Taking your dog to the vet for the first time can be a great experience, if handled correctly from the beginning of the visit. Most puppies should visit the vet at least one time between a six to ten week period to get their first round of routine vaccinations and to be physically examined for the first time. If local laws regulating the sale of vaccinations allow, some breeders provide their own vaccinations.



Prior to buying your dog, the breeder may have taken the dog to be examined. However, it is still necessary to establish a positive relationship between your puppy and vet early on in life. This can be achieved by making your dogs first visit to the vet a positive one by steering clear of confrontational or negative situations.

To get your puppy ready for his first visit to the vet:

Walk your dog to the vets office. If you are worried about your dog getting worms, a legitimate concern, it may be helpful to bring a stool sample. This allows the vet to check for eggs, larva, or worms. You only need a small sample, but it will speed up the examination process.

If your puppy is used to a crate, you may want to put him in it for both the ride to the vets office as well as for transport from the car to the office.

If your dog is aggressive, notify the staff ahead of time that you will be keeping it in the car until the time of your appointment.

Pet your dog and offer your dog comforting words as you wait with him in the examination room.

Bring treats and allow the vet to feed them to your puppy. Most vets keep healthy snacks on hand. Receiving these treats makes for a positive experience for your dog.

When you arrive it is important to know that the vet will do several things at the beginning of your visit. First, your dog will be weighed and will have his temperature taken rectally. The vet will also check other parts of his body, including the skin, eyes, ears, and genital area. In addition, the vet will listen to the dogs heart and lungs, and palpitate the abdomen. The vet might also take samples of bodily fluids such as blood and skin cells, if he has concerns about other issues like parasites or heartworms.

Thankfully, examinations such as these are not traumatic to the dog. In fact, vaccinations are not painful and feel only like a tiny prick to the animal. If you make your dogs first visit to the vet a good one, you are well on your way to creating a positive relationship. Once you have established a positive relationship between your dog and vet, future visits will be pleasant. But remember to praise your dog for good behavior. It may be helpful to take him for a walk at a local park afterward. This will give him exercise and help make his visit a more pleasant and memorable one.