How often should I take my dog to the vet?

Updated 15/11/2024

Your four-pawed pal may not be able to tell you when they’re feeling “ruff,” but that’s why regular vet visits are so important. Whether you’ve got a playful puppy or a wise old senior, routine checkups are the key to keeping your pooch in tip-top shape. Today, we’re answering the question “How often should I take my dog to the vet?”, and giving you all the details to keep your furry friend happy and healthy at every stage of life. 

Key takeaways

• Annual checkups are a good idea for healthy adult dogs.
• Puppies and senior dogs need more frequent vet visits.
• Don’t hesitate to speak to your vet in between these checkups if you’re worried about any health issues your pup may have.

How often should I take my dog to the vet?

So how often should dogs go to the vet? For healthy adult dogs, a yearly checkup at the vet is usually enough to keep them in good shape. These routine visits help catch potential issues early and ensure your furry friend is feeling their best from puppyhood through to their senior years. But since health needs change over time, let’s take a closer look at the different stages of your pup’s life and what to expect during these vet visits.

When should I bring my puppy to the vet?

Bringing a new puppy home is a whirlwind of excitement, belly rubs, and tiny paws pattering around your house. But before you get too carried away, don’t forget about those first few visits to the vet. During these early puppy checkups, your vet will cover all the essentials:

• Check their overall health and growth.
• Look for issues like hernias, cleft palates, and heart murmurs.
• Administer essential vaccines and deworming treatments.
• Talk spaying or neutering (usually between 6-18 months) and microchipping.
• Answer all your questions about puppy care, from diet and socialization to flea and tick prevention.

Most puppies have had their first round of vaccines by the time they’re 12 weeks old, but they’ll need a few boosters in their first few weeks at home. Your vet may recommend the following core vaccines depending on your location and your furry friend’s lifestyle:

• Kennel cough (bordetella)
• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza
• Rabies
• Leptospirosis 
• Lyme disease
• Influenza
  

Trusted tip: Make sure your pooch pal’s initial trips to the vet are as positive as possible by providing them with plenty of treats and praise.

When to take an adult dog to the vet

Once your dog graduates from puppyhood, they won’t need as many visits to the vet – a yearly checkup is usually enough for healthy adult dogs. During these wellness appointments, your vet will:

• Give your pooch pal a nose-to-tail physical exam.
• Check their ears, eyes, teeth, and more.
• Administer necessary vaccines and booster shots.
• Run blood tests to ensure they’re free of parasites and other health issues.
• Talk to you about diet, weight, and any behavioral concerns.

Even if your dog seems fine, these annual visits can help catch potential problems early. Plus, they’re a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have. That being said, if you’re really worried about something, don’t wait for your dog’s annual checkup – call your vet right away.

When to take an elderly dog to the vet

As your four-pawed pal enters their golden years, they’ll need a little extra TLC and attention. Dogs are typically considered senior when they reach 11-12 years of age, but giant breeds, like Irish Wolfhounds, can be considered “old” as young as eight.

Senior dogs typically need checkups at least twice a year, and your vet will pay special attention to things like:

• Blood and urine tests to check for diabetes, thyroid issues, and organ health.
• X-rays to screen for conditions like arthritis or cancer.
• Monitoring their weight and overall body condition.
• Keeping vaccines and boosters up to date.
  

As your dog ages, they may need to visit the vet more frequently. Keep an eye on any changes in behavior or habits and don’t hesitate to get them checked out if you have any concerns.

When to take a dog to the vet immediately

Accidents and sudden illnesses happen, and when they do, it’s important to know when to bring your dog to the vet right away. If your dog shows any of the following signs of illness, call your vet ASAP:

• Drastic changes in appetite or behavior.
• Vomiting or diarrhea that doesn’t go away.
• Bleeding that doesn't stop with a light compress
• Blood in their stool or vomit.
• Trouble breathing.
• Seizures or collapse.
• Extreme lethargy.
• A sudden change in body temperature.

Remember, you know your dog best! If something feels wrong, don’t wait until the next scheduled checkup – it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pup’s health.

Regular vet visits are a big part of being a responsible pet parent, and how often to take a dog to the vet depends on their age, breed, and overall health. Whether it’s time for a puppy checkup, an annual adult dog visit, or extra care for your senior dog, staying on top of their health is the best way to ensure they’re wagging their tail for years to come.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

If you ever need to head out of town, it’s important to keep your furry friend’s vet visits on track. Finding a trusted in-home dog sitter is a great way to ensure your pup gets the care and attention they need, even when you’re away. A sitter can keep up with their routine, make sure they stick to their vet schedules, and give them all the love they deserve!