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Your puppy’s first vet visit is a crucial first step toward a good quality of life since it establishes a relationship with a trusted vet and puts your puppy on track for receiving preventative care later in life. The first vet visit is not an opportunity that you want to squander.
Vet visits can be nerve-wracking for you and your puppy, especially when you don’t know what to expect. To prepare yourself, read through this article to get an idea of the supplies you may need for this visit and what to expect. We will also talk about the information you should provide for your vet, as well as some procedures they may run through.
The 9 Essential Puppy’s First Vet Visit Supplies
Transportation Support and Supplies
1. Dog Carrier
You’ll need a carrier to transport your new puppy to the vet. Until a pup is fully vaccinated at between 12 and 16 weeks, they must be kept off the ground, especially in places that other dogs frequent, such as the veterinary surgery. The Katziela Luxury Rider is one of our favorites since it is lightweight and easy to lift or roll along. The soft sides of the carrier make it a comfortable option for your puppy, and with mesh windows, you can rest assured knowing your dog is receiving adequate ventilation.
Before purchasing this carrier, make sure that the size is appropriate for your pet. The Katziela Luxury Rider is designed with smaller dogs in mind, so small-medium breed puppies should fit just fine, but larger breed pups will not.
2. Leash
A leash is an absolute necessity for any vet visit. No matter how tiny your puppy is, you shouldn’t assume that you can simply hold them in your arms to keep them under control. Puppies are energetic and squirmy, and when placed in an unfamiliar setting, they can get worked up. Don’t forget, there are often cats and other small animals in a vet’s waiting room, so you need to be able to keep your pup under control.
Leashes like the Petsafe Nylon dog leash will help you keep your exuberant puppy under control. This leash is designed to be durable and lightweight so won’t weigh down on your puppy’s neck too much. It is 6ft long so you will remain close to your puppy for optimal control and training opportunities.
3. Collar
To use a leash, you must have a collar. We like the Frisco Polyester Personalized Reflective collar, as it is made with durable polyester to ensure long-term use. The reflective material keeps your puppy safe and easy to spot, and with the option to personalize the collar, you can rest assured knowing your puppy can be returned to you if they wander off.
4. Harness
If you prefer to use a harness over a collar, our suggestion is the Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness. This harness is designed with your pet’s comfort in mind, and is breathable, water-resistant and reflective at night. It comes in a variety of sizes.
There are several adjustment points on this harness, allowing you to arrange it to provide the best fit for your pup. In addition to the clip where you attach your leash, there is also a handle that allows you to control your lively puppy better.
A harness is a better option for leading certain breeds of dog that have breathing difficulties, such as pugs, French bulldogs and British bulldogs. Tight collars can make this worse, so a loose fitting collar alongside a harness is a good combination for these breeds.
5. Towel
When visiting the vet, you will want to place a towel inside of your dog’s carrier. This will help them feel warm and comfortable, and in case of a potty accident, it can absorb the mess.
We recommend the Bone Dry Embroidered towel, as it is ultra-absorbent and comfortable, making it an excellent option for travel. However, you could also place an old, rarely-used towel in your carrier if you want to save money.
Cleaning Supplies
6. Wash Wipes
Messes are a part of being a dog owner. While you can hope that your puppy doesn’t have an accident at the vet, it is always best to be prepared. That is why we suggest bringing a pack of Hepper Wash Wipes with you to your first vet appointment.
Hepper Wash Wipes are made with natural, hypoallergenic ingredients that are designed to be tough on messes but gentle on the skin. They are delicately scented with aloe and cucumber, giving your puppy a clean and fresh smell with a single swipe.
7. Waste Bags
Waiting for your vet appointment can take a while. If your puppy has been resisting the urge to potty for a long time, it is best to try and slip off somewhere and let them do their business. Bringing waste bags like the Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags will let you clean up after your puppy with ease. These bags are designed to be compact, and you can take them anywhere you like.
Treats and Toy Supplies
8. Treats
Treats are an essential part of a first vet visit that many pet parents overlook. By giving your puppy treats while at the vet, they will begin to associate the vet with pleasant experiences. This will make later vet visits much easier, as they will be less fearful or resistant.
Our choice of commercially available treats are the Wellness Soft Puppy Bites. They are made in the United States and contain premium ingredients. They contain Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is an essential omega-3 fatty acid which helps your pup’s skin and coat health. They are also bit- sized for a puppy. An alternative to commercial treats is small pieces of boiled chicken breast. This is a high value reward for a puppy which will build good associations with their vet visit.
9. Chew Toy
When your puppy is surrounded by new and overwhelming sensory information, having a familiar outlet can help them calm down. That is why it is recommended that you bring a chew toy that your dog knows and loves along for the vet visit.
If you don’t already have a chew toy for your puppy, we suggest KONG’s Puppy Chew toy. It comes in different sizes for all sorts of breeds, and it can be stuffed with the treats of your choice to keep your puppy entertained. Dog friendly peanut butter is a good option to keep your puppy entertained.
Information to Provide
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In addition to the essential supplies listed above, you should also be prepared to bring certain pieces of information along with you. The main pieces of information your vet will want to know include:
Past veterinary records, such as those that may have come from a breeder or shelter. These will include microchip number (if there is one), vaccination history and a record of any parasite control medications your pup has received..
A list of the food and treats you give your puppy, as well as how much you give them each day
You should also write a list of questions that you have for your vet regarding your puppy’s development, health, and care. Coming in with prepared questions will ensure your first vet visit is productive and informative.
What to Expect
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It can be hard to know what to expect at your puppy’s first vet visit. While every vet visit can look different, thankfully, there are some general checkpoints that a puppy’s first appointment will follow. For example, your vet will likely start the session by asking questions about your puppy’s health, history, and current state. Then, they may run some of the following tests:
A weight check
A full physical examination (including the nose, eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, feet, nails, coat, skin, and genitals)
An observation of how your puppy moves around the room
An examination of the heart and lungs, including heart rate and breathing rate
A test of reflexes
An examination of the joints, lymph nodes, and organs via gentle palpation (physical examination).
In addition to these tests, your vet will likely discuss critical points of puppy care with you, including:
Grooming care
Dental hygiene
Nutritional needs
Flea, tick, and internal parasite prevention and management
Vaccination schedules
Behavior, training, and socialization requirements
Exercise and play needs
Reproductive health
The importance of identification (such as microchips and tags) and pet safety plans (such as natural disaster preparedness)
It may be beneficial to you to bring a notebook and pen along for this vet visit so that you can take notes on the advice your vet provides. The closer in contact you remain with your vet, the better your dog’s care, so don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions!
Conclusion
It’s an exciting time when your puppy is learning to navigate the world, but it can also be overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect. It is best to be prepared with the supplies listed above, but we also recommend reaching out to your vet’s office to ask if they have any special requests or recommendations, as each breed is different. By bringing your essential supplies and following their suggestions, you are setting your puppy up for success on their first trip to the vet.
Featured Image Credit: Friends Stock, Shutterstock
