At the start of the consultation, your veterinary team will confirm your puppy’s date of birth to ensure they are the right age for vaccinations.
Understanding How Our Veterinary Practice Works
Your vet team will take time to explain how the practice operates, so you feel confident and supported.
Key points include:
- – Out-of-hours care: After 6pm on weekdays and across weekends, care is provided at the main Hook Norton surgery
- – Inpatient care: If your puppy ever needs to stay overnight, they’ll be cared for entirely on-site
- – Appointments & procedures: Some branches may offer limited surgery days, but the main practice provides full availability
- – PetsApp support: A convenient way to contact the practice, ask questions, and manage your pet’s care from your phone
Lifetime Care Club: Saving on Essential Pet Care
Our practice offers a Lifetime Care Club (LCC) to help spread the cost of routine care.
Benefits typically include:
- – Savings on vaccinations
- – Regular flea and worm treatment
- – Cost-effective care
You can usually:
- – Join on the day (with an upfront payment)
- – Or decide within a short deadline after your visit
Ask your vet team for a full breakdown of costs and benefits.
Parasite Prevention for Puppies
Parasite control is essential from an early age. During the visit, your vet nurse will ask about any previous flea or worm treatments your puppy has had.
Key considerations:
- – Puppies need safe, age-appropriate treatments
- – Products are chosen based on weight and age
- – Treatment plans will be tailored and recorded for your puppy
Regular parasite prevention protects not only your puppy – but also your home and family.
Microchipping Your Puppy
Microchipping is an important part of responsible pet ownership.
During the appointment:
- – Your puppy will be scanned for an existing microchip
- – If no chip is found, one will be implanted safely
- – The chip details will be recorded on your puppy’s file
Microchipping helps reunite lost pets with their owners quickly and is a legal requirement in many areas.
Puppy Welcome Pack
You will receive a puppy welcome pack containing:
- – Helpful care guides
- – Training advice
- – Vaccination information
Pet Insurance: Why It Matters Early
Insurance is highly recommended for all puppies.
At this stage:
- – Your puppy is often eligible for free introductory insurance
- – They must have a clean bill of health
- – They should be under 6 months old
Starting insurance early ensures:
- – Coverage before conditions develop
- – Financial protection for unexpected illnesses or injuries
Puppy Behaviour Advice
Your puppy’s early weeks are critical for learning and development. Your vet nurse will talk through key areas:
House Training
- – Establish routines
- – Use positive reinforcement
- – Be patient and consistent
Socialisation
- – Introduce new sights, sounds, and environments safely
- – Socialise before full vaccination (e.g., being carried outside, meeting vaccinated dogs)
Puppy Biting
- – Normal behaviour in young puppies
- – Teach bite inhibition gradually
- – Redirect onto appropriate toys
If you need extra support, our practice can guide you further or recommend training resources.
Nutrition: Feeding Your Growing Puppy
You’ll be asked what your puppy is currently eating.
If you’re open to recommendations:
Veterinary diets (such as Hill’s) offer:
- – Immune system support through antioxidants
- – Essential fatty acids for brain and eye development
- – Digestive support
- – Balanced nutrients for healthy growth
Important feeding tips:
- – Feed a complete puppy diet
- – Offer meals 3-4 times daily
- – Avoid raw diets for young puppies, as they can lead to nutritional imbalances
What Happens During the Appointment?
Your first visit is usually a 30-minute nurse consultation, with a vet involved during the appointment.
The vet will:
- – Perform a clinical examination
- – Address any concerns
- – Administer the first vaccination
- – Confirm eligibility for insurance
- – Provide further care recommendations
Preparing for Your Puppy’s First Vaccination
By the end of the visit, you’ll have:
- – A personalised care plan
- – Parasite treatment recommendations
- – Behaviour and feeding guidance
- – Your puppy’s vaccination journey underway
By attending early and following professional advice, you’re giving your puppy the best possible start.
