Your pet’s first vet visit is an important one. It’s where their general health is assessed, they get their vaccinations and you can ask any questions. But it can be a little daunting if you’ve never taken a pet to the vet before.
This guide is to help you feel prepared and give you peace of mind before your first visit to our Nundah vet. If you have any questions, our team is only a call away to give you the advice and guidance you need.
How to Prepare Your Pet For Their First Vet Visit
Being prepared for your first vet visit will help give both you and your dog or cat a smooth experience. This is what you should ideally do before and on the day of your pet’s appointment to ensure they get the best care possible.
Before your first visit to the vet:
- Book an appointment using our easy-to-use online booking system or give us a call.
- Gather your pet’s documents, including medical records, microchip number and any other documents given to you by the previous owner.
- Have your pet get used to their carrier or lead/harness, leaving them on the floor for them to inspect and interact with them in a positive way.
- Make note of any behaviour you are concerned about or questions you have for the vet so you don’t forget anything.
On the day of your vet visit:
- Stay calm. Your furry friend can sense if you are stressed or anxious, which can add to both your own and their mood on the day.
- Ensure you have all your pet’s documents.
- Secure your pet in their carrier or on their lead/harness, bringing their favourite blanket or toy for the car ride to keep them calm and happy.
- Arrive at the vet at least 10 minutes early to give your time to go to the bathroom if they need to, get used to the environment and so you can complete paperwork.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s First Pet Health Check in Nundah
Once you arrive at your first vet visit in Nundah, the process is straightforward and easy for both you and your furry friend. Our team is here for you every step of the way to make it as positive an experience as possible.
Arrival and check-in.
When you arrive at our Nundah vet clinic, you’ll find convenient street parking across the street. Take your time ensuring your pet has been to the bathroom and is relaxed before heading into the clinic. There’s ramp access to our office to ensure everyone feels welcome.
Our friendly team will be there to greet you and ask you to complete some paperwork. We’ll need information like your pet’s date of birth (if known), their breed, name, gender, microchip number (if already done), and your personal information as their owner. If you have any questions, pop back up to our desk and our team is more than happy to help.
Checkup and vaccinations.
Once you’re checked in, you’ll then meet your vet. They will then conduct a thorough checkup of your pet’s overall health, including:
- Examining your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, skin, fur and vitals, ensuring everything is as it should be.
- Providing vaccinations depending on your pet’s age and vaccination history. They may not be due yet depending on the previous owner’s schedule.
- Recommending parasite prevention, such as dosing for worming, flea and tick treatments.
- Giving you nutrition and exercise advice depending on their age, breed and current condition.
- Performing a behaviour assessment to see how they respond and if they may need additional training.
- Recommending additional pet care, such as desexing, microchipping, dental cleans and other follow-up appointments based on their needs.
At Plus One Vet, our goal is to not only care for your pet’s health, but give you the compassionate advice and information you need to give them the best care at home too.
Post-visit care.
To ensure you feel confident in your pet’s care, we’ll also give you plans for your pet’s diet, exercise, care and training, as well as book you in for your next appointment. As the vet Nundah locals trust, we take great pride in ensuring we can support you throughout your pet’s life, from when they’re a puppy or kitten, to their older years in life too.
How often should your pet visit a Nundah vet?
Puppies and kittens.
Puppies and kittens will need to see the vet more often in their first year of life to ensure they have all their vaccinations and are growing well. Their first visit is typically around 6 to 8 weeks old, followed by a visit every 3 to 4 weeks to follow their vaccination schedule. If you’re planning on desexing your pet, they’ll need to come in around 3 to 6 months of age, depending on the pet.
Adult dogs and cats.
Adult dogs and cats should visit the vet at least once a year for booster vaccinations and to ensure their health is in good order. Some pets may need more regular visits if they have any conditions that need to be kept an eye on, however, your vet will let you know if this is the case.
Senior pets.
Senior pets need a little extra TLC from the vet, so should visit the vet every 6 to 12 months, depending on their age and health.
