As soon as is it possible take your new puppy to the vet for its first health check.
If he/she isn’t fully vaccinated, ensure they do not come into contact with other dogs during the visit. Keep him/her in a pet carrier while in the waiting room.
During this visit the vet will administer any vaccines your puppy has not had, monitor their heartrate, check for fleas, ask about worm treatments, weigh your puppy and check their ears and teeth.
Also, the vet can scan to check if the puppy has been micro-chipped. If not, you can ask for it to be done. The vet will insert a chip, which has an unique number, under your puppy’s skin between it’s shoulders. Your puppy will only feel slight discomfort in the few seconds it takes for the procedure to be carried out. The micro-chipping of dogs is extremely helpful in reuniting owners with lost dogs, deterring the abandonment of dogs, as they can be traced back to the registered owner.
While you are there ask for advice on diet, socialising, parasite control and neutering.
Keep reassuring your dog during the visit and keep him/her calm so that he/she will have a positive experience, so that future visits will be less stressful for you and your dog.
It is very important that you visit the vet at least once a year to ensure all vaccines are kept up to date. Some vaccines can protect a dog for up to 3 years once they have received a booster 1 year after the initial course.
Dogs are vaccinated for diseases that can be fatal to them like distemper and parvovirus.
If you plan on boarding your dog while you are away on holiday, the boarding kennel will insist that all their vaccines are up to date and that they have also been administered the Kennel Cough vaccine. This vaccine is not a routine vaccine and you will have to request it specifically.