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

Quick Answer: Puppy and kitten health checks are early veterinary appointments that assess your pet’s overall health, growth, weight, heart, eyes, ears, teeth, skin and development. They are also a chance to discuss vaccinations, parasite treatment, diet, behaviour, microchipping, neutering and preventative care, helping your new pet get the best possible start in life.

Introduction

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of questions. Many local pet owners in Peckham, Camberwell and Nunhead ask us what actually happens during that first vet appointment, and whether it is really necessary if their new pet seems happy and healthy.

At Peckham Vets we regularly help new owners settle into life with a puppy or kitten. A first health check is not just about looking for problems. It is about making sure your pet is developing well, answering your questions, and putting a sensible preventative care plan in place from the beginning.

If you have recently welcomed a young pet into your home, you can also take advantage of our free puppy and kitten health checks. For many families across South East London, this is a helpful first step in getting professional support early on.

Main Content

Why are puppy and kitten health checks important?

Young pets change quickly in the first weeks and months of life. A lot can look normal at home, even when there are small issues that would benefit from early advice. These appointments help us monitor growth, identify anything that needs attention, and guide owners through the first stages of care.

Our veterinary team often advises booking an early check even if your breeder, rescue or previous owner has already arranged vaccines or given health information. It gives you the chance to have your own local veterinary team review everything clearly and talk through the next steps.

As an RCVS Accredited Practice, we are committed to high standards of care and practical support for pet owners across Peckham and South East London.

What happens during the appointment?

A puppy or kitten health check is usually calm, thorough and tailored to your pet’s age, breed and individual needs. We commonly assess:

• Weight and body condition
• Eyes, ears and nose
• Mouth, teeth and bite alignment
• Heart and lungs
• Skin and coat condition
• Movement, joints and general development
• Hydration and tummy comfort
• Signs of fleas, worms or other parasites
• Microchip status, if already fitted

We will also discuss your pet’s history, including where they came from, what food they are eating, toilet habits, behaviour at home, and whether you have noticed coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhoea, scratching or anything else that concerns you.

At Peckham Vets we regularly help owners understand what is normal in a growing puppy or kitten and what is worth keeping an eye on. Sometimes the appointment confirms that everything is progressing well. Sometimes it highlights small issues that are easier to manage when picked up early.

Vaccinations, parasite care and prevention

One of the most useful parts of a first appointment is planning preventative care. Young pets are particularly vulnerable to common infections and parasites, so this is the right time to discuss vaccinations, worming, flea treatment and routine health monitoring.

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps new owners build a straightforward plan based on their pet’s age and lifestyle. If you are not sure what has already been given, bring any paperwork with you and we will go through it.

You can also explore our preventative healthcare options and our full range of health checks and clinics if you want ongoing support beyond the first visit.

Feeding, growth and early behaviour advice

Many first appointments include practical guidance on feeding amounts, suitable diets, expected growth, toilet training, scratching, chewing, play and socialisation. These are some of the areas that owners often find most helpful, especially in the early weeks.

Many local pet owners ask us whether they are feeding too much, too little, or the wrong type of food. We can help you make sense of feeding guidance and discuss what to expect as your pet grows. If your puppy or kitten is underweight, overweight, not eating well, or has a sensitive stomach, that is especially worth mentioning during the check.

For dog owners, our Ultimate Puppy Guide is a useful extra resource alongside your appointments.

Microchipping, neutering and future planning

Your first health check is also a good time to talk about the next few months ahead. This may include microchipping, neutering, dental development, ongoing weight checks and the timing of follow-up visits.

Our veterinary team often advises owners to think ahead rather than waiting until the last minute. Having a clear plan can make the first year feel much more manageable. If you are new to the area, you can also register your pet with Peckham Vets so future care is simple and well organised.

Can healthy-looking pets still benefit from a check?

Yes. Puppies and kittens can appear perfectly well while still needing advice on development, parasites, vaccination timing or minor concerns that are easy to miss at home. A health check is not only for pets who seem unwell.

In our experience supporting pets across Peckham and South East London, early appointments also help owners feel more confident. You leave knowing what your pet’s current health looks like, what happens next, and when to ask for help.

What We Commonly See at Peckham Vets

At Peckham Vets we commonly see a few recurring concerns during puppy and kitten appointments.

• One of the most common concerns we hear is whether a puppy or kitten is eating enough, especially after moving to a new home.
• Many local pet owners ask us if scratching, loose stools or occasional sneezing are normal. Sometimes they are minor settling-in issues, but sometimes they need checking.
• We regularly help owners who are unsure about vaccine schedules because they have mixed advice from breeders, rescues, friends or online sources.
• A common misunderstanding is that a playful pet must be fully healthy. Young animals can stay bright even when they have parasites, sore ears or mild digestive upset.
• We also commonly see owners wait too long to ask about behaviour, when early advice on biting, litter habits, socialisation or handling can be very helpful.

Our veterinary team often advises bringing a list of questions to the appointment. That way we can cover practical day-to-day concerns as well as the clinical checks.

Practical Advice

To make the most of your puppy or kitten’s first appointment, it helps to come prepared. We commonly recommend bringing:

• Any vaccination or medical paperwork
• Details of current food and feeding routine
• A note of any symptoms or concerns you have noticed
• A stool sample if diarrhoea or worms are a concern
• Your pet in a secure carrier or on a safe lead and harness

For kittens, covering the carrier with a light blanket can help reduce stress on the journey. For puppies, bringing a few treats can make the visit a positive experience.

If you are planning your pet’s longer-term care, it may also be worth looking at our Puppy VIP Plan, Kitten VIP Plan and broader VIP plans. These can help owners spread the cost of routine preventative care and stay on track with regular checks. You can also book an appointment online if that is easiest for you.

When To Contact A Vet

You should contact a vet promptly if your puppy or kitten is not eating, is repeatedly vomiting, has ongoing diarrhoea, seems very quiet, is struggling to pass urine, has a swollen tummy, is coughing persistently, or appears uncomfortable.

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 urgent help is needed, please use our emergency 24-hour vetcare information.

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps young pets with both routine concerns and more urgent problems. If you are unsure whether something can wait, it is always sensible to speak to a veterinary professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a puppy have its first health check?

Ideally, soon after coming home. Early checks help confirm your puppy is settling well and allow us to review vaccinations, worming, feeding and development.

When should a kitten have its first health check?

As soon as possible after adoption or purchase. This gives us the chance to assess overall health and discuss vaccines, parasite control, diet and future care.

How long does the appointment take?

It varies, but first appointments are usually long enough for a physical examination and a proper discussion of your questions and next steps.

Do I need to bring paperwork?

Yes, if you have it. Vaccination cards, insurance documents, microchip details and previous health notes are all useful.

Are free puppy and kitten health checks worth booking?

Yes. They are a practical way to get professional veterinary advice early, even if your new pet seems well. You can arrange one through our free health check offer.

What if I am a new pet owner in Peckham or nearby?

We support many first-time owners from Peckham, Bellenden Road, Camberwell, Nunhead and surrounding South East London areas. If you need guidance, you can register as a new client and speak to our local veterinary team.

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 puppy or kitten at home, we would be happy to help you get them off to a healthy start. At Peckham Vets on Bellenden Road, we support local pet owners across Peckham, Camberwell, Nunhead and South East London with practical, friendly veterinary care from the earliest stages of pet ownership.

You can book an appointment online, register your pet, take a look at our free puppy and kitten health checks, or find us easily via our practice location page. If you are comparing local options, you can also visit why choose Peckham Vets to see how we support pets through every stage of life.