Puppy's First Year Vet Checklist: Visits and Care
A puppy's first year is full of vet visits, and it can feel like a blur of injections and weigh-ins. A checklist helps you know what to expect and what to ask. Your vet may adjust the schedule for your puppy, so treat this as a general guide.
6 to 8 weeks: first checkup and first vaccines
- Full physical exam
- First combination vaccine
- Deworming
- Discussion of diet, flea and tick prevention and socialization
- Microchip check or implant
If you collect your puppy at eight weeks, this may be your first vet visit. See our guide to the first vet visit.
10 to 12 weeks: second round
- Weight and growth check
- Second combination vaccine
- Non-core vaccines as advised, such as bordetella or leptospirosis
- Deworming
- Start or continue flea, tick and heartworm prevention
- Discussion of training, biting and toilet habits
14 to 16 weeks: third round
- Third combination vaccine
- Rabies vaccine, where legally required, at the age your region specifies
- Dental check as adult teeth approach
- Discussion of when your puppy can go to public places, if not already cleared. See when puppies can go outside.
Some protocols include a final dose at around sixteen weeks or later. See our guide to the puppy vaccination schedule.
4 to 6 months: growth and teething
- Weight and growth check
- Teething check, including retained baby teeth
- Discussion of spay or neuter timing
- Continued parasite prevention
- Behavior and training review
6 to 12 months: adolescence
- Spay or neuter, if chosen, at the timing you and your vet decide
- Review of diet, including when to switch to adult food
- Dental care and brushing
- Behavior concerns, such as reactivity, anxiety or training problems
- Review of exercise levels, especially for large breeds
Around 1 year: first-birthday exam
- Full physical exam
- Booster vaccines
- Heartworm test, if recommended
- Parasite check and prevention review
- Dental exam
- Bloodwork, if advised, especially before surgery
- Discussion of pet insurance and long-term health plans
See our guide to annual checkups for what adult visits look like.
Things to do between visits
- Weigh your puppy regularly and track growth.
- Brush teeth and check ears, eyes and skin.
- Watch appetite, energy and stools.
- Keep records of vaccines, treatments and illnesses.
- Use parasite prevention on schedule.
Microchipping
A microchip is a permanent ID that helps reunite lost pets with owners. Make sure it is registered with your current contact details. See our guide to microchipping.
Spay or neuter
The best timing varies with breed, size and individual factors. Read our guide to spay and neuter pros and cons and discuss with your vet.
When to call the vet between visits
Contact your vet immediately if your puppy:
- Vomits repeatedly or has bloody diarrhea
- Is lethargic or collapses
- Refuses to eat or drink
- Has trouble breathing
- Has a swollen abdomen
- Shows signs of pain
- Eats something toxic
Young puppies can decline quickly. See our guide on dog emergency warning signs.
Costs
Budget for vaccines, parasite prevention, microchipping, spay or neuter and unexpected problems. Our guide to first-year puppy costs outlines typical expenses.
Questions worth asking at each visit
Come to appointments with a short written list so nothing gets forgotten in the rush. Useful topics include food type and portion size, whether your puppy's growth is on track, when to start dental brushing, how to handle biting or chewing, and which signs mean an emergency. Ask the vet to explain each vaccine and treatment, what side effects to watch for, and when the next visit is due.
Keeping a health folder
Keep a folder, paper or digital, with vaccine certificates, microchip number, deworming dates, weights and any medication. Add notes about unusual symptoms with dates. This makes it easy to switch vets, book boarding or training classes, and answer questions during an emergency. A puppy that has a well-kept record is also easier to insure and to travel with later in life.
The takeaway
Regular vet visits give your puppy the best start. Keep a checklist, ask questions and stay on schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How many vet visits does a puppy need?
Typically several in the first four months for vaccines and checks, then a booster and checkup around one year.
When should I microchip my puppy?
Often at the first visit or when spaying or neutering. Some breeders microchip before sale, and some places require it by law.
When should I spay or neuter?
It depends on breed, size and health. Discuss it with your vet.
What should I ask at each visit?
Questions about diet, growth, behavior, parasite prevention, training, dental care and any concerns.