Getting A New Puppy? 5 Reasons to Start With A Puppy Vet Check-Up

If you have a new puppy, the first thing you want to do is schedule a puppy check-up with the veterinarian. You might think that you can wait a few days for the check-up, but that's not the case. In fact, it's a good idea to schedule the exam for the day you bring your puppy home. Here are five areas that will be addressed during the puppy vet check-up. 

Big Four 

Your puppy is going to need a clean bill of health, especially if you want it to live a long and happy life. That's why it's so important that you start your puppy's life out with a veterinary check-up. During the puppy check-up, the veterinarian will provide an initial exam for the big four health issues; eyes, ears, nose, and throat. These areas will be examined for any signs of infection. Your puppy's eyes, ears, nose, and throat should be clear. 

Dental 

Once the veterinarian has assessed your puppy's eyes, ears, nose, and throat, they'll conduct a thorough dental check-up. First, they'll check to see how many teeth your puppy has. Next, they'll check for signs of tooth decay or cavities. Finally, they'll make sure that your puppy doesn't have any signs of gum disease. If any of these issues are identified, your puppy's vet will arrange for treatment. 

Heart 

When you take your puppy in for their initial puppy check-up, you can expect the veterinarian to conduct an initial heart exam. This part of the check-up will be conducted with a stethoscope to determine your puppy's heart rate. The vet will also be listening for signs of an abnormal heartbeat. If the veterinarian identifies any issues with your puppy's heart, they'll discuss treatment options with you at that time. 

Skin 

Now that you have a new puppy, you'll want to take good care of their skin. You might not realise this, but puppies can develop several different skin conditions, including eczema. The best way to keep your puppy's skin healthy is to start with a puppy check-up. During the initial check-up, the vet will examine your puppy's skin for signs of problems. Some of those signs include redness, flakiness, or inflammation. They may also check for signs of canine pimples, which is a common skin condition for dogs and puppies. 

Safety 

Finally, if you have a new puppy, you want to make sure that it's safe and secure while it's in the yard. You never know when your puppy may wander away from the house. Because of that, the veterinarian may recommend that your puppy be microchipped. During the initial check-up, the veterinarian will place a small microchip under your puppy's skin. Should your puppy run away, or be stolen, the microchip can be used to locate you.