If you recently brought a new dog home, you should have a vet visit scheduled. If this is your first time at a veterinarian, you might not know where to start. It can be an anxious time for you and your dog, but it is an important step in starting off on the right foot. Here are a few questions to ask at your first vet visit:

1. What Vaccines Does My Dog Need?

Scheduling a vet visit early on is something you need to know about the first six months with your puppy. Vaccinations are a very important part of your dog’s health and are often done at different stages of development. Your vet will determine which ones they need based on which ones they already have, your dog’s surroundings, and their age and health risks.

Your vet may ask about where your dog will go, such as the dog park, doggie daycare, or if you will need to board them at any point. If you have any questions about why they are suggesting certain vaccines or excluding some, don’t be afraid to ask!

2. What Items Are Dangerous to My Dog?

Certain plants, harmful foods, and household cleaners can be dangerous to your dog. It’s important to be aware of these items so you can keep them out of reach of your dog. Your vet will be able to answer all your questions and set your mind at ease.

However, there are plenty of fruits and veggies that are healthy for your dog. Adding these fruits and veggies to their diet is a great source of fiber and nutrients. Introducing these foods as “treats” is a great way to reward your dog in a healthy way.

If you forget something, you can always email or call your vet. It’s also helpful to keep the Pet Poison Helpline in mind if you need an answer ASAP.

3. Is My Dog Healthy?

Your vet is there to determine the health of your dog and to help you keep them healthy. Determining the health of your dog at their first visit gives you a good starting point. Your vet will look for signs that your puppy is healthy and for anything that could be a cause for concern.

They’ll most likely evaluate your dog’s skin condition, as well as respiratory and gastrointestinal health. Even dogs that present as healthy may be carrying parasites or have an underlying disease. They may run blood tests or a urinalysis. Getting any issues under control as early as possible can help get your dog off to the best start.

4. How Much and What Food Should I Feed My Dog?

How often to feed a puppy will depend on your specific puppy. Puppies often require a specific type of diet to give them the right nutrients, protein, and fat at a young age. Doing so can help avoid excessive weight gain, skin problems, as well as other issues.

Your vet can recommend a good diet to follow to help your puppy grow healthy and strong. They can also help you determine how much food your dog needs and when to increase or change their diet.

If your dog is older, your vet can recommend the right diet for whatever age range they are in as well as their activity level. The right nutrition is important for every dog so talking things over with your vet is a great place to start when it comes to choosing the best dog food for your dog.

5. When Should They Be Spayed or Neutered?

This is one of the common questions dog owners ask vets and should be one you ask in your first vet visit. Spaying and neutering are important aspects of your dog’s care. Unless you plan on responsibly breeding your dog, this should be performed at around age six months to one year. Of course, your vet will evaluate your dog and decide on the right time. Weight and health conditions typically factor into deciding what age is safest for your dog.

6. How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

All dogs need exercise. However, certain breeds may require more or less than other dogs. Flat-faced dogs will require a minimal amount due to breathing issues, but there are safe ways to exercise flat-nosed dogs. Other larger breeds typically need a lot of exercise, but not all.

Your vet will be able to assess your dog and help you figure out how much exercise is adequate. Keep in mind that dogs need to be fully grown before participating in a lot of exercise. Doing otherwise before puppies finish growing and their bones fuse may cause harm to their skeletal structure.

There are a lot of ways to exercise with your dog. Hiking, running, swimming, and biking are just a few to try. It’s a great way for both of you to stay healthy, relieve stress, and have fun together!

7. Does My Dog Need Preventative Medication?

Heartworm, and other parasites, as well as ticks and fleas, are an unfortunate reality in a dog’s life. It’s important to begin preventative treatment early on in your dog’s life. Ask your vet for their recommendations and course of treatment to begin.

8. When Will My Dog Be Housebroken?

Each dog is different and housebreaking may vary for each dog. Your vet can help you put together a housebreaking training plan to begin with your new dog. Consistency is key when beginning housebreaking training and is one of the house training tips to help potty train your puppy.

In general, most dogs are housebroken by the age of six months. If you’re not seeing any progress by month four, talk to your vet or another training expert for tips and help. Potty training regression can also occur so be aware of the possibility. With consistent training, your puppy should get back on track.

9. How Do I Stop Barking at Night?

It’s not uncommon for new dogs or puppies to bark or howl in the middle of the night. Usually, this stops after a few nights in their new home. But if this behavior continues there are a few ways to keep your dog from barking at night.

Provide your puppy with soft blankets or a toy to keep in their crate overnight. Some puppies will still need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night before they are fully housebroken. But if your dog is simply whining because they want to play, you need to ignore them so they learn to sleep through the night.

10. What Grooming Do I Need to Take Care of?

All dogs require some level of grooming. Certain breeds will require a significant amount of grooming while others are pretty low maintenance. You will need to determine the grooming level of a puppy so you know how to best care for your dog. However, each dog needs to be brushed a few times a week and you need to look after their nails, teeth, ears, and eyes.

It’s important that puppies get used to having their teeth brushed and nails clipped. Cutting your dog’s nails usually involves clippers or a grinder. These are relatively simple grooming procedures you can do at home but if necessary, you can set up grooming appointments with a professional.

11. What Training Professionals Do You Recommend?

All dogs require training. This helps ensure that your dog is well-behaved, listens to you, and is overall a good dog citizen. Ask your vet if they recommend any training professionals or classes in your area.

Socialization is really important for dogs so working with a trainer or going to puppy/dog training classes is a great way for them to get used to other people and other dogs. This extra socialization is just one of the benefits of puppy training classes.

These are just a few questions to ask at your first vet visit. Your vet is a vital part of your dog’s life and health. Choosing the right vet is an important decision but once you find the right one, they will help you and your pup begin your new life in the best way possible!

Having the right vet for you and your dog is only part of the equation. Preparing yourself and your dog for the visit ahead of time is also important. Knowing what questions you want to ask and making sure your dog is comfortable are tips for smoother vet visits that everyone can appreciate.