Questions To Ask Vet About New Puppy

Getting a new puppy is like bringing home a tiny, wiggly bundle of joy that chews everything in sight and pees wherever they please.

If you’re reading this with one eye on your new pup and the other on your screen, welcome to the club. You’re doing great already just by asking the right questions.

A lot of new dog parents walk into the vet’s office with a wagging tail and zero clue what to ask. Totally normal. You’re not supposed to know it all.

That’s what your vet is there for. But if you want to make the most out of that first visit, it helps to go in with a few questions up your sleeve.

So let’s break it down together.

When Should I Schedule The First Vet Visit?

This one’s top priority. If you just brought your pup home, you’ll want to see the vet within the first few days. Even if the breeder or shelter said they already had some shots, a full checkup is still a smart move.

Ask your vet when to come in if you haven’t already. And yeah, don’t wait too long. Puppies grow like weeds and can go from baby to beast in what feels like five minutes. You don’t want to miss that early window for vaccines and guidance.

What Vaccinations Does My Puppy Need?

Vaccines. The puppy version of school shots. You want your little one protected from the nasty stuff like parvo, distemper, rabies, and all the other diseases that sound like they came from a horror movie.

Ask your vet to explain the full vaccine schedule in plain English. Not everyone knows what DHPP stands for, and that’s okay.

Also, different places have different requirements. Your vet will know what’s essential in your area. Don’t be shy about asking what’s really needed and what’s more optional.

How Do I Keep Up With The Vaccination Schedule?

This one’s for the folks who can’t remember what they had for breakfast, let alone when to come back for boosters. Seriously, staying on top of shots matters.

Ask if the clinic sends text reminders or if there’s an app they recommend. Some vets even hand you a little paper record that you’ll guard with your life like a doggy passport. Whatever works for you, just ask so your pup doesn’t miss a beat.

What’s The Best Food For My Puppy?

You’d think picking a puppy food would be easy. But holy smokes, there are entire aisles at the pet store packed with bags that all say “natural” or “grain-free” or “premium” and you’re like… what now?

Here’s the truth. Not every food is made equal, and not every dog needs the fanciest kibble on the shelf. Some pups have tummies made of steel. Others? One wrong bite and it’s poop city. Your vet can help you figure out a good fit for your puppy’s breed, age, size, and lifestyle.

Don’t forget to ask about how often to feed your puppy too. Some need three meals a day. Some do better with two. And no, that doesn’t mean sneaking treats every hour, tempting as it is.

Is My Puppy Gaining Weight Normally?

New puppy owners are obsessed with growth. And for good reason. One week they look like a potato. The next they’re jumping over couches.

Ask your vet to walk you through a healthy growth pattern. Bring up your pup’s breed or mix and say something like, “Does this growth look normal to you?” They’ll usually check weight and body condition and give you a good idea of what to expect. It’s also a nice way to make sure you’re not overfeeding or underfeeding.

When Should I Spay Or Neuter My Puppy?

This question always comes up. And no, there isn’t one-size-fits-all advice here.

For some small dogs, it might be as early as six months. For big breeds, waiting longer could be better. It depends on your dog’s health, breed, and even behavior. Some vets will give you a straight answer, others will ask a few questions first.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure what you want to do yet. Just ask and keep the convo open. Nobody’s judging.

How Do I Start With Puppy Training?

Training is a biggie. It’s not just about sit and stay. It’s about raising a dog who won’t bolt every time you open the door.

Ask your vet if they know any good puppy training classes nearby. Some clinics even host them. And if not, your vet might still offer some tips about crate training, potty training, or how to get your pup to stop chewing your favorite shoes.

Trust me, it’s better to ask now than to wait till your dog’s jumping on Grandma and knocking over toddlers.

What’s The Deal With Worms, Fleas, And Ticks?

You don’t want to hear it, but yep — your cute little puppy can pick up all kinds of creepy crawlies.

Ask what deworming meds your pup needs and when. Flea and tick prevention too. Some treatments are monthly. Some are chewables. Some are drops on the back. If you’re already overwhelmed with puppy stuff, your vet can help you choose something that’s easy to stick with.

Ask if you should keep an eye out for symptoms, like scratching or weird poop. (Yes, we talk about poop a lot in the dog world. No shame.)

How Often Should I Bring My Puppy In?

First year’s got a lot going on. Between vaccines and checkups and maybe a neuter or spay, you’ll be seeing more of your vet than your barista.

Ask your vet what the full year looks like. How many visits to expect. What to budget for. When things taper off. You want to feel like you’re ahead of the game, not scrambling last minute.

What’s Normal Puppy Behavior… And What’s Not?

Puppies are weird. Sometimes they zoom around like a tornado. Other times they pass out under a chair and snore like grandpa. So what’s normal?

Ask your vet what red flags to look for. Like, when is it okay for your puppy to be sleepy, and when should you worry? When is chewing normal, and when is it a sign of something else?

Getting the answers now will save you a lot of late-night Googling.

Should I Worry About Breed-Specific Issues?

If your puppy is a purebred or even part of a breed that’s known for certain health problems, now’s the time to ask.

Like, if you’ve got a Frenchie, ask about breathing issues. If you’ve got a Lab, ask about hip dysplasia. If you adopted a mix and don’t know much about them, your vet might recommend a dog DNA test just for fun or peace of mind.

Knowing what’s ahead helps you plan better. Maybe it’s choosing the right harness. Maybe it’s planning for insurance.

What Pet Insurance Do You Recommend?

Speaking of that… vet bills add up fast. Like, real fast.

Ask your vet if they can suggest any pet insurance companies they’ve had good experience with. Some plans cover just emergencies. Others cover vaccinations and checkups. It’s not the most exciting topic, but it’s one that might save you a bunch later on.

Ask early, before something expensive comes up.

Can I Ask More Questions Later?

This one’s more about setting the tone. You want to know that your vet’s on your team. So just ask, “Hey, is it cool if I email or call if I think of more stuff?”

Most vets are totally fine with it. Some have techs or nurses who’ll help with the simple stuff. Either way, knowing you’ve got a lifeline gives you peace of mind.

Final Thoughts For New Puppy Parents

Getting a puppy is part fun, part chaos, part cuddles, and a whole lot of learning. Don’t sweat it if you feel a little lost. We’ve all been there, cleaning up accidents at 2AM and wondering if our dog’s hiccups are normal.

Your vet is your partner in all this. So come to the appointment with your questions, even if they feel silly. There’s no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to keeping your puppy safe and happy.

And hey, if you’re still reading this while your pup’s chewing on your shoelaces, I salute you.

You’ve got this. So, what questions are you bringing to your vet?