Welcoming a dog into your home is an exciting experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. Among the very first and most critical tasks is scheduling your new companion’s first comprehensive health checkup. This initial exam lays the foundation for a lifelong health management plan and is essential in detecting any hidden conditions early on.
Take, for instance, a real-life case where a newly adopted rescue dog showed no visible symptoms at first, but a detailed checkup later revealed a heartworm infection that required months of treatment. Had the issue been identified earlier, both the emotional and financial burden could have been significantly reduced. To help pet parents avoid similar issues, we’ve compiled seven key areas every veterinarian should examine during a dog’s first health checkup.
1. Vital Signs: Temperature, Weight, Heart and Respiratory Rate
Checking vital signs offers baseline data to assess a dog’s general health and identify potential concerns such as infection or dehydration. Veterinarians typically record the following:
- Temperature: Normal range is between 101°F and 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C)
- Heart rate: 100–160 bpm in small dogs; 60–100 bpm in large dogs
- Respiratory rate: 10–30 breaths per minute when resting
Bringing notes on your dog’s eating habits, energy levels, and stool consistency over the past few days can significantly aid the vet’s evaluation.
2. Oral Health and Dental Development
By six months, puppies usually begin transitioning from baby teeth to adult teeth. Misalignment, retained baby teeth, tartar buildup, and gum inflammation are all red flags.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, over 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by age three. Early checkups help establish preventive routines such as brushing with pet-safe toothpaste or using water additives.
- Check for double-row teeth or delayed tooth shedding
- Identify signs of gingivitis or bad breath
- Evaluate tartar buildup and potential infections
3. Skin and Coat Condition
A dog’s skin often reflects its internal health. Itchiness, hair loss, flaky patches, or redness can indicate allergies, parasites, or hormonal issues. During summer months, yeast infections like Malassezia are especially common.
- Look for scabs, lumps, or unusual pigmentation
- Examine ears for wax buildup or signs of infection
- Check for fleas, ticks, or mites using a flea comb or skin scraping test
Routine grooming, hypoallergenic shampoos, and consistent parasite prevention (like NexGard or Bravecto) are strongly recommended.
4. Stool Quality and Anal Gland Function
Your dog’s stool provides insight into digestive health. Runny stool, mucus, or blood may suggest gastrointestinal distress or parasites. If your dog scoots on the floor or frequently licks its rear, clogged anal glands could be to blame.
- Discuss stool frequency, color, and texture with the vet
- Perform a fecal exam to screen for parasites (roundworms, hookworms)
- Assess if anal gland expression is needed
Many clinics in the U.S. encourage owners to bring a recent stool sample in a sealed container. Pet wellness kits, available on Amazon or Chewy, also offer home collection options.
5. Heartworm and Internal Parasite Testing
Heartworm is a deadly disease transmitted by mosquitoes and common in many regions across the U.S. Early-stage infections are often asymptomatic, making routine blood tests vital.
- Antigen blood test for heartworms
- Fecal exam for roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms
- Plan monthly deworming and heartworm prevention schedule (Heartgard, Interceptor)
The American Heartworm Society reports that approximately one in three U.S. dogs will test positive for internal parasites at some point in their lives.
6. Vaccination Review and Booster Planning
During the first checkup, your vet will evaluate existing vaccination records (if any) and advise on additional core or optional vaccines based on your region and lifestyle.
- Core vaccines: Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Rabies
- Optional vaccines: Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza
- Titer testing may be used to confirm immunity
Discuss potential side effects from previous shots, and work with your vet to set up a tailored booster timeline. If your dog was adopted or rescued with unknown medical history, expect to start the series anew.
7. Reproductive Health and Musculoskeletal Development
For male dogs, the vet will check for undescended testicles or other genital abnormalities. Female dogs are examined for vaginal infections or unusual discharge. At this stage, the vet will also evaluate bone growth and joint health, which is particularly important for large breeds.
- Assess for signs of luxating patella or hip dysplasia
- Discuss ideal timing for spaying or neutering
- Evaluate nutrition and consider joint supplements like glucosamine
Avoid high-impact exercise like stairs or long runs for growing puppies. Instead, focus on controlled playtime and balanced meals rich in calcium and phosphorus.
Your dog’s first vet visit isn’t just a check-the-box event—it’s a strategic foundation for lifelong wellness. Pet parents who actively participate in this process—by taking notes, asking questions, and monitoring changes over time—set their dogs up for a healthier, happier future.
For continued care, consider using vet care tracking apps like Pawprint, PetDesk, or BabelBark, which allow you to store health records, schedule vaccinations, and even get medication reminders. These tools are particularly useful for busy households trying to keep up with preventive care.