What to Expect From Your Puppy or Kittens First Exam

It is recommended to take your new puppy or kitten to the vet for that all-important first wellness exam within a few days of bringing your new furry friend home. Our veterinarians at Westside Vet in Statesboro would like to look at what you can expect from the first pet exam.

Bring a Stool Sample

Although your new puppy or kitten will likely have to go potty while you are waiting to see the veterinarian, it’s still a good idea to bring a stool sample to the first pet exam. Puppies and kittens are prone to worms. Examining the stool is the best way to check for worms.

Bring Health Records

If you got your puppy or kitten from a breeder or a shelter, chances are that you will have received pet care paperwork about veterinary checks made before you got your pet. Show this paperwork to your veterinarian. This will help make sure your puppy or kitten is meeting growth milestones, and give the vet a heads-up to check up for anything that the previous vet noted was out of the ordinary.

Hands-on Exam

During the exam, the vet will check your pet’s eyes, ears, coat, paws, genitalia, and teeth. We will listen to the heart and lungs. Your pet’s temperature will be taken and your pet will be weighed.

Set Up a Vaccine Schedule

Your puppy or kitten will be legally required to have a rabies shot when he or she is old enough to get one. Other vaccines are highly recommended as well since they protect against contagious and incurable diseases that a dog or cat will encounter. Vaccines need at least two doses a few weeks apart.

Get Parasite Prevention

It’s nearly impossible to prevent your pet from getting parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms. You can protect your pet with medication that you can pick up after your pet’s first exam.

Schedule Your Pet’s First Exam in Statesboro, GA

You are bound to have a few pet care questions about a new puppy or kitten. If you live in the Statesboro area, contact Westside Vet to speak with one of our veterinarians. Call our team today at (912) 489-1998 to schedule your furry friend’s first exam at Westside Vet.