Overview
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it comes with responsibilities. One of the most important first steps is booking them in for their first comprehensive puppy health check. This visit will help catch potential issues early and set a baseline for your puppy’s health.
Puppies grow fast, and even small problems can develop quickly if left unchecked. Regular health checks from the very start help monitor your puppy's growth and their weight, keep them up to date with vaccinations and parasite treatments, and make sure they hit all their important milestones.
Choosing a vet for your puppy
Most new puppy owners will already have chosen their vet, but if you’re still deciding, it’s worth finding a practice before your puppy arrives. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or breeders and check online reviews to make sure you feel confident in your choice. If you’re unsure, you can use our Find a Vet tool. Just enter your postcode to see nearby practices and what services they offer.
If you’re already a member of Pet Health Club, you’ll know that regular check-ups with a veterinary nurse are included in your plan, making it even easier to keep your puppy healthy.
Preparing for your puppy’s first health check
To make your puppy’s first vet visit smoother, here are a few things to consider:
Bring any medical records, such as vaccination details, microchip information, your puppy's current diet information, and any health certificates from the breeder
Prepare a list of questions you may have, especially if you’re unsure about any aspects of your puppy’s health or care
Pack some comfort items like a familiar blanket or a favourite toy to help keep your puppy calm during the visit
Use a secure carrier or crate for travelling, and avoid feeding your puppy just before the trip to help reduce car sickness
Practice short car journeys with your puppy to get them used to it before the vet visit, as this can help reduce anxiety on the day
Read more: All about pet health checks
What does a puppy health check include?
During your puppy’s first health check, your vet or veterinary nurse will carry out a thorough examination to make sure your new pet is off to the best start. This typically includes:
Checking your puppy’s weight and growth to monitor development
Examining the eyes, ears, mouth, and coat
Listening to the heart and lungs to check for murmurs or irregularities
Assessing joints and mobility to ensure normal movement
Administering any necessary vaccinations to protect your puppy from common diseases
Microchipping if it hasn’t been done already
Discussing parasite prevention to keep your puppy safe from fleas, ticks, and worms
Offering behavioural advice on socialisation, training, and managing puppy habits
Talking through the pros and cons of neutering
Discussion about the best possible diet for your puppy
Your vet or vet nurse will also take the time to answer any questions about caring for your puppy.
How much does a puppy health check cost?
The cost of a health check can vary between practices, so it’s best to check with your local clinic. At some of our practices, a six-month health check is just £24.99, offering great value for a comprehensive assessment. If your pet needs further treatment after the check, you won’t pay twice — the health check fee will be deducted from the cost of follow-up care.
If you’re a Pet Health Club member, your plan already includes a six-month health check with a veterinary nurse, making it even easier to keep your pet healthy. Join through our Little Paws initiative and you’ll also receive a free welcome gift (for the first 20,000 customers), expert video guides from the Puppy Academy, an extra nurse health check, and ongoing tips and advice straight to your inbox.
What happens after the check?
Your vet will discuss any findings and recommend a care plan tailored to your puppy’s needs. This might include a vaccination schedule, dental care or dietary advice, and tips on early training and socialisation. Your vet may also advise on maintaining regular flea, tick, and worm prevention.
As your puppy grows: routine and wellness checks
As your puppy matures, their health check needs will change. Routine six-monthly check-ups help catch developing issues early, while wellness screenings (usually for older dogs) include blood, urine, and blood pressure tests to monitor long-term health. To learn more about wellness screenings, see our article on routine dog health checks.
Why start puppy health checks early?
Getting into the habit of regular health checks early on makes future vet visits less stressful for your puppy. It also means any potential health issues are spotted and managed straight away, helping your puppy stay happy and healthy. Research shows that two in three pets have undiagnosed conditions, highlighting just how important regular check-ups are.
For more detailed information, we have a full article on routine health checks for all pets.
How do I book a health check?
Contact your practice here, and remember to ask about Pet Health Club as six-monthly health checks are included in the subscription.
Show references
O’Neill, D.G., et al., 2021. Prevalence of commonly diagnosed disorders in UK dogs under primary veterinary care: results and applications. BMC Veterinary Research, 17(1), pp.1-10. Available at: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-021-02775-3
British Veterinary Association (BVA). (2025). Routine Puppy Health Checks: What to Expect. Available at: https://www.bva.co.uk
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). (2025). First Health Check for Puppies: Guidelines. Available at: https://www.rcvs.org.uk
Pet Health Club. (2025). Pet Health Checks. Available at: https://www.pethealthclub.com/uk/pet-advice/pet-health-checks
Pet Health Club. (2025). The Importance of Routine Check-Ups for Dogs. Available at: https://www.pethealthclub.com/uk/pet-advice/the-importance-of-routine-check-ups-for-dogs
Medically reviewed by Gemma Williams, BVetMed MRCVS
Published on 15/06/2025 • Reviewed on 15/06/2025