Puppy & Kitten Health Checks Explained

Quick Answer: Early puppy and kitten health checks help us spot problems promptly, guide you on vaccinations, parasite control, feeding, behaviour and microchipping, and give your pet the best start in life. At Animal Clinic Vets, we recommend arranging a first check soon after bringing your new pet home and continuing regular visits during their first few months.

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it can also come with plenty of questions. Many local pet owners ask us what happens at those first vet visits and whether they are really necessary if a breeder, rescue or previous owner has already had the pet checked. In our experience supporting pets across Shooters Hill, Charlton and South East London, early health checks are one of the most useful steps you can take.

At Animal Clinic Vets we regularly help new pet owners settle puppies and kittens into family life with practical, tailored advice. These appointments are not just about looking for illness. They are a chance to check growth and development, discuss routine care, answer questions and help prevent future problems. If you have recently welcomed a new pet, you can book an appointment or register your pet with our team.

Why early puppy and kitten health checks matter

The first few months of life are a key time for growth, learning and immune system development. A health check gives us the opportunity to assess your puppy or kitten properly and make sure they are progressing as expected.

Our veterinary team often advises arranging a check shortly after your pet comes home, even if they seem bright and well. Some issues are subtle in the early stages, and new owners often benefit from reassurance and clear guidance. We commonly see questions about toilet training, feeding amounts, scratching, sneezing, worms, fleas and normal playful behaviour.

For many families in Shooters Hill, Kidbrooke, Eltham and Lewisham, these visits also help build confidence. If you are unsure which appointments your pet needs next, our Puppy & Kitten Checks page explains how we support young pets as they grow.

What happens during a puppy or kitten health check?

A health check is a thorough but gentle nose-to-tail examination. We aim to make the visit as calm and positive as possible.

We usually assess:

• Weight and body condition
• Eyes, ears, nose and mouth
• Heart and lungs
• Skin and coat
• Teeth and jaw development
• Tummy and digestion
• Mobility and limb development
• Signs of fleas, worms or other parasites
• General behaviour and social development

We will also review any paperwork you have been given, including vaccination history, microchip details, insurance documents and feeding information. If needed, we can talk through our pet vaccination advice, microchipping services and preventative healthcare options so you know what to expect over the coming weeks and months.

Topics commonly covered at first visits

Early appointments are often about practical day-to-day care as much as medical checks.

Vaccinations

Puppies and kittens need protection against serious infectious diseases. The timing depends on age and previous vaccination history, so it is best discussed individually. Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps local pet owners plan a safe, sensible vaccine schedule and understand when their pet can start going out and mixing more widely.

Flea and worm control

Young pets are particularly prone to parasites. We can advise on suitable treatment plans based on your pet’s age, weight and lifestyle. If you are looking for ongoing support, our flea and worm treatment service and pet health plan can help you stay on top of routine care.

Feeding and growth

Many owners worry about feeding too much, too little or the wrong food. We will discuss diet, portion sizes, treats and expected growth. This is especially important for rapidly growing breeds, underweight kittens or pets with sensitive stomachs.

Behaviour and socialisation

Puppies and kittens are learning constantly. Biting, chewing, scratching, hiding and zooming around can all raise questions. Early guidance can help prevent habits becoming harder to manage later. If your pet seems especially fearful, unusually quiet or difficult to settle, it is worth mentioning at the check.

Neutering and future planning

We can also explain the usual timing for neutering, what it involves and whether there are breed or lifestyle factors to consider. You may also want to look at our neutering advice as part of planning ahead.

What We Commonly See at Animal Clinic Vets

One of the most common concerns we hear is, “My puppy or kitten seems fine, do they still need a check?” In many cases, the answer is yes. A well pet can still benefit from an early examination and a personalised care plan.

Many local pet owners in Shooters Hill ask us about loose stools after coming home. This is often linked to changes in diet, stress, parasites or simply the move into a new environment. It is not always serious, but it is worth checking if it continues, if your pet is not eating, or if they seem flat.

We regularly help pet owners across Charlton, Kidbrooke and Eltham with itchy ears, runny eyes, sneezing kittens, missed vaccine records and questions about when it is safe to take a puppy outdoors. A common misunderstanding is that one vaccine means full protection straight away. In reality, full cover usually depends on the full course and the right timing.

Another thing we commonly see at Animal Clinic Vets is owners feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice online. Our local veterinary team can help you sort useful guidance from myths, based on your pet’s age, breed, background and home routine.

Common mistakes new owners can avoid

• Waiting too long for the first check because the pet “looks healthy”
• Changing food too suddenly without guidance
• Assuming flea or worm treatment from a breeder or rescue will still be up to date
• Taking puppies out before vaccination advice has been confirmed
• Overlooking early dental, skin or ear issues
• Missing the chance to ask about behaviour while habits are still developing

In our experience supporting pets across South East London, early advice often prevents small concerns becoming bigger frustrations later on. If you are unsure where to start, you can speak to our veterinary team or arrange a health check.

Practical Advice

Before your appointment, bring any paperwork from the breeder, rescue or previous owner, along with details of current food and any treatments already given. A stool sample may sometimes be useful if your puppy or kitten has digestive upset.

To help your pet feel more comfortable:

• Use a secure carrier for kittens and small pets
• Bring puppies on a lead or in a secure crate if preferred
• Offer familiar bedding or a toy
• Keep journeys calm and avoid feeding a large meal immediately before travel
• Write down your questions beforehand

It is also helpful to monitor eating, drinking, toilet habits, scratching, sleeping and energy levels during the first week at home. Small changes can give useful clues if we need to investigate anything further. Our veterinary team often advises booking follow-up visits during the early months so we can track progress, particularly after vaccinations or if there have been feeding or parasite concerns.

If you are planning your pet’s routine care, you may also find our pet health checks, vaccination appointments and preventative care plan useful.

When To Contact A Vet

Please contact a vet if your puppy or kitten has:

• Poor appetite or stops eating
• Vomiting or diarrhoea that is persistent or severe
• Lethargy or unusual quietness
• Coughing, wheezing or breathing changes
• Discharge from the eyes or nose that is worsening
• Persistent scratching, hair loss or sore skin
• A swollen tummy, pain or discomfort
• Difficulty passing urine or stools

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.

For local pet owners in Blackheath, Woolwich, Greenwich, Lee and the wider South East London area, prompt advice can make a real difference. If you are concerned, please contact Animal Clinic Vets for guidance.

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, an early check with your own practice helps confirm everything is on track and gives you tailored advice.

When should a kitten have its first vet check?

Again, as soon as practical after bringing them home. Kittens can hide illness quite well, so an early examination is helpful even when they seem bright and active.

Do indoor kittens still need health checks and vaccines?

Yes. Indoor cats still benefit from routine health care, parasite advice and vaccination planning based on individual risk.

What if I do not know my pet’s vaccination history?

Bring any information you have. We can review the records and advise on the safest next steps.

Are early health checks only for dogs and cats?

No. Rabbits and small pets also benefit from early veterinary advice, especially around diet, housing and handling. Our local veterinary team can advise on the most appropriate care for your pet.

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.

Give Your New Pet the Best Start

At Animal Clinic Vets, we are proud to support local pet owners across Shooters Hill, Charlton, Kidbrooke, Eltham, Lewisham and South East London with friendly, practical veterinary care. If you have a new puppy or kitten at home, we would be happy to help you get started with the right advice and routine care.

You can book an appointment, register your pet, visit our Puppy & Kitten Checks page, or contact Animal Clinic Vets to arrange a health check with our team.