Puppy & Kitten Health Checks Explained: What Happens During Your First Visit

Summary: A puppy or kitten first health check is a gentle veterinary appointment where we assess growth, weight, body condition, heart, lungs, eyes, ears, teeth, skin and overall development, while also discussing vaccinations, parasite control, diet, behaviour and routine care. At Mayow Veterinary Surgery, we help local pet owners across South East London start their pet’s life with practical, reassuring advice.

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it can also come with plenty of questions. Many local pet owners in Sydenham, Forest Hill and Crystal Palace ask us what actually happens at a first veterinary visit, and whether they should be worried if their new pet seems nervous, wriggly or shy. In most cases, these appointments are calm, straightforward and very useful.

At Mayow Veterinary Surgery we regularly help new pet owners feel more confident about the early weeks of puppy and kitten care. The first health check is designed to make sure your pet is developing well, to spot any early concerns, and to give you clear guidance on feeding, vaccinations, parasite prevention, behaviour and routine healthcare.

If you have recently welcomed a new pet, you can register your pet with Mayow Veterinary Surgery and arrange one of our Free Puppy & Kitten Health Checks. Our experienced veterinary team supports pets and owners across South East London, including Sydenham, Dulwich, Honor Oak, Penge and Beckenham.

Why a first health check matters

A first visit is about more than vaccinations. It gives us a chance to assess your puppy or kitten as an individual, answer your questions and help you build good habits from the start. Our veterinary team often advises that early preventative care can make a real difference throughout a pet’s life.

During this appointment, we are looking at your pet’s overall health, growth and comfort. We also want your puppy or kitten to have a positive experience of the practice. That is one reason why we keep these visits friendly, gentle and practical.

As an RCVS Accredited Practice, we focus on high standards of care and clear communication, which is especially important for first-time owners.

What happens during a puppy or kitten first visit?

Although every pet is different, a first health check usually includes a full nose-to-tail examination and a conversation about home care.

1. A general physical examination

At Mayow Veterinary Surgery we regularly check:

• Weight and body condition
• Eyes, ears and nose
• Mouth and developing teeth
• Skin and coat condition
• Heart and lungs
• Tummy shape and comfort
• Movement, joints and posture
• Hydration and general alertness

This helps us make sure your new pet appears healthy and is developing as expected for their age.

2. Checking for common early issues

We commonly see minor concerns at these appointments, such as itchy ears, mild tummy upsets, fleas, worms, baby teeth questions or uncertainty about feeding amounts. Most of these are manageable, but it is always helpful to discuss them early.

Our local veterinary team in South East London also checks for things owners may not easily spot at home, such as heart murmurs, retained baby teeth later on, skin irritation, or signs that a pet may need closer monitoring as they grow.

3. Weight, growth and nutrition advice

Growing pets have very different nutritional needs from adults. Many local pet owners ask us whether they are feeding too much, too little or the wrong type of food. We will usually discuss:

• Which diet is appropriate for age and species
• How often to feed
• Healthy growth rates
• Treats and avoiding overfeeding
• How to monitor weight at home

If needed, we may recommend ongoing support through our health checks and clinics or nurse consultations.

4. Vaccination planning

Your first visit is often when we discuss or begin your puppy or kitten vaccination course. This depends on age, previous care and any paperwork from the breeder, rescue or previous home.

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners understand what vaccines protect against, when boosters are due, and when it is safe to begin social activities. If your pet’s history is unclear, we will advise you on the best next step.

5. Flea, worm and parasite prevention

Preventing parasites is an important part of early care. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to worms and external parasites such as fleas.

In our experience supporting pets across South East London, owners often assume indoor pets do not need parasite prevention, but that is not always the case. We will explain what is suitable for your pet’s age, lifestyle and species, and we can help you put a plan in place through our preventative healthcare services and Little VIP plans.

6. Behaviour and settling-in advice

The first appointment is also a good time to talk about sleep, toilet training, scratching, chewing, play biting, confidence and socialisation. These early habits matter.

At Mayow Veterinary Surgery we regularly help new owners understand what is normal, what may need support, and how to create a calm routine at home. Small changes early on can make life much easier for both pets and owners.

7. Microchipping and routine healthcare planning

We may also discuss microchipping, neutering at the appropriate age, insurance, and long-term routine care. Some owners prefer to spread this information across a few visits, and that is absolutely fine.

If you are planning your pet’s ongoing care, you may wish to explore our VIP plans, including Little VIP Puppy and Kitten VIP.

What We Commonly See at Mayow Veterinary Surgery

Our veterinary team often advises new owners that the first visit is not only for obvious health problems. It is also for reassurance.

Some of the most common concerns we hear from pet owners in Sydenham, Forest Hill and across South East London include:

• “My puppy seems to scratch a lot. Is that normal?”
• “My kitten has loose stools now and then. Should I worry?”
• “I am not sure how much food to give.”
• “My new pet seems nervous at home.”
• “Do indoor kittens still need parasite treatment?”
• “When can my puppy go outside?”
• “Is play biting or chewing normal?”

We also commonly see a few misconceptions. One is that a pet who looks bright and active does not need a check-up. Another is that the first appointment will be stressful or upsetting. In reality, these visits are usually very gentle and helpful.

For cats, handling style and environment can make a real difference. As a Cat Friendly Clinic, we aim to make visits as calm and low-stress as possible for kittens and their owners.

Practical advice before your first appointment

To help the visit go smoothly, we recommend:

• Bring any paperwork from the breeder, rescue or previous owner
• Bring details of current food and any treatments already given
• Transport kittens and small pets in a secure carrier
• Keep puppies safely restrained for travel
• Write down your questions in advance
• Bring a small blanket or familiar item if your pet is nervous

Many local pet owners find it useful to book early, even if their new pet seems well. If you are just getting started, you can book an appointment online or find Mayow Veterinary Surgery in South East London before your visit.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until vaccinations are due before arranging the first check
• Changing food too often during the settling-in period
• Using parasite products without veterinary guidance
• Assuming chewing, diarrhoea or scratching is always “just a phase”
• Forgetting to ask about routine preventative care

At Mayow Veterinary Surgery we regularly help owners who simply want to check they are on the right track. That is always worthwhile, and early advice is often the most practical kind.

When to contact a vet

A routine first health check is ideal for most new puppies and kittens, but some signs should be assessed sooner. Please contact a vet promptly if your pet is:

• Not eating or drinking
• Very sleepy or difficult to rouse
• Vomiting repeatedly
• Having ongoing diarrhoea
• Coughing or struggling to breathe
• In pain, crying out or unable to settle
• Collapsing, fitting or suddenly weak
• Showing signs of injury

If your concern is urgent, please seek help without delay through our emergency vetcare service. Our experienced veterinary team supports pets across Crystal Palace, Dulwich, Lewisham, Bromley and the wider South East London area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old should my puppy or kitten be for a first check?

As soon as possible after coming home is ideal. This gives us a chance to assess general health, discuss vaccinations and answer your questions early.

Will my pet have injections at the first visit?

Sometimes, yes, if they are old enough and the timing is appropriate. In other cases, we may first review previous records and plan the vaccination course.

Do indoor kittens need vet checks and parasite advice?

Yes. Indoor kittens still need routine healthcare, vaccinations and tailored parasite advice.

What if my new puppy or kitten seems nervous?

That is very common. We commonly see shy, wiggly or cautious pets on their first visit, and we handle them gently and calmly.

Can I ask about feeding, toilet training or behaviour at the first appointment?

Absolutely. Our veterinary team often advises on these everyday issues, and the first check is the right time to raise them.

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.

Start your new pet off with the right support

If you have welcomed a new puppy or kitten, we would be pleased to help. You can arrange a Free Puppy & Kitten Health Check, register your pet with Mayow Veterinary Surgery, or book an appointment online. Our local veterinary team is proud to support pet owners in Sydenham, Forest Hill, Crystal Palace and across South East London with practical, compassionate care from the very beginning.