't have one, the vet will implant it during the same appointment.
Do I need to bring any samples or documents?
You should bring previous documentation, such as the shelter's booklet, and a fresh stool sample in case the vet needs to analyze it.
«Hi, neighbor! I know the way by heart, but remember to bring a clean carrier and have some treats ready for after the shot.»
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