What happens at a puppy health check?

When checking over your dog, watch for any signs of flinching, and listen for any vocalising, when you examine them. This could be a sign that they are uncomfortable or in pain. You should gently feel your dog’s body, their body should feel the same on both sides. For example, each shoulder should feel the same size and shape, and they should be the same temperature. Check for any broken skin such as cuts or grazes, as these will need to be kept clean and might need medical attention. Check for any parasites such as ticks, lice and fleas, or flea-dirt which might appear as reddish-brown flecks within the fur. Check for lumps and spots, as well as any patches of hair loss, itchiness, reddening or thickening of the skin beneath the fur. Each side of your dog’s face should look the same, without any drooping. Their eyes, including the pupils, should be the same size and shape. Your dog’s jaw should open and close without difficulty. Gently run your hands down each of your dog’s legs in turn, check for any areas that feel hotter to the touch or swollen, any matted fur or anything stuck between or into the pads, like grass seeds or splinters, any grazing or cuts.

Puppy's initial vaccinations including infectious tracheobronchitis and a health check with your vet. Puppy's first booster vaccinations including infectious tracheobronchitis and a health check with your vet. Three consultations with a nurse, including weight checks and routine nail clips. Our Health Plans make your pet's preventative health care simple, understandable and part of a routine. They reduce the potential for missed treatments and ensures your pet is as well protected as possible against the most common preventable conditions. Complete Care Junior has been created for puppies and kittens nine months old or under and covers the specific veterinary care they need throughout their junior stage.

When your pet has a full health examination – we would typically look at the following: body temperature heart rate, rhythm and evaluation for heart murmurs weight and body condition score eye examination - including ocular reflexes, cataract assessment, retinal and corneal examination ear examination mouth/dental examination - including dental and gingivitis scoring skin/fur examination palpation of lymph nodes and lumps/growths joints/movement and gait evaluation palpation of the abdomen neurological reflexes. We would also check for signs of parasites, such as fleas and worms and provide authorisation for prescription flea/worm treatment to cover the next 12 months, if required. We are also happy to discuss general pet well-being matters such as nutrition, behaviour, senility and exercise/mental stimulation. A standard pet health check takes 15 – 20 minutes. The health check is carried out by one of our experienced veterinary surgeons. One of our final year veterinary students may discuss your pet and perform an initial examination as this is an important part of their training, but this will always be repeated by the supervising veterinary surgeon.

During your puppy’s first consultation, the vet will go through a general wellbeing checklist which may include: Looking at their skin and coat Weighing them Examining their teeth Listening to their heartbeat through a stethoscope Taking their temperature. You can have a chat about common problems such as worms and fleas, including how to treat and prevent them and you can have the chance to ask any questions you have about puppy health. You might also talk about feeding and what you should be checking for during your regular grooming sessions, along with any breed or type health issues you should be keeping an eye on. At your puppy’s first vet check, there are a few things your vet will go through with you. Use treats for puppy check ups Bring your puppy’s favourite treats to every vet visit. Whatever gets their tail wagging, make sure you’ve got it with you and as you want your puppy to associate vet visits with positive things - and by doing this, you might even find that your pup will develop a spring in their step on their way to the vet. While you are there, it is a good opportunity to also ask if the staff any details of good puppy and dog-training classes held locally, as these will help your puppy with training and socialisation.