To evaluate how much veterinary attention your dog should receive you need to have a good understanding of what dogs need at different times in their lives. To maintain the health of their pets, dog owners must be attuned to these needs and provide veterinary care accordingly. Read on to find out how often you should take dogs to the vet based on their needs, from puppyhood through their golden years.
Frequency of veterinary visits based on your dog’s age and health condition
Unless there is an immediate threat to your dog’s health or signs of illness or injury, how often he should visit the vet depends on what stage of life he is in and whether or not he is in good health.
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Puppies
Because many dogs are adopted when they are as young as eight weeks of age (about two months), owners should immediately schedule a visit to the veterinarian for an initial exam to take care of common puppy health problems such as intestinal parasites. During your puppy’s first year of life, vet visits will primarily consist of vaccinations and heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.
In most states, puppies are required to get the rabies vaccine. Another core vaccine that will be given to your puppy is the combined distemper vaccine, which protects against distemper, canine adenovirus types 1 (hepatitis) and 2, canine parainfluenza, and canine parvovirus. Non-essential vaccines that your vet may recommend for your puppy include vaccines against bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, Lyme disease, canine flu, and even rattlesnake venom.
Between your puppy’s vet visits, you should also schedule spaying or neutering. Spaying and neutering is usually done when the puppy is over six months old. However, some giant breeds may need to be neutered once they reach adulthood.
Healthy adult dogs
Healthy adult dogs should only be taken in for annual wellness exams. During these visits, your dog may also receive preventative care and any booster vaccines.
Your dog’s health care should also include professional dental cleanings, which experts recommend performing on an annual basis. Taking care of your dog’s teeth will help avoid dental disease and problems related to poor oral health.
Adult dogs with pathologies
If your dog suffers from a condition that requires constant monitoring, he will likely need more regular checkups than the average healthy dog. Depending on the condition, your dog may need to undergo blood work and other tests in addition to physical exams. Dogs suffering from certain diseases, such as kidney disease, also need to visit the vet more frequently for treatment.
Older dogs
Dogs are considered elderly when they are over ten years old, although it depends on the breed. Since older dogs are more likely to get sick, it is important for pet parents to check their overall health more often. Biannual wellness checks could help vets spot signs of illness and start treating dogs sooner.
How often should you take your dog to the vet? Frequent questions
How often should my puppy visit the vet?
Puppies should visit the veterinarian as often as necessary to receive all core vaccines and their respective dosages, as well as any optional vaccinations recommended by the veterinarian.
How often should my dog be seen by the vet?
How often your dog should receive care from a veterinary surgeon (DVM) depends on factors such as age and health.
How do I know if I should take my dog to the vet?
If they are in no immediate danger or pain, you should think back to the last time they went to the vet and had a checkup. If you don’t remember, it’s probably about time.
Summary of Money’s guide on how often to take a dog to the vet
- The level of veterinary care and attention a dog needs will depend on its age and health.
- Puppies should visit the vet as often as necessary to complete the vaccination schedule.
- Annual checkups are a good standard for adult dogs who are in good health.
- Senior dogs and adult dogs with health problems require veterinary care more regularly.
- Some diseases require treatments which in turn require more veterinary visits than others.