Puppy’s First Vet Visit: What to Expect

Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s great joys — and one of the first things on your to-do list should be booking their first vet appointment. This initial visit is about much more than a quick check-up. It sets the foundation for your puppy’s long-term health, establishes a relationship with your vet, and gives you the chance to ask all those questions swirling around in your head. If you are not sure what to expect or how to prepare, this guide covers everything you need to know.

When to Book the First Visit

Ideally, your puppy should see a vet within the first few days of coming home — and certainly within the first week. Most breeders will have started your puppy’s vaccination schedule and provided a health record, but your vet will want to do their own assessment and confirm what has been done so far.

If you have adopted a puppy from a rescue or shelter, the timeline is the same. Even if the organisation has provided initial vaccinations and a health check, your own vet should see your puppy promptly to establish a baseline and plan ongoing care.

When booking, let the reception team know it is a new puppy appointment. Many clinics allocate longer consultation times for first visits, giving the vet more time to examine your puppy thoroughly and answer your questions without feeling rushed.

What the Vet Will Check

The first vet visit involves a comprehensive nose-to-tail physical examination. Here is what your vet will typically assess:

• Weight and body condition: Your puppy will be weighed, and the vet will assess whether they are at a healthy weight for their age and breed.
• Heart and lungs: Using a stethoscope, the vet listens for any heart murmurs or abnormal lung sounds. Some puppies have innocent murmurs that resolve as they grow, but others may indicate a congenital heart condition that needs monitoring.
• Eyes and ears: The vet checks for signs of infection, discharge, or structural abnormalities. Ear mites are common in young puppies.
• Mouth and teeth: The vet examines the bite alignment, checks for retained baby teeth, and looks at the gums and palate.
• Skin and coat: They will look for signs of parasites (fleas, ticks, mites), ringworm, or any skin conditions.
• Abdomen: A gentle palpation of the belly checks for any abnormalities, including hernias — umbilical hernias are relatively common in puppies.
• Joints and limbs: The vet will assess your puppy’s gait and check for any signs of limb or joint abnormalities, particularly in breeds prone to hip or elbow dysplasia.
• Microchip: If your puppy has already been microchipped, the vet will scan it to confirm it is working and registered to you.

Vaccination Schedule in Australia

Vaccinations are a critical part of your puppy’s first vet visits. In Australia, puppy vaccinations are categorised as core (essential for all dogs) and non-core (recommended based on lifestyle and risk factors).

Core Vaccinations (C3)

The C3 vaccine protects against three serious diseases:

• Canine distemper virus: A highly contagious and often fatal disease affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
• Canine adenovirus (hepatitis): Causes liver inflammation and can be fatal in young dogs.
• Canine parvovirus: An extremely contagious virus causing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and often death in unvaccinated puppies.

The standard vaccination schedule in Australia is:

• First dose: 6 to 8 weeks of age
• Second dose: 10 to 12 weeks of age
• Third dose: 14 to 16 weeks of age
• First annual booster: 15 months of age

Your puppy is not considered fully protected until two weeks after their final puppy vaccination. Until then, avoid dog parks, footpaths frequented by other dogs, and any areas where unvaccinated dogs may have been.

Non-Core Vaccinations (C5)

The C5 vaccine includes the C3 components plus protection against two strains of canine cough (kennel cough) — Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus. The C5 is recommended for dogs that will be socialising with other dogs, attending puppy school, visiting dog parks, or staying in boarding kennels. Most boarding facilities and doggy daycares in Australia require proof of current C5 vaccination.

Worming and Parasite Prevention

Your vet will discuss a worming and parasite prevention plan tailored to your puppy’s needs. In Australia, puppies should be wormed every two weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until six months of age, and every three months thereafter for life.

Intestinal worms — including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm — are common in Australian puppies. Heartworm, transmitted by mosquitoes, is present in many parts of Australia and requires ongoing monthly or annual prevention starting from 12 weeks of age.

Flea and tick prevention is equally important. Paralysis ticks are found along the eastern coast of Australia and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Your vet will recommend an appropriate product based on your location and lifestyle. Many modern products combine flea, tick, and worming protection in a single monthly or quarterly treatment, which simplifies the routine considerably.

Microchipping

Microchipping is compulsory in all Australian states and territories. Most puppies from registered breeders will arrive already microchipped, but it is your responsibility to ensure the microchip details are updated to your name and address. Your vet can scan the chip at the first visit and help you confirm the registration is correct.

If your puppy has not been microchipped — which may occur with some rescue animals — your vet can implant the chip during the first visit. It is a quick procedure, similar to a vaccination injection, and does not require anaesthesia. The cost is typically $50 to $80.

The Desexing Discussion

Your vet will likely raise the topic of desexing (spaying or neutering) at the first visit. In most Australian states, desexing is strongly encouraged and may be required by local council regulations by a certain age — often six months.

The timing of desexing is a topic your vet will tailor to your puppy’s breed, size, and individual circumstances. For some breeds, particularly large and giant breeds, your vet may recommend waiting until the dog is closer to 12 to 18 months of age to allow for full skeletal development. This is a conversation worth having early so you can plan accordingly.

Desexing costs in Australia vary by clinic and the size of your dog, but typically range from $200 to $500 for males and $300 to $600 for females. Some councils offer subsidised desexing programs, so check with your local council for any available schemes.

Costs of the First Vet Visit

The cost of your puppy’s first vet visit depends on what is included, but here is a general guide for Australian pet owners:

• Consultation fee: $60 to $100
• Vaccination (C3 or C5): $80 to $150
• Worming treatment: $15 to $30
• Flea and tick prevention (first dose): $20 to $40
• Microchipping (if needed): $50 to $80
• Faecal test (if recommended): $30 to $60

All up, expect to spend somewhere between $150 and $400 for the first visit, depending on your location and what services are provided. It is a worthwhile investment in your puppy’s health and your peace of mind. If you have already set up pet insurance, check whether your policy covers any of these initial costs — some comprehensive plans include contributions toward vaccinations and routine care.

Questions to Ask Your Vet

Your first vet visit is the perfect opportunity to get professional advice tailored to your puppy. Here are some useful questions to have ready:

• What food do you recommend for my puppy’s breed and age?
• How much should I be feeding them, and how often?
• When should I start puppy socialisation and training classes?
• What is the recommended desexing timeline for my puppy’s breed?
• Are there any breed-specific health concerns I should watch for?
• What signs of illness should prompt an urgent visit?
• What is the best flea, tick, and worming prevention schedule for my area?

Do not be shy about writing your questions down and bringing the list with you. Vets appreciate engaged, proactive pet owners, and this visit is as much about educating you as it is about examining your puppy.

How Pet Insurance Can Help with Early Health Issues

Puppies are curious, energetic, and occasionally accident-prone. From swallowing things they should not to unexpected illnesses, the first year of a puppy’s life can involve more vet visits than you might anticipate. Having pet insurance in place from the start means you are covered if something goes wrong early on.

Many pet insurance providers in Australia allow you to take out a policy from as young as eight weeks of age. The sooner you insure your puppy, the less likely any conditions will be classified as pre-existing — which means broader coverage when you need it most. Whether it is a breed-specific health issue, an accidental injury, or an unexpected illness, insurance gives you the freedom to make health decisions based on what is best for your puppy rather than what you can afford in the moment.

Conclusion

Your puppy’s first vet visit is an important milestone — the start of a health care partnership that will support your dog throughout their life. By knowing what to expect, preparing your questions, and getting vaccinations and parasite prevention underway early, you are giving your puppy the best possible start. And by considering pet insurance from day one, you are protecting both your puppy’s health and your wallet for the years ahead.