Veterinarians agree: Keeping your puppy in good health is more effective and affordable than needing to get them back to good health. Dogs from birth to 1 year old are considered to be in their puppy years. (Think about humans between birth to 18 years old.) They have a lot of energy, curious minds, and plenty of cuteness to spare. To keep all of that positive momentum going into their adult years, we must protect their good health today with routine exams! Make sure to discuss frequency with your puppy’s veterinarian as this is dependent on their unique health. We have over 350 trusted local vets in neighborhoods across the nation, so
check if we’re in yours and book an appointment today.
Now let’s break down what the gold standard of veterinary care includes and what financial support we offer, particularly for your puppy at their young stage of life. We’ll cover:
Wellness Exams: Why they matter, what to expect, and what to bring along.
CareCredit: What it is, how you can use it, and why it helps.**
Does My Puppy Really Need an Annual Exam If They Already Seem Healthy?
Yes!
Annual exams are routine checkups to help maintain your pup’s good health and catch anything under the surface that may go otherwise unnoticed. A full nose-to-tail exam at our hospitals includes a check for too much or too little weight, coat/skin concerns, dental health issues, ears/eyes problems, poor mobility and joints, heart and/or lung dysfunction, blood, urine, and fecal issues, and any vaccinations that may be due. Puppies need core vaccinations starting at 8 weeks through 16 weeks. Talk to your veterinarian about this vaccine schedule and the appropriate time to spay or neuter.
It’s a good idea to get your pet insurance early. You can also ask your veterinary team for recommendations to help with unexpected medical costs in future.
What Happens at My Puppy’s Wellness Exam?
Expect a warm welcome! We treat every pet like they’re our own, and your puppy will be no different. Check in at the front desk and then when we’re ready for your appointment to begin, we’ll start with a full physical exam:
1 Body: Physical Wellness Exam for Your Puppy
The exam begins by checking your puppy's stance and movement before feeling any signs of swelling or pain over the whole body. We also look for any sign of illness such as unusual discharge, irritation, or inflammation around the nose, eyes, and ears.
2 Puppy Dental Care: Teeth and Mouth Checkup
The inside of your puppy’s mouth is examined. At-home dental care will be discussed to help you maintain your puppy’s healthy teeth, gums, and mouth.
3 Organs: Your Puppy’s Health from the Inside
Troubles in these major organ areas can be indicative of serious disease, so it’s an important part of the examination process. We listen to the heart and lungs and then feel the abdomen for any signs of distress.
4 Dermatology: Skin, Coat, and Nail Inspection for Puppies
An overall exam of the skin and hair coat is performed to check for signs of hair loss, dryness, parasites, or abnormal lumps. Your puppy’s feet and nails are examined for signs of damage or inflammation, and your vet can also perform a nail trim if requested.
5 Nutrition and Weight: Your Puppy’s Diet and Exercise
Your puppy’s weight will be recorded and evaluated against pets of a similar age, breed, size, and gender. Your veterinarian will let you know if there are concerns over their weight. We may ask about your puppy’s lifestyle, diet, exercise routine, urination and bowel movements, thirst levels, and general behavior.
6 Microchip Checkup: Keeping Contact Info Up to Date
We’ll also update your puppy’s microchip if needed. Keeping this info up to date is key to a greater chance of being reunited if your puppy ever goes missing. Your vet can time this placement out with spay or neuter.
7 General
Blood, fecal, and urine analysis may be suggested to test for diseases that don’t always show visible symptoms. (Pets are pros at hiding pain and discomfort!) It’s also so important to set a baseline, especially when they’re young and healthy, so that we have your pet’s “normal” to compare to over time and can act earlier if sudden changes occur. Your vet can time this placement out with spay or neuter.
8 Preventive : Required Vaccines for Puppies***
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your pup from harmful diseases and for you to avoid expensive treatment plans. Plus, some diseases like rabies and leptospirosis can transfer from dogs to humans, so you’re protecting yourself and your family too! Any vaccines that are due will be recommended and discussed. Puppies require a series of core vaccinations regardless of lifestyle or environment. These include DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Rabies, and Leptospirosis. On top of the core vaccines required, there are various lifestyle-based vaccines like Bordetella, Lyme, and Influenza. These non-core vaccines are recommended based on your puppy’s age, home location, daily activities, and frequency of contact with other animals like at daycare or boarding. Vaccines start at 8 weeks and core vaccines are boosted every 3-4 weeks through 16 weeks.
9 Parasite Prevention: According to Your Puppy’s Lifestyle and Location
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention will be discussed according to your puppy’s lifestyle and home location. Parasite prevention medication can kill or repel these pests before disease is transferred to your puppy. This is the best way to protect because it offers them an invisible shield, no matter where they may roam! Should be started as early as 8 weeks old.
Lyme disease comes from the bite of an infected tick.
According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, Lyme disease continues to expand southward and westward beyond the historically high-risk areas such as the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Hot spots for Lyme disease are also forecasted in northern and southwestern Michigan and southern Indiana. Plus, a higher-than-normal risk is expected to continue in North Dakota, northeastern South Dakota, southeastern Iowa, Illinois, and eastern Kentucky. For the first time, Lyme forecasts include eastern Montana.
Heartworm disease comes from the bite of an infected mosquito.
That’s right, it can fly into the home! Companion Animal Parasite Council reported that heartworm disease continues to show high risk along the Mississippi River, throughout southern portions of the Midwest, and along the Atlantic coast into Virginia and southern New Jersey. The risk continues to increase in the mid-Atlantic region, pushing northward into the densely populated regions of the northeast. Additional areas likely to experience increased risk include New Mexico, portions of Colorado, and the northern Great Plains. It’s important to note that while risk may be lower in some areas, heartworm disease is found in all states. Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition that is very complicated and expensive to treat in puppies. So prevention is the surest way to avoid scares and expensive veterinary bills.
What Should I Bring to My Puppy’s Wellness Exam?
Show and Tell: Gather any notes, photos, or videos that may help contribute to your discussion. It’s especially helpful if you notice anything off about your puppy because not all symptoms may present themselves during the exam.
Check Vaccine Requirements: If you plan to have your puppy in daycare or boarding in the coming year,
check the vaccine requirements of your specific facility and communicate these needs at your puppy’s exam appointment.
Gather Food Labels: Note the diet your puppy is currently on, as well as the amount you are feeding daily. It’s super helpful to take a photo of the ingredient list!
Bring the Stool: Be cool—bring the stool! A wellness exam is the perfect time to check your puppy’s stool (yes, poop!) for any
intestinal parasites. A marble size amount is sufficient and must be less than 24 hours old. You can bring it in a closed, disposable bag or container.
Pet Insurance Information: Bringing along their pet insurance information allows us to provide accurate cost estimates and process claims more efficiently.
What Is and How Does It Help Me Fit My Puppy’s Care into My Budget?
Thrive Plus is our membership offered by many of our primary care veterinarians in neighborhoods across the nation. It’s our way of supporting you in saying yes to the best care for your puppy, every time. With monthly or annual payments, you get to put your mind at ease and care for your new best friend to the max with:
Unlimited Free Exams****
Puppy Wellness Exams
Sudden Illness Exams
Chronic Condition Rechecks
10% Off Over 1,000 Services*****
Core Vaccinations
Lifestyle Vaccinations
Spay & Neuter
Dental Cleanings
And More
$5 Basic Nail Trims
Exclusive Member-Only Offers
What Is the CareCredit Credit Card and How Does It Help Me Get the Care My Puppy Needs?
CareCredit is a puppy-loving partner of Thrive Pet Healthcare and the CareCredit credit card is accepted at all our veterinary hospitals. It allows you to spread veterinary care payments over a 6- or 12-month period, so you can focus on your puppy’s care today.******
Best part? It works alongside Thrive Plus membership and pet insurance!
Check if you’re preapproved with no impact to your credit score. You can use the CareCredit credit card for a wide range of veterinary services, including primary, specialty, and emergency care. Break up payments for your puppy’s care over time and avoid sudden financial setbacks when unexpected care for your puppy may be needed.
**Subject to credit approval. The information herein is for promotional purposes only and Thrive Pet Healthcare and its subsidiaries/partners/facilities are not responsible for credit decisions made by CareCredit. See the CareCredit website linked above for more information on how to get the care you want or need and pay over time.
***Vaccine requirements and schedules can vary by state and by individual pet needs. Your veterinarian stays up to date on local regulations and medical guidelines and can recommend the right vaccines and timing for your pet.
****Apply to general practice exams only, and hospital fees may apply.
******No interest will be charged on the promo purchase if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo purchase from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo purchase before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. For New Accounts as of 5/30/24: Purchase APR 32.99%. Penalty APR 39.99%. Minimum Interest Charge $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms.
