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In this article, we\u2019re going to set your mind at ease and make sure your first vet visit is a breeze. You\u2019ll probably take your puppy for vet checks and their vaccinations a few times in the first months, so it\u2019s good to plan ahead and make sure everything goes smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep reading and we\u2019ll help you figure out:-<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- The best time to take your puppy to the vet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What to expect during your puppy\u2019s first vet visit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tips for a good puppy vet visit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How much you should expect to pay for your puppy\u2019s first vet visit. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re worried about taking your puppy to the vet and you\u2019d like to talk to someone, remember our team of expert puppy coaches<\/a> are there for you. Download the Zigzag puppy training app,<\/a> and get in touch with them via Whatsapp, Email or on the phone too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also a good idea to think about puppy health insurance<\/a>, have a read and see if it\u2019s something you think you\u2019ll need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by Karsten Winegeart<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n When should I take my puppy to the vet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ideally, you want a puppy vet check done within the first few days of bringing your puppy home. The first vet visit for your puppy allows your vet to make sure your puppy is healthy by doing a puppy health check. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After this initial puppy vet check, your vet will let you know when to take your puppy to the vet next, as it will likely coincide with their vaccinations.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What happens during your puppy\u2019s first visit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your puppy\u2019s first vet visit will involve your vet checking your puppy\u2019s health from nose to tail, also known as a puppy vet check, or puppy health check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Your Vet will have their own way of measuring what a healthy puppy looks like, but it\u2019s likely to include some of the following at your appointment<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your vet should check your puppy\u2019s heart and breathing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is often one of the first things your Vet will probably check, for obvious reasons as it\u2019s so important! It can be a bit stressful for your puppy as they have to stand fairly still while the (potentially cold) stethoscope is used to listen to their heart and lungs. Use plenty of treats to teach your puppy there\u2019s nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A vet will check your puppy\u2019s weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ok, it\u2019s often the receptionist or the vet nurse when you first come into the surgery who will ask you to pop your puppy on the scale, but many vets will check your puppy\u2019s weight in the consulting room as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They want to make sure your puppy is a healthy weight,<\/a> and they\u2019ll also probably ask you to weigh your puppy when you come in on subsequent visits, just to make sure your puppy\u2019s weight gain is tickety boo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A vet check will involve checking your puppy for parasites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fleas,<\/a> ticks <\/a>and worms<\/a> will all be topics of conversation. Don\u2019t say we didn\u2019t warn you! Your Vet might also check your puppy\u2019s fur to look for any flea dust, plus ask you slightly probing questions about their poo. Lovely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your vet might talk to you about what to feed your puppy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some puppy vet checks will also include your vet talking to you about puppy nutrition<\/a> and making sure you feed the right food for your puppy\u2019s age and size<\/a>. Don\u2019t worry we always have the puppy food calculator in the Zigzag app <\/a>if you\u2019re unsure how much you should be feeding your puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your vet will check your puppy\u2019s eyes and ears<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is an important check for any excessive tearing or redness of the eyes which might indicate a problem. Puppies also often have filthy ears, which can cause ear infections and problems later, so you\u2019ll want to make sure they check them out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your vet will check your puppy\u2019s coat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Excessive matting, dandruff, or dull coat can all indicate potential problems that your vet will advise you on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your vet will ask you about your puppy\u2019s vaccination status<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Usually your puppy will have their first vaccination dose whilst still with the breeder. The second dose is usually administered around 12 weeks old when they are in their new home. Your pup will need to have the same brand of vaccine for both doses so check with your breeder and local vets to make sure you get the correct brand. If you have to start the course again it could delay getting your pup out for walks<\/a> and we know how keen you are to get out and about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your vet will likely want to build a relationship with you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
They\u2019re really not so scary, and most vets love puppies! Be kinda crazy if they didn\u2019t, wouldn\u2019t it? This puppy vet check can be a time to see if you get on with the vet. Hopefully, you won\u2019t need to see them too often as you have a healthy puppy, but you never know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your vet might speak to you about puppy training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some vet surgeries offer puppy socialization parties, just a bit of a warning that these can be a bit of a free for all, so if you decide to go, ask them some questions about who runs them, and what they\u2019re like! If possible ask the reception team who they recommend for puppy training. Well run puppy classes, taught by members of the APDT<\/a> or CAPBT<\/a> or one of the member organizations of The UK Dog Behavior and Training Charter<\/a> work in harmony with the Zigzag puppy training app. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ayla-verschueren-nWKMtmbpxQs-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Ayla Verschueren<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Tips for a smooth first puppy pet visit.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can do a few things to ensure your puppy\u2019s first vet visit goes without too many hiccups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Before you go to the vets be sure to write down any questions you have so that you won\u2019t forget when you get in the consulting room. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Give yourself plenty of time to get there and settle your puppy<\/a> so you don\u2019t feel rushed and stressed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bring something comfy for your puppy to lie on, like a blanket or mat, and have it on your lap.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sit well away from other people and animals if you can, so as not to overwhelm your puppy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bring some super yummy treats<\/a> and give them to your puppy every so often to teach them that being at the vet is a nice thing to do.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/alvan-nee-9M0tSjb-cpA-unsplash-1-682x1024.jpg\")
Photo by Alvan Nee<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n How much does a puppy vet visit cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Puppy vet visits will vary, as some vets do puppy health checks as a courtesy, and some will charge you. You should expect to pay from \u00a325\/\u20ac30* for vet consults if you\u2019re not having puppy vaccinations, requiring medication or purchasing puppy supplies in that visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
*This amount will vary depending on your area, it can be an idea to ring around to get your local rates and currency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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