How Frequently Should Dogs Visit the Vet?

Just like people, dogs need regular medical care. Whether they need a standard dental cleaning, vaccine boosters, or a regular check-up, veterinary care is a core part of owning a dog. You might ask, how often should I take my dog to the vet? It depends on multiple factors, including your dog's age, health status, and any underlying breed-specific conditions.

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Factors influencing vet visit frequency

Like humans, dog vet visit frequency varies based on a handful of factors. These include:

Age of the dog

Your dog's age is a significant factor in how often you should bring them to the vet. The puppy stage requires many visits for vaccines, preventative care (think pest medications), and spaying or neutering, but vet visits usually become less frequent once your dog reaches adulthood. When they reach senior status, the more frequent vet visits are often average once again.

Health status

Healthy pets require fewer vet visits than those with pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses. For example, suppose your dog has severe allergies, and your veterinarian decides to use Cytopoint injections to treat them. Often, these treatments require routine reapplication, so you may need to visit the vet more often.

Or, perhaps your pup has diabetes, which requires more frequent monitoring to ensure everything is functioning smoothly. In this case, you would visit more frequently due to the diabetes checkups.

Breed-specific conditions

Some breeds are prone to certain medical conditions, which can increase the number of vet visits throughout their lives. For example, basset hounds, with their puppy-dog eyes and floppy ears, are prone to ear infections that require treatment.

English and French bulldogs, with their cute little faces and short stature, are prone to respiratory problems, such as brachycephalic syndrome. This respiratory issue sometimes requires surgery to help pups breathe more easily.

Consider dachshunds, the adorable wiener dogs. They’re prone to back problems that can require various treatments, from pain medications to surgery.

Nearly every breed is prone to something, but some breeds are more susceptible to health issues. If your pup is prone to specific health issues, you might visit the vet more frequently. If that's the case, it might be a good idea to invest in a pet insurance policy to help offset the costs of care for breed-specific conditions, but make sure you choose one that covers your pet's condition.

Lifestyle and location

Your lifestyle and location can also impact how often you bring your pup to the vet. For example, some areas are more likely to have parasites, like heartworms or ticks, than others, so you might need to visit more often for preventative care. Or, if your pup regularly spends time in boarding facilities or doggy daycare while you're at work or traveling, you may need to visit periodically for a Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine.

Recommended vet visit schedule

Every dog is different. Some pups may require a bit more medical care than others, but the generally recommended vet visit intervals for routine care usually look something like this:

Puppy stage

The puppy stage requires many vet visits. Your new puppy will need vaccines, exams, and tests to make sure they are in peak health.

The first vet visit is around eight weeks for most new pet owners. This marks the beginning of your puppy’s booster series, which typically includes the core vaccines for parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and rabies. Sometimes, your vet may recommend additional vaccines, such as leptospirosis, Bordetella (kennel cough), or influenza. Still, the primary two vaccines are DAPP (a combo shot covering the core vaccines) and rabies.

Of course, not all of these vaccines are given at once. Generally, your vet will begin the core vaccines series for parvovirus and distemper at the eight-week mark, but additional vaccines, including rabies and leptospirosis, may be given between 12 and 16 weeks.

During this initial series, you’ll return to the vet every three to four weeks until your pup is 16 weeks old, although this timing can vary if you start the core vaccines when your pup is a bit older. Once your pup reaches the 16-week mark and has completed all of its core vaccines, it’s considered fully vaccinated.

During this stage, your puppy usually undergoes fecal testing for parasites and begins broad-spectrum preventative medications for fleas, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Often, vets give puppies an oral dewormer at their first few appointments to clear out common parasites, so a separate vet appointment isn't necessary. Additionally, if you plan to microchip, your vet might do this at one of the last appointments. However, some vets prefer to microchip while the animal is sedated for spaying or neutering (it's a big needle), so timing can vary.

Spaying and neutering

After completing the puppy vaccines, you can step back from the vet for a while. You won’t need to visit as frequently unless your pup needs it. You might not visit again until your dog is ready to be neutered or spayed if you plan to do it.

Generally, you can spay or neuter your dog anytime after six months. However, if you have a large or giant breed dog, many veterinarians recommend waiting until your dog is at least a year old. If you spay or neuter too early, it could interfere with the closure of growth plates in big bones, which can lead to hip or joint issues later in life.

Your vet can offer more insight into the best time to spay or neuter your dog based on breed, age, and medical history. Sometimes, they may recommend completing the surgery before the one-year mark if the dog is showing behavioral signs of maturity.

Adult dog stage

Veterinary visits remain relatively quiet until adulthood, between one and two years of age, with smaller dogs reaching maturity faster than their larger friends.

Ideally, you should bring your dog to the vet annually during adulthood. This dog checkup schedule covers routine exams, preventative care, such as heartworm, flea, and tick medications and necessary vaccines. Most vaccines follow a one-to-three-year schedule. Some vaccines, such as Bordetella, are given annually or every six months if your pup is often in boarding or daycare. Others, such as rabies and DAPP, are typically given every three years.

In addition to booster vaccines, your dog may undergo routine screening tests, such as fecal and heartworm tests and bloodwork. Many adult dogs also need dental cleanings, which are done at the vet's office under anesthesia, but the timing for this can vary based on the condition of your dog's teeth.

Senior dog stage

Most pups achieve senior status at around seven years old, although this can vary by breed. Large and giant breeds may earn the senior badge at six or seven years old, while small breeds might be considered adults until around 10.

Once your dog reaches this stage, you might find that the frequency of health checks rises. Dogs often need a bit more care when they reach their senior years. The risk of age-related diseases and injuries increases, so it is best to bring your dog to the vet every six months.

The wellness exams at these visits are similar to those for adult dogs but tend to be more in-depth. At these appointments, veterinarians often use blood tests to check for signs of age-related diseases to help your dog enjoy their golden years. The blood tests can help your veterinarian better understand your dog’s kidney and liver function and blood sugar levels, among other things.

What to expect during a vet visit

A routine vet appointment follows the same general steps, including a physical exam, vaccines, diagnostic tests, and preventative dog health care. So, when you bring your dog to the vet for a regular pet health check-up, you can usually expect:

Physical exam

Physical exams are a core part of any vet visit, whether for vaccines or a routine annual visit. During a wellness exam, your vet will assess your dog’s weight and body condition, looking for signs of illness or areas of concern.

They’ll listen to your dog’s heart, palpate specific areas of their body, observe their body language and mobility, and check their ears, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, and nails. They’ll ask questions about your pup’s diet, exercise, behavior, and similar aspects surrounding general health.

Each piece of information will help to better evaluate your dog’s condition and whether any treatment or follow-up is necessary.

Diagnostic tests and vaccinations

If your pup is due for vaccines, your veterinarian or a vet tech will administer them during the appointment. This part is usually completed in the exam room unless your pup is needle-shy or aggressive.

A veterinary assistant or technician often restrains your dog for safety while the veterinarian completes the quick injection. Sometimes, they’ll give your dog a snack to focus on during the injection.

Sometimes, your vet visit might include a blood draw, urine sample collection, or fecal tests for additional diagnostic tests. Routine blood panels can give your vet a better idea of your dog’s health, while urinalyses can help look for various conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney or liver disease, and diabetes. In most cases, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis, and it's easier and less expensive to treat. These blood draws can also test for heartworms, while the fecal tests can look for parasites.

Preventative care

During a standard exam, your vet will cover the basics of preventative health for pets. First, they’ll look at your dog’s teeth. Your vet will explain the options if your pup's teeth need attention. Treatment might be as simple as incorporating dental chews into your dog’s diet or brushing teeth.

Additionally, if your pet is on parasite-prevention medications, including heartworm, flea, and tick prevention, they may refill prescriptions during the appointment. If they find that your dog's teeth need some TLC, they may recommend a dental cleaning involving a thorough evaluation, cleaning, and X-rays under anesthesia. In some cases, they may need to perform extractions to remove diseased or damaged teeth.

Signs that your dog needs an immediate vet visit

As a pet owner, you’re probably familiar with the quirks and habits of your pet. So, when something changes, you’ll notice immediately. If you notice any of the following, it’s crucial to bring your dog to the vet immediately.

Sudden changes in behavior or appetite

If you notice an abrupt change in your dog’s behavior or appetite, take it to the vet as soon as possible. Lethargy or hyperactivity and refusal to eat or drink can be signs of serious health problems, such as parvovirus or a foreign body obstruction, so it's important to get your pup medical care immediately.

Visible signs of distress

Take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice any signs of distress, such as:

• Limping
• Difficulty moving
• Unusual lumps
• Difficulty breathing or excessive panting
• Change in gum color (blue or pale)
• Swelling
• Bleeding from any orifice
• Tremors
• Loss of consciousness
• Collapse or weakness
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Or any other signs of distress or discomfort

While the underlying problem may not be life-threatening, these symptoms may indicate a severe or painful condition, such as cancer or arthritis. Sometimes, the problem can be life-threatening, such as a severe allergic reaction or toxin ingestion, so it's crucial to get your dog emergent medical attention.

Symptoms of illness or injury

Vomiting, diarrhea, persistent coughing, sneezing, a swollen abdomen, visible injuries, or an inability to urinate or defecate can indicate more significant problems. For example, vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of parvovirus, a severe and potentially life-threatening illness that commonly affects puppies. If you notice disease symptoms, take your dog in immediately.

Benefits of regular vet visits

While regular vet visits might seem tedious, especially if you’re coming out of the vet-visit-packed puppy stage, they’re well worth it. These visits can be incredibly beneficial.

Early detection of health issues

It’s crucial to catch health problems sooner rather than later. In many cases, the longer they go unnoticed and untreated, the more serious they become. On top of that, late detection can diminish the treatment outcome.

Regular visits to the vet can help mitigate those issues by catching the problem quickly. For example, your vet might notice abnormal numbers on your dog’s routine bloodwork and discover that your dog has chronic kidney disease. With early diagnosis, more treatment options can improve your pet's outcome.

Maintaining overall health

Regular vet visits can go a long way in maintaining your dog’s overall health. Beyond preventing health issues, these appointments can help you stay on top of your pup’s preventative and wellness care, such as dental cleanings. Plus, they can help you enhance your dog’s quality of life by ensuring they stay comfortable and healthy. They’ll help achieve this through routine canine health maintenance and by offering helpful dog care tips.

How to choose the right vet for your dog

Like doctors for humans, not all veterinarians will be the right fit for your dog. Here’s what to look for as you browse through local options:

Credentials and experience

Veterinarians must have a license in every state where they practice, so all practicing veterinarians should be fully licensed. Look for an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) certified practice to find the best. These clinics pass over 900 standards of veterinary care and have committed to continuous improvement.

If you have options, look for a veterinarian with extensive experience with dogs or, better yet, a specific breed. Some veterinarians specialize in equine, small animal, or exotic pets, so make sure you choose one well-versed in all things dog-related. Sometimes, your home vet may refer your dog to a board-certified specialist, such as an oncology or cardiology specialist, to ensure they receive the highest level of care for their condition.

Location and accessibility

If you have multiple options, you may want to choose a clinic located nearby. This way, you won’t have to drive far if your pet needs veterinary services or has problems riding in a vehicle. Check for veterinarians that offer off-hours emergency services.

Recommendations and reviews

The best veterinarians have excellent feedback from pet owners. So, before you choose a veterinarian, check online reviews and ask other pet owners. Sift through the reviews on sites like Google and Yelp — they can be helpful tools in determining how your experience with a vet might go. Also, ask pet-owning friends and family for recommendations.

Preparing for a vet visit

Before a veterinary visit, it’s important to prepare accordingly. Gather your pet’s medical records, including those from other veterinary hospitals. Your vet will transfer those records into your pet’s chart to ensure they’re on file if needed.

Write out questions and concerns you have, if any, including health concerns you want to address or behavioral issues you need help with. You can even ask about pet insurance. Some vets can offer personalized input and answer wellness plans or microchip coverage questions. By writing down your questions, you can ensure that you won’t forget to ask anything, only to remember it after the appointment.

When writing your questions, make a list of all medications and supplements your dog takes and details about their diet. Your veterinarian will typically ask about this, so it's helpful to have it with you at your appointment.

If your dog is fearful or aggressive, talk to your vet beforehand about what you can do to help make the process less stressful for your dog. Sometimes, they may recommend giving a calming supplement or medication to help your dog feel more relaxed in the veterinary setting.

While the visit might seem overwhelming, remember that it’s good for your dog. The frequency of vet visits will depend on your dog, but generally, once or twice a year is ideal. By staying proactive and attentive to your pup’s health, you can help your pet live a long, healthy, and happy life.