First Vet Visit

Congratulations, on finding your new puppy. Now that you have located the puppy of your dreams and prepared your home and family for her you can relax, right? Not so fast before you kick back and enjoy endless hours of fun with your new puppy it is time to schedule that first vet visit for your new puppy.

This first visit to the vet is a very important one for you and your new puppy. During this visit when your vet will do an overall examination of your puppy and determine if there are any health issues you need to be aware of. It is important that you get accurate and complete vaccination records along with your puppy. Make sure you then bring these records with you to this fist vet visit. These records will be the starting point in determining your puppy's vaccination schedule.

Your new puppy will likely have had a series of vaccinations already depending on their age. he common diseases vaccinated against are Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza. (DHLPP). A routine vaccination schedule would likely require the following:

• At 7- 8 weeks of age: First Puppy Shot (DHLPP)
• At 11 - 12 weeks of age: Second Puppy Shot (DHLPP)
• At 15 - 16 weeks of age: Third Puppy Shot (DHLPP)
• Over 16 weeks of age: First Rabies Vaccination will be given.
• At 7 - 9 months: Your puppy should have their first Heartworm test.

Every year after your dog will need to go in for an annual check-up and Rabies and DHLLP shot along with having a Heartworm test. The needed shots and schedule can depend on your dog's breed and your state, county or city regulations, so please consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.