Bringing Home a New Puppy? Here’s What to Expect and How to Prepare

– By Dr. Maximilian Miranne  –

happy mini australian shepherd puppy lying down outdoors

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time—but it’s also the start of an important journey in protecting their health. Your puppy’s first veterinary visits are critical for keeping your pet healthy and help ensure your new companion stays safe in a city like Dallas, where the dog population is high and exposure to contagious diseases is common.

During your puppy’s initial vet visit, we recommend starting a core puppy vaccination series that typically includes:

  • DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)

  • Leptospirosis

  • Bordetella (kennel cough)

  • Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)

  • Rabies

These puppy vaccines are essential for protecting against the most common and potentially serious diseases seen in the North Texas area.

While socialization is important for your puppy’s behavioral development, it’s important to wait until they’ve received all their vaccinations and booster shots before visiting dog parks and making new friends.

At your puppy’s vet appointment, we also recommend bringing a fresh fecal sample. This simple test allows us to screen for parasites. Many puppies are born with or acquire worms early on, and timely diagnosis and treatment help prevent health issues and transmission to other pets (or people).

Parasite Prevention Starts Early

We’ll also start your puppy on preventive care for heartworms, fleas, and ticks—common parasites in North Texas that can lead to serious health issues if not addressed early. While these pests can cause serious illness if left untreated, prevention is safe, effective, and easy.

Creating a Positive Experience for Your Puppy

We believe that every puppy should have a stress-free introduction to veterinary care. Our team uses gentle handling, positive reinforcement, and plenty of treats to make each visit enjoyable and help your puppy build confidence in the clinical setting. This early conditioning supports both behavioral and medical health for years to come.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Starting your puppy on the right path with vaccinations, parasite prevention, and regular checkups gives them the best chance at a long, healthy, and happy life. Being proactive now will help ensure that your puppy thrives during that all-important first year—and beyond.

Book your puppy’s first visit today and set them up for a healthy start.