How soon after getting a dog should you take it to the vet?
America Hudson
2025-07-06 07:35:25
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I think it should be within a few days of picking him up just to make sure he's healthy, but my husband says we should wait two weeks so he is used to us. What have you guys done? I was wondering when we should make our first vet appointment. My husband and I are getting our new puppy on December 1st, and I was wondering when we should make our first vet appointment.
Grace Rutherford
2025-06-25 12:01:54
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: 15
Once you get your newly adopted pet home and start to get them settled, it’s time to get them in for a wellness exam at the veterinarian. Ideally, this happens within the first week of coming home. This visit is a great time to help your dog or cat have positive associations with trips to the vet so they don’t develop life-long fears. Not only does this help to establish a positive association with the veterinary practice, but your veterinarian will check to ensure your newly adopted pet is healthy. They’ll establish a health baseline, which helps them to monitor your pet’s health and alert them early if something goes wrong.
Mathew O'Connell
2025-06-25 11:05:24
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: 14
Schedule a first vet visit for your new puppy within a few days of bringing them home. The vet will review their records, perform a physical exam, and check for health concerns. Puppies typically have appointments every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks old, and ending at 4-5 months old. First vaccinations usually begin at 6-8 weeks old. If your puppy is older than 4-5 months, they can be vaccinated in two visits spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Your vet may adjust the plan based on your puppy's needs.
Patrick Greenfelder
2025-06-25 09:39:37
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: 11
It's always a good idea to get a new puppy checked out by a vet as soon as you have bought or adopted them. The answer is as soon as possible. It is recommended that you do this as part of the buying/adoption process and agree with the seller that you can take the puppy back within a set time, around 48 hours, if you are not happy after the vet check. Puppies have their first vaccinations when they are eight to 10 weeks old, and a second round of injections two weeks later, when they are 10 to 12 weeks old. If your puppy hasn’t already had their first vaccinations to protect them from infectious diseases, these will also be done during their first visit to the vet. The vet will give your puppy a thorough examination to make sure they are in good condition.