Puppies should see the vet for the first time when they are about eight weeks old. At this first appointment, they will get a few of their initial shots. The vet will also look them over for signs of any illness that may need to be treated or managed. This appointment should be quick and simple, but that does not mean you should not make the most of it! Here are some ways to make the most of your puppy's first vet appointment.

Write down questions in the days leading up to the vet appointment.

It's common for puppy owners to have a whole list of questions in their minds when they are walking into the vet's office only to have those questions disappear from their minds the moment they sit down in the exam room with a wiggly puppy. This is your chance to get questions about your puppy's health and care answered, though, so you should definitely take advantage. In the days leading up to the appointment, you can write down the questions you have on your phone. Then, when you get to the vet's office, you can just pull out your phone and ask those questions — no memory required.

Pass on information from the breeder.

Did your puppy's breeder tell you anything about your puppy's health history or about any genetic testing that they had done on the puppy's parents? For example, they may have told you that your German shepherd puppy's parents were both tested for hip dysplasia genetics. Pass any such information onto your vet. It will help inform them what to look for in your puppy, and it may also allow your vet to give you better, more specific advice regarding your puppy's care.

Bring a sample of your puppy's poop.

Collect a sample of your puppy's poop in a plastic bag the morning of your vet appointment. As gross as this may seem, your vet can analyze the sample to make sure your puppy is free from any parasites. The feces can also tell your vet whether or not your puppy is eating a proper diet, and it may even give insight into their liver function and overall digestive health.

With the tips above, your first puppy appointment is destined to be a good one. If you have any lingering questions or concerns about what to expect, feel free to call your vet's office prior to the appointment.

To learn more, contact a veterinarian.

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