Basic Health Check

Congratulations – you have a new puppy!

You’ve anticipated the new arrival by ‘puppy proofing’ your home and had lots of fun choosing the crate, bed, blanket, toys, and other supplies they will need. This frisky little creature is sure to bring you much joy. In return, you can make a major contribution to your pet’s longevity, happiness, and quality of life by providing them with good nutrition, loving attention in a safe, sanitary environment, and regular checkups with their vet.

Desexing Your Puppy

Desexing is an important step in responsible pet ownership, helping to prevent unwanted litters while also offering numerous health and behavioral benefits. Spayed female dogs tend to be calmer, while castrated males are less likely to roam, urine-mark, or engage in fights with other dogs. Additionally, desexing significantly reduces the risk of reproductive organ cancers, mammary tumors in females, prostate issues, and testicular cancer in males.

Spaying (Female Desexing)

Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus and ovaries, typically performed when a puppy is between six to twelve months old, depending on the breed. While it is a major procedure, it is performed under general anesthesia, and complications are rare. Recovery usually takes about two weeks. At The Visiting Vet, we take every precaution, including fluid therapy during surgery and post-operative pain relief, to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.

Castration (Male Desexing)

Castration (neutering) is a routine surgical procedure where the testicles are removed through a small incision at the base of the scrotum. This is generally performed at six to twelve months of age. The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia and requires only a short hospital stay, with most puppies recovering within seven to ten days. Like spaying, this procedure offers long-term health and behavioral benefits.

Your Puppy’s First Health Check

Your new puppy should visit a veterinarian as soon as possible to establish a baseline for their health and development. Their first check-up will typically include:

Comprehensive Physical Examination – A thorough tip-to-tail assessment to ensure they are in good health.
Check for External Parasites – Identifying fleas, ticks, lice, and ear mites.
Check for Internal Parasites – Screening for tapeworms, roundworms, and other intestinal parasites.
Vaccination Plan – Initial vaccinations and a discussion on which vaccines your puppy needs and when to schedule them.
Desexing Consultation – Guidance on the ideal age for spaying or castration based on your puppy’s breed and health.

This first veterinary visit is an essential step in ensuring your puppy gets the best possible start in life. It also provides you with expert advice on nutrition, training, and general care, helping you build a strong foundation for your pup’s long-term health.

Helping Your Puppy Settle In

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting yet overwhelming experience for them. To help them adjust smoothly:

Introduce their designated spaces – Show them where they can eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom.
Give them time to settle – New environments can be overwhelming, so provide quiet time for them to relax and get comfortable.
Teach young children how to interact – Ensure children understand that a puppy is a living creature, not a toy, and must be treated with gentleness and respect.
Start training early – Puppies as young as 8 weeks old are ready to start learning! Begin house-training and teaching basic obedience commands from day one. With positive reinforcement, your puppy will enjoy learning and retain their lessons well.

At The Visiting Vet, we are here to support you and your puppy every step of the way. From vaccinations and health checks to desexing and training advice, our team is dedicated to ensuring your puppy grows into a healthy, happy companion.

Basic Health Check