First Vet Exam
The first exam with your vet should happen within the first week of taking the puppy home. It is a stressful time for the puppy, which can trigger some diarrhea, and it will be time for his nine-week vaccination. Here’s what a routine exam should include:
1. The Physical Exam – the vet will examine the puppy from nose to tail. Eyes, ears, heart, lungs, abdomen, temperature, boy/girl parts – everything is looked at, listened to, poked, and prodded.
2. An Oral Exam – the vet will check for underbite, overbite, and cleft palate. You’ll probably discuss dental care and avoiding hard chew toys while his mouth and teeth are developing.
3. Parasite Check – I always think it’s a good idea to have a stool check done on the first visit after they leave the litter. A thorough vet will ask to perform an in-house microscopic stool check.
4. Behavior Screening – the vet will be paying attention to the puppy’s behavior as he’s examined and bring any excessive shyness or aggressiveness to your attention.
5. You should be offered a choice of flea and heartworm preventatives. Be sure to ask about the side effects and risks associated with the various medication and be careful not to administer them on the same day as the vaccination. If there’s a reaction, you want to know the cause.