Choosing a Vet
First Visit To The Vet
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 Here is what to expect the first time you take your new puppy or dog to the vet.
But, first you should come prepared with the following items:
- A list of questions and concerns you might have regarding caring for your new dog or puppy
- All previous vaccination and medical records for your dog or puppy
- Any list of instructions or other information given to you by the place from which you acquired your dog or puppy
- A fresh stool sample from your dog or puppy. You can put the stool sample in a plastic
container, and, if several hours elapse between when you collected the stool sample and your
vet appointment, you can store the sample in your refrigerator.
At the appointment, the vet will conduct a thorough physical examination of your new
dog or puppy in addition to likely examining the stool sample, taking a urine and blood
sample, and administering any vaccines that your dog might need. Each area of your dog’s
body will be checked over from his eyes and teeth to his tail and coat. Some specific
inspections your vet will likely perform include:
- Feeling your dog’s lymph nodes to ensure that they are not enlarged which could indicate a potential infection or other medical condition
- Inspecting your dog’s genitals and anus for any abnormalities or discharge
- Massaging your dog’s abdomen to feel for unusually large organs and to test whether this area is particularly painful for your dog indicating potential infections or conditions
- Using a stethoscope to listen to your dog’s heart and his lungs
- Gently rotating your dog’s legs to ensure that they move freely in a normal fashion
Depending on your dog’s age, sex, medical history and breed or mix, your veterinarian
will perform other specific tests and examinations as necessary. Finally, the vet will take
some time during the appointment to give you a chance to go over any concerns or questions you
might have.
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