Puppy & Kitten Health Checks Explained: What Happens During These First Appointments?
Quick Answer: Puppy and kitten health checks are first veterinary appointments designed to assess your pet’s general health, discuss vaccinations, parasite prevention, feeding, behaviour and early development, and answer your questions. At Wimbledon Vets, these visits help give young pets in Wimbledon and South West London a safe, healthy start in life.
Introduction
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it can also come with plenty of questions. Many local pet owners across Wimbledon, Merton and South West London ask us what actually happens at these first veterinary visits, and whether they need to prepare anything in advance.
At Wimbledon Vets we regularly help new owners through these early appointments, and our aim is always to make them calm, practical and reassuring. A first health check is not just about looking for illness. It is also a chance to make sure your pet is developing as expected, to talk through routine care, and to help you feel confident about the weeks ahead.
If you have recently welcomed a young pet into your home, you can register your pet with Wimbledon Vets or book an appointment online for an initial check.
Main Content
Why are first puppy and kitten checks important?
Early health checks allow us to assess your puppy or kitten from nose to tail and pick up any concerns as early as possible. They also help us plan preventative care, including vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, microchipping, nutrition and social development.
Our veterinary team often advises that these first visits are just as much for owners as they are for pets. They give you time to ask about feeding routines, toilet training, scratching, biting, teething, sleep, introducing children, and settling your pet into home life in South West London.
You can also explore our wider health checks and clinics and preventative healthcare services if you want to understand the support available beyond the first appointment.
What happens during a puppy or kitten health check?
Although every pet is different, a first appointment usually includes a full general examination and a discussion about your pet’s routine care.
At Wimbledon Vets, a puppy or kitten check commonly includes:
- Checking weight and body condition
- Listening to the heart and lungs
- Looking at the eyes, ears and mouth
- Checking the skin and coat
- Feeling the tummy
- Assessing movement, joints and general development
- Checking for signs of parasites or digestive upset
- Discussing vaccination timing
- Advising on flea, tick and worm prevention
- Talking through diet, behaviour and home care
We will also ask about where your puppy or kitten came from, what they are currently eating, how they are settling in, and whether you have noticed anything unusual.
What do we check in puppies?
In puppies, we often look closely at overall growth, teeth, gums, eyes, ears, tummy comfort, coat condition and early mobility. We may also check for things such as hernias, retained baby teeth later on, or signs that your puppy’s bite and skeletal development should be monitored as they grow.
Many local pet owners ask us about vaccinations and when puppies can safely go outdoors. This depends on age, vaccine status and your puppy’s individual plan, so we will guide you based on your pet’s needs. If you are planning ahead for ongoing routine care, our Puppy VIP plan can be a helpful option.
What do we check in kittens?
In kittens, we check similar areas but also pay close attention to hydration, weight gain, eyes, breathing, teeth alignment, tummy health and any signs of fleas or worms. We will discuss litter tray habits, scratching behaviour, socialisation, introducing other pets and timing for vaccinations and microchipping.
At Wimbledon Vets we regularly help kitten owners who are unsure whether mild sneezing, soft stools or a reduced appetite are a normal settling-in issue or something that needs checking. A first consultation is the right place to discuss these concerns. For ongoing support, you can also look at our Kitten VIP plan.
Will my pet have vaccinations at the first appointment?
Sometimes yes, but not always. This depends on your puppy or kitten’s age, previous records, general health and the vaccination schedule they are on.
Before giving a vaccine, we carry out a health assessment to make sure your pet is well enough for it on the day. If your pet has already had some vaccinations with a breeder or another practice, please bring any paperwork with you. Our experienced veterinary team supports pets across Wimbledon and South West London, and we can advise if anything needs to be repeated or continued.
For a fuller view of routine protection, you can explore our VIP Health Plan and pet VIP plans.
What should I bring to the appointment?
It helps to bring:
- Any vaccination or breeder paperwork
- Information about current food
- A list of any questions
- A stool sample if requested
- Your puppy in a secure carrier or on a lead, and your kitten in a safe cat carrier
If your pet is insured, or you are considering cover, you may also wish to review the 5 weeks free pet insurance offer available through Wimbledon Vets where appropriate.
What We Commonly See at Wimbledon Vets
In our experience supporting pets across Wimbledon and South West London, one of the most common concerns we hear is: “I am not sure what is normal for a young pet.” That is completely understandable.
We regularly help owners who are worried about:
- Puppies mouthing, chewing or being very energetic
- Kittens hiding, climbing or being active at night
- Mild digestive changes after moving home
- Choosing the right food
- Knowing when vaccinations are due
- Starting flea and worm prevention
- Introducing children or other pets safely
A common misunderstanding is that the first appointment is only necessary if a puppy or kitten seems unwell. In fact, these early visits are an important part of preventative care. They allow us to spot subtle issues early and help you build a care plan from the start.
Many local pet owners also ask whether nurse appointments can help with practical support between vet visits. The answer is often yes. Our nurse consultations can be very useful for advice on weight checks, routine preventative care and general young pet support.
Practical Advice
How to make the first visit easier
- Keep the journey calm and quiet
- Use a secure carrier for kittens and small puppies
- Bring treats if your pet is already eating them safely
- Line the carrier with familiar bedding
- Write down your questions beforehand
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until vaccines are overdue before booking
- Changing food too quickly without guidance
- Starting over-the-counter parasite products without veterinary advice
- Assuming online advice applies to every pet
- Missing early behavioural questions because they seem minor
At Wimbledon Vets we commonly see how small practical questions at the start can prevent bigger worries later on. If you want help planning routine care, you can speak to our local veterinary team or arrange a visit through our online booking page.
We are also an RCVS Accredited Practice, which reflects our commitment to high standards of veterinary care for local pet owners in Wimbledon and the surrounding areas.
When To Contact A Vet
A routine first appointment is ideal for general guidance, but you should seek veterinary advice sooner if your puppy or kitten is showing signs that may need prompt attention.
Contact a vet if your young pet:
- Is not eating or drinking normally
- Has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
- Seems unusually quiet, weak or difficult to wake
- Has coughing, laboured breathing or nasal discharge
- Is losing weight or not growing as expected
- Has swollen eyes, a bloated tummy or significant discomfort
- Has fleas, worms or skin irritation that seems severe
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. Wimbledon Vets provides 24-hour emergency veterinary care for urgent situations affecting pets in Wimbledon, Merton and South West London.
For pets that need further investigation or ongoing monitoring, we also have hospitalisation facilities and access to advanced surgery and medicine services where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a puppy have its first vet check?
Ideally, soon after coming home. Even if your puppy has already seen a vet elsewhere, an early appointment helps confirm the next steps for vaccinations, parasite prevention and general care.
When should a kitten have its first vet check?
As soon as practical after adoption or purchase. Early checks are especially helpful for discussing feeding, litter habits, parasite control and vaccination timing.
How long does the appointment take?
Most first appointments are long enough for a full examination and discussion, but timing can vary depending on your pet’s needs and your questions.
Can I ask about behaviour at the first visit?
Yes. Our veterinary team often advises discussing behaviour early, as settling, socialisation and handling habits are an important part of long-term wellbeing.
Do you offer follow-up support?
Yes. Depending on what your pet needs, support may include follow-up vet visits, video consultations, nurse clinics and ongoing preventative care planning.
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 Check
If you have a new puppy or kitten, our team at Wimbledon Vets is here to help you get started with practical, friendly veterinary support. You can register your pet, book an appointment, or visit our find us page if you are looking for a trusted local veterinary team in Wimbledon and South West London.
If you would like to plan ahead for routine preventative care, you can also explore our health checks and clinics and ask us about the most suitable support for your pet’s age and lifestyle.
