First vet visit checklist: what to ask, what to bring, what to track

Quick answer

Bring medical records, a stool sample if requested, and a list of questions. Track your dog’s diet, routines, and any symptoms. The first vet visit is about baseline health, prevention, and setting expectations for vaccines, parasites, and long-term care.

What to bring

• Any adoption or breeder paperwork
• Vaccine and deworming history (if available)
• Current food brand and feeding amount
• A short list of behavior notes (anxiety, barking, appetite)
• Treats your dog likes
• A leash and secure harness

If your vet asks, bring a fresh stool sample in a clean container.

What to ask the vet

Prevention

• Which vaccines are recommended for my area?
• Flea, tick, and worm prevention schedule
• Heartworm prevention (where relevant)

Daily care

• Body weight target and how to track it
• Dental care options and brushing routine
• Exercise recommendations for age and size

Safety and emergencies

• What is the nearest emergency clinic?
• Which symptoms should trigger an urgent visit?
• What is a reasonable pet insurance plan for my situation?

What to track for the first month

• appetite and water intake
• stool quality and frequency
• energy level and sleep
• itchiness, coughing, sneezing
• limping or reluctance to jump

Small patterns help your vet spot issues early.

If your dog is scared of the vet

• Practice gentle handling at home with treats.
• Visit the clinic for a “happy visit” if possible.
• Ask about low-stress handling and scheduling quiet appointment times.

This article is general guidance. Your vet’s advice should come first.

FAQ

Should I fast my dog before the vet visit?

Usually no, unless your vet requests it for specific tests. Bring treats for positive reinforcement if allowed.

How soon after adoption should I go?

Ideally within the first week or two, especially if medical history is unclear.

Do I need pet insurance right away?

If you want insurance, earlier is often better because coverage can exclude pre-existing conditions.

What if I do not have vaccine records?

Tell your vet what you know. They can recommend a safe plan, which may include restarting or titer testing.

Next step

Ready to narrow down the best fit for your lifestyle?