How Often Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

Your puppy has just entered your life, and you're already head over heels in love. Those tiny paws, big ears, and adorable puppy dog eyes are enough to melt anyone's heart. Of course, you want the best for your new furry family member, including staying on top of their health and well-being. 

One of the most important ways to ensure your puppy stays healthy is by scheduling regular visits to the veterinarian — but how often should you take them? In this article, we'll discuss just that and more. 

So if you're a new pet parent or just need to brush up on the basics, read on!

The Importance of Regular Veterinary Visits

Regular veterinary visits are the cornerstone of maintaining your dog's health and well-being. These visits enable your veterinarian to monitor your four-legged pal's overall health, provide necessary vaccinations, and address any potential health concerns before they become significant problems. Some benefits of regular vet visits include:

Early Detection of Health Issues 

Regular checkups are essential to ensure that any health problems are identified at an early stage. Many health issues (think: periodontal disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, etc.) are treatable or more easily manageable when detected early. 

Your veterinarian can perform routine tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, or ultrasound, to identify any potential health problems before they progress into more severe and expensive issues.

Preventive Care

Veterinarians recommend routine maintenance of preventive care, such as booster shots or parasite prevention medications, during a pet's regular veterinary visits. Preventive care aims to keep your pet healthy by avoiding common illnesses and diseases that could be severe, costly, or even life-threatening. 

Pet owners should discuss with their veterinarians the preventive care measures required to keep their pets healthy, happy, and safe, such as flea and tick prevention, deworming, or heartworm medication.

Professional Advice

Your vet is your go-to expert when it comes to understanding your pet's health and well-being. They can provide personalized advice on the best diet and exercise plan for your pup, as well as any specific health concerns or issues you may be dealing with.

Regular visits to your veterinarian can also help establish a relationship with them and their staff. This could come in handy if your fur baby ever experiences an emergency or needs a specific treatment — having a trusted vet who knows your pet's medical history is invaluable in these situations.

Factors That Determine Vet Visit Frequency

While it ultimately depends on your dog's specific needs, here are five factors that can help you determine the ideal frequency of vet visits for your furry friend.

Age

Just like humans, dogs require different levels of medical care at different stages of life. Puppies need frequent wellness checkups to monitor their growth and ensure they're getting the necessary vaccinations. 

Adult dogs may only need an annual checkup, while senior dogs often have more health concerns requiring frequent visits. Talk to your vet about your dog's age and what type of care they need to stay healthy.

Breed

Some dog breeds are more prone to certain health conditions than others, which can affect how often you should take your furry friend to the vet. 

For example, large breeds like Great Danes and St. Bernards are more likely to develop joint problems, while pugs and bulldogs are prone to breathing issues. Your vet can tell you what to look out for based on your dog's breed.

Health History

If your dog has a history of health issues or injuries, they may need more frequent vet visits to stay on top of any ongoing concerns. Additionally, certain conditions like diabetes or allergies require regular monitoring and medication, which your vet can help you manage.

Environment

Your dog's living environment can also impact their need for vet care. If they frequently spend time outdoors or come into contact with other animals, they may require more vaccinations to protect against diseases. 

Similarly, if you live in an area with a lot of ticks or fleas, your vet may recommend more frequent checkups to ensure your dog stays parasite-free.

Lifestyle

Finally, your dog's overall lifestyle can affect how often they need to see the vet. For instance, if your furry friend is an active working dog or competes in sports, they may be more prone to injuries that require frequent attention. 

On the other hand, if your dog is more of a couch potato, they may not need as many vet visits.

So, How Often Do Dogs Need To Go to the Vet?

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when determining how often your pup should visit the vet — there's no one-size-fits-all answer. That said, the general rule of thumb is that healthy adult dogs should see the vet at least once a year for an annual vet visit and vaccinations.

During these annual visits, your vet can perform a thorough wellness exam and ensure your pup is healthy and up-to-date on their preventative care. They can also discuss any potential health risks and provide advice on flea and tick prevention, deworming, or heartworm medication. 

What About Puppies?

As touched on previously, puppies require more frequent visits to the vet than adult dogs. Generally, they must go in for a checkup every three to four weeks when they are six months old or younger. During these puppy wellness visits, your vet will examine your new furry family member to ensure they're developing well and staying healthy.

At this time, pups will get shots for rabies, distemper-parvo, bordetella, and other diseases. They may also need vaccines to protect them from health woes such as influenza, Lyme disease, and kennel cough. Your pet will also start heartworm and flea-and-tick-prevention medications if they're recommended for your area.

If you plan on spaying your puppy or getting them neutered, it's best to wait until they've reached at least six months of age. After the procedure, your pup may need extra checkups for a few months to ensure the healing process is going as expected. 

And Senior Dogs?

As your pup enters their golden years, they may need to see the vet more often. Senior dogs tend to have higher rates of illnesses like cancer, arthritis, and diabetes — all requiring regular monitoring.

During these visits, your vet will perform a physical exam to check for any signs of illness. They'll also assess your pup's mobility and look for skin issues, heart murmurs, or other common problems in older dogs.

Next to checkups, yearly blood tests and urine tests can provide helpful information about your dog's overall health. These tests look for signs of kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and other conditions. 

It's important to note that no two dogs age the same, so discussing a plan for senior care with your vet is essential. Together, you can come up with an individualized routine that best meets the needs of your beloved canine companion.

Dog Care Tips for Pet Parents

In addition to regular vet visits, there are other ways you can ensure your pup stays in peak condition. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Tip #1: Provide Proper Nutrition

Our dogs need a balanced diet, just like we do. As pet parents, providing them with high-quality food appropriate for their age, breed, and health needs is important. Dogs thrive on fresh, whole ingredients free from fillers and artificial additives.

Not sure where to find dog food that fits the bill? Check out our fresh, human-grade meals here at A Pup Above. 

Harnessing the power of the sous-vide cooking method, we cook delicious and healthy foods slowly and evenly to retain vitamins, minerals, and other winning nutrients. Then we test each batch for pathogens to ensure it's safe for your kitchen and your pup. What's not to love? 

Tip #2: Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise helps keep your pup in shape and provides essential mental stimulation. Taking your dog for a daily walk is a great way to keep them active and happy.

If your pup is elderly or has mobility issues, you can do other forms of exercise you can do together, such as swimming. Gentle forms of exercise will be softer on the joints, but can still support their overall health. 

Tip #3: Practice Good Hygiene

Good hygiene is essential for a healthy pup. Make sure to brush and bathe your dog regularly, trim their nails when needed, and check for fleas and ticks. You should also brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week to prevent gum disease.

Conclusion

Overall, it's important to take your dog for regular vet visits and provide them with proper nutrition, exercise, and hygiene. This will help ensure they stay healthy and happy throughout their life. However, each pet is different, so talk to your vet about the best care plan for your individual pup.

Here at A Pup Above, we offer delicious fresh meals packed full of nutrient-rich whole-food ingredients — perfect for keeping your pooch in tip-top shape. So why not give us a try today? Your furry friend will thank you!

Sources:

Why are regular veterinary visits important? | AAHA

Canine Wellness: Recognizing Common Dog Health Problems | One Health

Watch for Signs of Health Problems in Older Dogs | American Kennel Club

Canine Periodontal Disease | United States Department of Agriculture