Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but many first-time pet owners wonder what to expect during their first veterinary appointment. Your puppy’s initial visit typically includes a physical examination, discussion of optional preventive care, and guidance on nutrition and behavior to help them grow into a healthy adult dog.

At Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care, we provide comprehensive wellness and preventative care in a calming, Fear-Free environment on our beautiful 3-acre property in Reno. Our team answers your questions with compassion and develops individualized care plans that respect your preferences and your puppy’s unique needs.

What Happens During the Physical Exam

Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough nose-to-tail examination of your puppy. They’ll check your puppy’s eyes, ears, and mouth for signs of infection or abnormalities.

Checking Vital Systems

The exam includes listening to their heart and lungs, feeling their abdomen for any unusual lumps or discomfort, and examining their skin and coat for parasites or skin conditions. The veterinarian will also assess your puppy’s joints and muscles to check for proper development.

Tracking Growth and Development

They’ll weigh your puppy and discuss whether their growth is on track for their breed and age. This baseline information helps track your puppy’s development over time and ensures they’re growing as expected.

Optional Vaccination Choices for Your Puppy

Your veterinarian will discuss which vaccinations may benefit your puppy based on your puppy’s lifestyle, environment, and risk factors. Some of these preventive measures are optional, and others are required, allowing you to make decisions aligned with your approach to pet care. Options often include vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, and rabies (typically required), while lifestyle vaccines for conditions like kennel cough or Lyme disease depend on your puppy’s activities and exposure risks.

Your veterinarian will create a vaccination schedule tailored to your puppy’s needs. Puppies typically receive a series of vaccines over several visits during their first few months. The team will explain each option so you can make informed decisions about your puppy’s care.

Parasite Prevention and Testing

Intestinal parasites are common in puppies, even those from reputable breeders. Your veterinarian may recommend a fecal test to check for worms and other parasites. They’ll also discuss heartworm prevention, which protects against a serious and potentially fatal condition transmitted by mosquitoes. Flea and tick prevention is another important topic your veterinarian can address.

They can recommend age-appropriate products and discuss how these parasites can affect your puppy’s health. They’ll explain what prevention methods work best in your area and answer questions about application methods and frequency.

Nutrition and Growth Guidance

Proper nutrition supports healthy development in puppies. Your veterinarian will ask about your puppy’s current diet and discuss whether it meets their nutritional needs. They can recommend high-quality puppy food appropriate for your dog’s breed and size and answer questions about feeding schedules and portion sizes.

The conversation may cover topics like when to transition from puppy food to adult food and whether supplements are necessary. Your veterinarian can also address concerns about food allergies or sensitivities if your puppy shows any signs of digestive upset.

Preparing for Your Puppy’s Appointment

Planning ahead helps your first vet visit go smoothly. Here’s what to bring along to make the most of your appointment:

  • Medical records: any documentation from your puppy’s breeder or previous caretaker helps your veterinarian understand their health history
  • Stool sample: a fresh sample collected the morning of your appointment allows for parasite testing
  • Question list: writing down your concerns ensures you don’t forget important topics during the visit
  • Favorite treats: familiar rewards help your puppy associate vet visits with positive experiences
  • Leash or carrier: proper restraint keeps your puppy safe in the waiting area and exam room

Coming prepared allows your veterinarian to provide the most thorough care possible. Don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns, no matter how small they may seem. At Mountain View Animal Hospital, our unique campus features private exam room cabins nestled on three peaceful acres, creating a naturally calming environment away from the stress of a traditional clinic setting. This serene atmosphere helps puppies feel more relaxed during their first veterinary experience. Don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns, no matter how small they may seem.

Building a Lasting Veterinary Relationship

The first visit establishes the foundation for your puppy’s lifelong health care. Take time to ask questions and share any concerns. Good veterinary care involves a partnership between you and your veterinarian, with open communication helping ensure your puppy receives care aligning with your values and goals.

Many practices offer additional services beyond basic wellness care. At our practice, we provide both traditional veterinary medicine and holistic services, including acupuncture and chiropractic care using VOM and ANMR techniques.

Schedule Your Puppy’s First Visit at Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care

Your puppy’s first veterinary visit sets the stage for a lifetime of health and happiness. Our compassionate team at Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care provides thorough examinations in our AAHA-accredited hospital, where fewer than 15% of veterinary practices meet these rigorous standards. We believe in joint decision-making between pet owners and veterinarians, respecting your approach to care while providing the guidance you need to make informed choices.

Contact our team today to schedule your puppy’s first appointment and experience our integrative approach to veterinary care.