Puppy & Kitten Health Checks Explained: What Happens During These First Appointments?

Quick Answer: Puppy and kitten health checks are first veterinary appointments designed to make sure your new pet is growing well, eating properly, developing normally and protected against common diseases and parasites. We check their eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, skin, weight and behaviour, discuss vaccinations, microchipping, worming, flea control, diet and answer any questions you have.

Introduction

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of questions. Many local pet owners in Tooting and South West London want to know what actually happens during those first vet visits, what they should bring, and whether anything might be wrong if their new pet seems shy, sleepy or a little unsettled.

At Tooting Vets we regularly help new owners through these early appointments, and in most cases the visit is straightforward, reassuring and very practical. These health checks are an important starting point for lifelong care, helping us spot any early concerns and guiding you on feeding, parasite treatment, socialisation and preventive care. If you are preparing for your pet’s first visit, you can also explore our health checks and clinics or book an appointment online.

Main Content

What is a puppy or kitten health check?

A puppy or kitten health check is a nose-to-tail examination carried out by a vet. It gives us a chance to assess your pet’s overall health, discuss their routine care and make sure they are getting the right support at the right age.

Our veterinary team often advises owners that these first appointments are not just about vaccinations. They are also about building a clear picture of your pet’s early development and helping you feel confident in caring for them at home.

What happens during the appointment?

During a first appointment, we usually cover several key areas:

• Weight and body condition – we check your puppy or kitten’s weight and growth to make sure they are developing appropriately.
• Eyes, ears and nose – we look for discharge, irritation, signs of infection or congenital problems present from birth.
• Mouth and teeth – we examine the bite, gums and early teeth development.
• Heart and lungs – we listen for murmurs, irregular rhythms or abnormal breathing sounds.
• Skin and coat – we check for fleas, mites, dryness, hair loss or skin irritation.
• Tummy and digestion – we feel the abdomen and discuss appetite, stools and worming history.
• Limbs and movement – we assess how your pet walks, stands and moves.
• Genital area and hernias – we look for developmental issues such as umbilical hernias or retained testicles in male puppies.
• Behaviour and general development – we ask how your pet is settling in, sleeping, playing and coping with their new environment.

In our experience supporting pets across Tooting and South West London, these early appointments are also when owners often ask the questions they have been keeping a list of at home. No question is too small.

Will my puppy or kitten have vaccinations at the same visit?

Often, yes, provided your pet is well enough and at the right age. We will first carry out a clinical examination to make sure vaccination is appropriate on that day. We will also explain the vaccination schedule, when immunity develops, and when it is safe to start going outdoors or meeting unfamiliar animals.

Preventive care is a big part of these visits, so we may also talk through options for ongoing support such as our preventative healthcare services, Puppy VIP Plan or Kitten VIP plan.

What else will we discuss?

First appointments are also the best time to talk through everyday care. We commonly cover:

• Feeding and changing diets safely
• Toilet training or litter tray habits
• Worming and flea prevention
• Microchipping
• Neutering at the appropriate age
• Pet insurance considerations
• Safe socialisation and handling
• Breeds with any special health considerations

For example, if you have a flat-faced puppy, our local veterinary team may discuss breathing, exercise tolerance and future monitoring. Where appropriate, we can also advise on our dedicated BOAS Grading Clinic for brachycephalic breeds.

Do I need to bring anything?

Yes, it helps to bring:

• Any paperwork from the breeder, rescue or previous vet
• Vaccination records if already started
• Details of any flea or worm treatment already given
• A sample of the food your pet is eating, or a photo of the packaging
• A list of any questions you want to ask

Bring puppies on a lead or securely in your arms if they are very small, and kittens in a secure carrier with soft bedding. Many local pet owners from Balham, Streatham, Earlsfield and Wimbledon find that covering the cat carrier with a light towel helps nervous kittens feel calmer during travel.

How long does a first appointment take?

Most first checks are fairly manageable and allow time for discussion as well as examination. If your pet needs follow-up care, further vaccines, or investigations for a concern picked up during the visit, we will explain the next steps clearly. Our experienced veterinary team supports pets through every stage of life, so these first visits are the start of an ongoing relationship rather than a one-off event.

What We Commonly See at Tooting Vets

At Tooting Vets we regularly help new owners who are unsure what is normal in the first few days after bringing a puppy or kitten home. One of the most common concerns we hear is whether a quiet pet is unwell. In many cases, they are simply adjusting to a new home, different food, travel and unfamiliar routines.

Many local pet owners ask us about soft stools, scratching, sneezing, biting, chewing, night-time crying or whether their young pet is eating enough. These are all sensible things to raise during a health check.

A common misunderstanding is that if a breeder or seller says a pet is healthy, there is no need for an early vet visit. In reality, an independent veterinary examination is still important. We commonly see young pets with minor issues such as ear irritation, parasites, skin concerns, baby tooth issues or hernias that were not obvious at home.

Our veterinary team often advises owners not to wait for the vaccination date alone if they have concerns. If your new puppy or kitten is off food, has diarrhoea, seems unusually tired, is coughing, or is not settling as expected, it is best to speak to a vet sooner. You can also register your pet with Tooting Vets so support is in place from the start.

Practical Advice

How to make the first visit easier

• Keep the journey calm and quiet.
• Bring treats if your pet is already eating them safely.
• Use a secure carrier for kittens and small puppies.
• Avoid feeding a large meal immediately before travel.
• Write down your questions in advance.

Common early mistakes to avoid

• Changing food too quickly
• Taking puppies into high-risk public areas before vaccination advice
• Using over-the-counter flea products without checking they are suitable for young pets
• Assuming scratching, runny stools or low appetite will always settle on their own
• Missing the recommended timing for vaccines, parasite control and follow-up checks

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners in Wandsworth, Colliers Wood, Mitcham and Southfields with these early care decisions. If you would like ongoing support with routine care, our VIP Plans can help make preventive treatment and regular checks easier to manage.

If costs are something you are planning for, you may also find our vet prices and current practice offers helpful when preparing for your pet’s first year.

When To Contact A Vet

You should contact a vet if your puppy or kitten:

• Is not eating or drinking
• Has vomiting or persistent diarrhoea
• Seems unusually weak, quiet or difficult to wake
• Has discharge from the eyes or nose
• Is coughing or breathing noisily
• Has fleas, visible worms, or intense scratching
• Is limping or reluctant to move
• Has a swollen tummy or signs of pain

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately. Tooting Vets provides 24-hour emergency veterinary care for urgent situations.

Many local pet owners find reassurance in having a trusted local veterinary team in place before a problem arises. If you are new to the area, you can find directions and contact details on our Find Us page.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a puppy first see a vet?

Ideally, shortly after coming home. Even if your puppy has already had some care elsewhere, an early check helps confirm everything is on track.

When should a kitten first see a vet?

As soon as practical after adoption or purchase. Early checks are especially useful for discussing vaccinations, parasite control, feeding and settling in.

Can I bring a new pet in before vaccinations are complete?

Yes. Clinics are set up to help minimise infection risk, and early veterinary advice is important. Our veterinary team will explain how to travel safely and what to avoid before full vaccination cover is in place.

What if my pet seems healthy?

That is still a good reason to come. Some early problems are subtle and may not be obvious at home. Health checks also help with prevention, planning and reassurance.

Do you only see dogs and cats?

No. At Tooting Vets we also support rabbits and other small pets. If you have a rabbit, our Bunny VIP plan may be useful for routine preventive care.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Book Your Puppy or Kitten’s First Health Check

If you have welcomed a new puppy or kitten into your home in Tooting or elsewhere in South West London, we would be happy to help you get started with confident, practical veterinary care. You can book an appointment online, register your pet with Tooting Vets, or explore our health checks and clinics to arrange the right support for your new arrival.

If you would like to know more about our practice and local veterinary team, you can also visit About Us or Meet Our Team. We are here to support local pet owners with friendly, professional care from those first early visits onwards.