Puppy & Kitten Health Checks Explained
Summary: Early puppy and kitten health checks help make sure your new pet is growing well, settling in safely and getting the right preventative care from the start. At Croydon Vets, these appointments cover general health, parasite prevention, feeding, behaviour, vaccinations and practical advice for new owners.
Introduction
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it can also come with plenty of questions. Many local pet owners in Croydon, South Croydon and across South London ask us when they should first visit the vet and what happens during that first appointment.
At Croydon Vets we regularly help new owners feel more confident in the early weeks. A puppy or kitten health check is not just a quick once-over. It is an important chance to assess your pet’s general health, pick up any early concerns, talk through preventative care and help you get started with good habits from day one.
If you have recently welcomed a new pet, our Puppy & Kitten Health Checks are designed to give both you and your pet a calm, reassuring start.
Why early vet visits matter
The first few weeks and months of life are a key time for growth and development. Early checks help us monitor how your puppy or kitten is progressing and allow us to look for anything that may need attention before it becomes a larger issue.
Our veterinary team often advises owners not to wait until a pet seems unwell. Young animals can appear bright and active even when something needs checking, such as a hernia, skin irritation, an ear problem, poor weight gain or a delayed tooth eruption.
In our experience supporting pets across Croydon and South London, early appointments also give owners a valuable opportunity to ask about feeding, toilet training, socialisation, scratching, biting, sleep routines, flea treatment and worming.
For a wider overview of routine support for young pets, you can also explore our Health Checks and Clinics and Preventative Healthcare services.
What happens during a puppy or kitten health check?
A health check is tailored to your pet’s age, species and individual needs, but it usually includes a full nose-to-tail examination and time to discuss your questions.
Your vet will usually check:
- Weight and body condition
- Eyes, ears and nose
- Mouth, teeth and gums
- Skin and coat condition
- Heart and lungs
- Abdomen
- Mobility and general development
- Signs of fleas, worms or other parasites
- Any lumps, swellings or hernias
At Croydon Vets we regularly help owners understand what is normal for a growing puppy or kitten and what may need monitoring. We also talk through vaccination timing, microchipping where appropriate, neutering plans, diet, insurance and lifestyle advice.
If you are still getting organised after bringing a new pet home, you can register your pet with our local veterinary team before arranging your first visit.
What we discuss with new owners
A good first check is about more than the physical examination. It is also a chance to make day-to-day pet care feel clearer and more manageable.
Topics commonly covered include:
- What and how much to feed
- Healthy growth and expected weight gain
- Toilet training or litter tray habits
- Socialisation and handling
- Biting, chewing, scratching and play behaviour
- Vaccinations and when these are due
- Flea and worm prevention
- Neutering and future routine care
Many local pet owners are relieved to hear that it is normal to have lots of questions. Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners in Croydon, Purley, Sanderstead, Shirley and nearby Surrey border communities work through the practical parts of early pet care.
If you would like ongoing support with routine preventive treatment and health checks, our VIP Health Plan and dedicated Puppy VIP Plan can be helpful options to explore.
Common mistakes new owners can avoid
Most new owners are doing their best, and early advice can help avoid a few very common problems.
- Waiting too long for a first check: even if your pet seems well, an early appointment helps establish a healthy baseline.
- Changing food too quickly: sudden diet changes can upset a young pet’s stomach.
- Assuming scratching or tummy upsets are always minor: sometimes these are simple issues, but they are worth discussing.
- Missing parasite prevention: fleas and worms are common in young pets and prevention is important.
- Taking behavioural advice from unreliable sources: not all online advice is suitable for your individual pet.
As a practice shortlisted at the Best UK Vets Awards 2024 and 2025, we believe practical, personalised advice can make a real difference for new owners across South London.
What We Commonly See at Croydon Vets
One of the most common concerns we hear is, “My puppy or kitten seems fine, do they really need to be checked?” In many cases they are doing well, but early appointments often pick up small issues that owners would not be expected to notice.
We regularly help owners who are unsure about:
- How often a puppy or kitten should eat
- Whether soft stools are normal after coming home
- When vaccinations can start or be completed
- How to manage chewing, mouthing or scratching
- When to start flea and worm treatment
- Whether their pet is the right weight for its age
A common misunderstanding is that a breeder or rescue check means a new pet does not need a vet visit. Those early checks are helpful, but your own vet appointment gives you an independent assessment and a plan tailored to your pet’s home life.
At Croydon Vets we also commonly see minor problems that are easier to deal with when spotted early, such as ear irritation, skin issues, baby teeth concerns, digestive sensitivity and questions around settling in. Many local pet owners simply want reassurance, and that is a very good reason to book.
Practical advice for the first appointment
You can help your puppy or kitten have a positive visit by keeping the experience calm and simple.
- Bring any paperwork from the breeder, rescue or previous vet.
- Take a note of your questions so nothing gets forgotten.
- Bring a stool sample if requested, especially if there have been tummy issues.
- Use a secure carrier for kittens and small pets, or a safe lead and harness for puppies if advised.
- Bring details of current food and any treatments already given.
If you are comparing routine care options, you may also wish to review our prices and current offers. If you are ready to get started, you can book an appointment online at a time that suits you.
When to contact a vet
Some concerns should not wait for a routine first check. Our veterinary team often advises owners to seek prompt advice if a puppy or kitten has:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that is ongoing or severe
- Not eaten for an unusual length of time
- Marked lethargy or weakness
- Coughing, sneezing or discharge from the eyes or nose
- Visible pain, swelling or limping
- Very pale gums
- 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 urgent help, please use our Emergency Vetcare information. For general care, our veterinary services cover preventative, medical and surgical support for pets across Croydon and South London.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a puppy have its first vet check?
Ideally as soon as possible after coming home. This helps confirm general health, review vaccinations and parasite prevention, and gives you a chance to ask practical questions.
When should a kitten see a vet for the first time?
Again, as early as possible after arrival home. Kittens benefit from an early examination, feeding advice and a plan for vaccinations, flea and worm treatment and routine care.
Are puppy and kitten checks only for dogs and cats?
No. Young rabbits and small pets also benefit from early veterinary advice. If you have a rabbit, our Bunny VIP Plan may also be useful for ongoing preventative care.
Will my pet be vaccinated at the first appointment?
That depends on age, previous vaccination history and overall health. We will advise on the best schedule for your individual pet.
Do I need to register before booking?
It is helpful to do so, especially if your pet is new to the area. You can register with Croydon Vets online before your visit.
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.
Final CTA
If you have a new puppy or kitten at home, our local veterinary team would be pleased to help you get started. At Croydon Vets, we are proud to support pet owners across Croydon, South Croydon and the wider South London area with practical, personal care.
To take the next step, you can book an appointment online, register your pet, or visit our Find Us page to contact Croydon Vets and arrange a health check.
