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

Quick Answer: Puppy and kitten health checks are first vet appointments designed to make sure your new pet is growing well, eating properly, and settling in safely. We check their weight, heart, eyes, ears, teeth, skin and tummy, discuss vaccinations, microchipping, parasite prevention and behaviour, and answer your questions about early care.

Introduction

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it often comes with plenty of questions. Many local pet owners in Richmond, East Sheen and Twickenham ask us what actually happens at those first vet visits and whether their young pet really needs to be seen so early.

At The Vet on Richmond Hill we regularly help new owners feel confident about the first few weeks with a puppy or kitten. These early appointments are not just about vaccinations. They are a chance to check your pet’s overall health, pick up any early concerns, and help you build a strong routine for preventative care.

If you have recently welcomed a new pet, you can arrange one of our Free Puppy & Kitten Health Checks or book an appointment online with our local veterinary team in Richmond Hill.

What Is a Puppy or Kitten Health Check?

A puppy or kitten health check is a full veterinary assessment suitable for young pets in the early weeks and months of life. The aim is to make sure your pet appears healthy, developing normally, and getting the right support at home.

Our veterinary team often advises owners to book this visit soon after bringing a new pet home, even if the breeder or rescue has already arranged an earlier check. A new home, new diet and new routine can all raise fresh questions, and it is helpful to have a trusted local veterinary team to guide you.

You can also explore our wider approach to health checks and clinics and preventative healthcare if you are planning ahead for your pet’s first year.

What Happens During the First Appointment?

A general physical examination

We start with a nose-to-tail check. This usually includes looking at your puppy or kitten’s:

• Weight and body condition
• Eyes, ears and nose
• Mouth and developing teeth
• Heart and lungs
• Skin and coat
• Tummy and digestion
• Movement, joints and posture
• Genital area and umbilical area

At The Vet on Richmond Hill we regularly help owners understand what is normal for a fast-growing young pet and what might need monitoring as they mature.

Checking growth and development

Puppies and kittens grow quickly, so early appointments help us assess whether they seem to be developing as expected for their age and breed type. We may discuss feeding amounts, diet changes, toilet habits, sleeping patterns and activity levels.

Vaccination planning

One of the most common reasons for these visits is to discuss vaccines. We will talk you through the recommended schedule and explain what your pet is protected against, as well as when they can safely start mixing with other animals or exploring outside.

For more information, see our vaccinations service, including puppy vaccinations and kitten vaccinations.

Microchipping advice

We will also discuss microchipping, which is an important part of responsible pet ownership. A microchip is a tiny permanent identifier placed under the skin that can help reunite lost pets with their owners. We can explain when this is usually done and what to expect.

You can find out more about microchipping and our specific advice on dog microchipping.

Flea, tick and worm prevention

Young pets are especially vulnerable to parasites, so this is an important part of the discussion. We will explain how flea, tick and worm prevention works and help you understand what is suitable for your puppy or kitten’s age and lifestyle.

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps pet owners across South West London build practical routines using flea, tick and worm treatment and worming advice.

Behaviour and settling in

First appointments are also a good time to ask about biting, scratching, night-time crying, litter training, toilet training, socialisation and safe handling. These questions are very common, and early guidance can make a real difference.

Neutering and future care planning

Depending on your pet’s age, we may also talk about future milestones such as neutering, dental care and routine check-ups. If helpful, we can discuss our neutering services and ways to spread the cost of ongoing preventative care through our Little VIP plans.

Why These Early Checks Matter

Early health checks help in three main ways. First, they give your pet a calm, positive introduction to the vet practice. Second, they allow us to spot small issues before they become bigger concerns. Third, they give you the chance to ask practical questions about day-to-day care.

In our experience supporting pets across Richmond and South West London, owners often feel much more reassured after this first visit because they know what to expect over the next few months.

Where further assessment is ever needed, we also have access to advanced diagnostic support including X-rays, ultrasound and blood and urine testing, although many puppies and kittens simply need routine preventative guidance and monitoring.

What We Commonly See at The Vet on Richmond Hill

One of the most common concerns we hear from new owners is whether their puppy or kitten is eating enough, sleeping too much, or behaving normally. Many local pet owners ask us about soft stools, scratching, play biting, litter tray habits, and when it is safe to go outdoors.

We regularly help owners who are unsure whether their pet’s first vaccines have been completed properly, or whether a breeder’s worming routine needs to be continued. A common misunderstanding is that a pet only needs to visit the vet if something is obviously wrong. In reality, early preventive appointments are some of the most valuable visits your pet will have.

At The Vet on Richmond Hill we also commonly see young pets with minor issues such as ear irritation, mild tummy upsets, retained baby teeth, skin concerns or questions about growth. Most of these are straightforward to assess, but they are best discussed early rather than guessed at home.

Practical Advice for Your First Visit

• Bring any paperwork from the breeder, rescue or previous vet.
• Take a note of the food your pet is currently eating.
• Bring a stool sample if you have been asked to.
• Transport kittens safely in a secure carrier.
• Keep puppies on a lead or in a secure carrier where appropriate.
• Write down your questions in advance so nothing gets forgotten.

If your new pet seems nervous, that is completely normal. Our veterinary team often advises owners to bring a familiar blanket or toy to help them feel more settled during the visit.

If you are new to us, you can register your pet in advance, check our prices, or find out more about The Vet on Richmond Hill.

When To Contact A Vet

While many early concerns turn out to be minor, some symptoms should always be checked promptly. Please contact a vet if your puppy or kitten:

• Is not eating or drinking
• Has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
• Seems unusually quiet, weak or difficult to wake
• Has coughing, breathing changes or nasal discharge
• Has swollen eyes, eye discharge or squinting
• Seems in pain or cries when handled
• Has difficulty passing urine or faeces
• Has a swollen tummy or stops gaining weight

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. If you need urgent help, please use our 24-hour emergency vetcare service.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Ideally, soon after coming home. Even if they have had a previous check elsewhere, it is sensible to arrange a visit with your own vet so we can review their records and help with the next steps.

Do I need a health check if my pet looks healthy?

Yes. Young pets can appear well while still needing guidance on vaccinations, parasite prevention, feeding, behaviour and development.

How long does the appointment usually take?

This can vary, but first appointments are usually long enough for a full examination and time to talk through your questions.

Are free puppy and kitten checks worth booking?

Yes, they are a useful opportunity to make sure your pet is settling in well and to get clear, practical advice from a veterinary professional.

Can I ask about insurance, plans and future costs?

Absolutely. Many local pet owners in Richmond and South West London ask us about budgeting for routine care. We can talk you through options such as our VIP Pet Health Plan and current offers.

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 arrival at home, our experienced veterinary team is here to help you get started with confident, practical support. Whether you are in Richmond, Richmond Hill, Kew, Barnes, Mortlake, Teddington, Ham, Petersham or elsewhere in South West London, we are happy to guide you through your pet’s early care.

You can book a Free Puppy & Kitten Health Check, arrange an appointment online, register your pet with The Vet on Richmond Hill, or find our practice in Richmond Hill. We look forward to meeting you and your new pet.