Your Libertyville Vet: What to Expect on Puppy’s First Visit 

 

Regardless of whether your breeder or shelter took your puppy to the vet before the adoption, it’s important to take your puppy to the vet shortly after you adopt them. 

 

Overall, you can expect monthly appointments when your puppy is six to eight months old. Those appointments then taper off after your puppy is a few months old.  

 

Read on to learn what you should expect during your puppy’s first Libertyville vet appointment!  

 

Prepare Your Puppy 

 

Before you take your puppy to the vet, there are a few steps of preparation you can take in order to help make appointment time easier. 

 

You can start by making sure to take your puppy for a walk before the appointment so that they don’t have excess energy when it’s time to stay still in the office.  

 

You can also ask the receptionist if you’re able to drop in before your appointment. With lots of treats and pets, you can get your puppy accustomed to the office beforehand so that they’re not as anxious on the day of the appointment.  

 

Lastly, you’ll want to collect and write down as much information as possible about your puppy. This can be behavioral issues you’ve noticed, if potty training has been successful, and whether their appetite is good.  

 

What to Bring to the Appointment 

 

Next, there are a few things you can bring to the appointment to make you and your puppy’s life a little easier. Here is a shortlist of ideas:  

 

  • Veterinary records from breeder or shelter 

  • Toys to keep your puppy entertained 

  • Small treats 

  • Stool sample 

  • Leash and collar 

  • Notes on questions you have 

  • Notes on your puppy’s food 

  • An old shirt that smells like home 

 

You’ll also want to keep in mind that even a small puppy may be easier to manage in a crate than wiggling around in your arms.  

 

What to Expect During the Appointment 

 

The veterinary staff will first ask you a few questions about how your puppy is doing at home and whether you’ve noticed any issues. They’ll then do a head-to-tail exam that includes weighing and measuring your puppy.  

 

They’ll observe the puppy as he or she moves, check inside their mouth and in their ears. Palpating lymph nodes, checking reflexes, and using a stethoscope to listen to their heart and lungs is also necessary.  

 

You can also discuss basic dog care with your vet during these appointments, such as exercise requirements, how to socialize correctly, dental care, nutrition, and more.  

 

Writing questions down before your appointment is helpful, as an experienced vet will take time to answer any of your questions and concerns.  

 

Find a Reputable Libertyville Vet Today 

 

By preparing in advance for your puppy’s first Libertyville vet visit after adoption, you’ll feel more peace of mind and get the most out of it. Your puppy will also be calmer. 

 

Instead of a stressful event, they’ll slowly be able to view a trip to the vet as a place for new sights and sounds that aren’t overwhelming.  

 

Ready to schedule your first vet visit with a team that’s always in your corner? Contact us today to get started!