Dogs, like humans, need regular checkups to maintain their health. Regular vet visits can help you get the jump on health concerns like heart disease, joint pain, and tooth decay before they turn into chronic problems, but how often should you take your dog to the vet to prevent these issues?

Most healthy adult dogs need to visit a veterinarian at least once per year, but some dogs need to visit more frequently. Your dog’s age, breed, and general health can all impact how often they need a check-up. While this general advice can act as a guideline, it’s important to always ask your vet about your dog’s recommended checkup schedule. 

How Often Should a Puppy See a Vet?

Newborn puppies generally don’t leave the care of their breeder and mom until they are eight to twelve weeks old. During this period, young puppies should see a vet every three to four weeks for vaccinations and regular checkups.

If you’re looking to adopt a puppy, it’ll likely be around four months old. Puppies this age should visit a vet a few times before they have their first birthday. They will need their weight checked to ensure they’re growing properly and may need additional vaccinations. If your puppy is younger than one year old, follow your vet's advice regarding the frequency of checkups. 

Additionally, puppies are typically spayed or neutered between six and nine months old, depending on the breed. Though a few months is a more typical timeline for spaying or neutering, in some circumstances puppies as young as eight weeks may have the procedure as well.

Sterilization will usually come with additional follow-up appointments to ensure that any stitches or cuts are healing properly and no infection has occurred. If you decide to have your dog undergo these procedures, you can expect additional vet appointments in their youth.

How Often Should an Adult Dog See a Vet?

Most adult dogs need to see the vet roughly once per year for checkups, though many dogs should visit more frequently. If your adult dog hasn’t been to the vet in more than a year, it’s likely time to call your vet and schedule an appointment. 

If your dog is on daily medication for allergies, seizures, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, your vet will likely want to see them more often to ensure treatments are helping your dog effectively. Your dog may need regular blood work and physical examinations on a fixed schedule, depending on their condition. 

It’s important to take your dog to the vet if they show any symptoms of illness or other issues in between their check-up appointments. On instinct, most animals try to hide signs of illness or pain, so if you notice signs of a health issue, call your vet right away.

If you’re ever unsure if your dog needs to see a professional, you can call a vet and ask for a professional opinion. Always err on the side of caution, as your furry friend can’t tell you if they’re feeling unwell — they rely on your intuition to maintain their health. 

How Often Should a Senior Dog See a Vet?

In general, small dogs over 11 and large dogs over 7 are considered seniors, though exactly when dogs reach “senior status” can vary significantly by breed. Giant breeds, for example, may be considered seniors at just six years old.

This discrepancy in lifespan is another reason your dog needs to visit the vet at least once per year as an adult. Your vet can assist you in understanding your dog's expected lifespan and when you may begin to see your dog’s health decline. Your vet can also tell you when it’s time to begin bringing your dog in more often for senior health checks.

Old age often comes with a multitude of health problems for dogs, including arthritis, cataracts, cognitive decline, cancers, and hearing loss. It’s important for senior dogs to see the vet more frequently than adult dogs to ensure all health issues are taken care of promptly. Typically, it’s recommended that senior dogs see a vet twice per year, at minimum.

Why Do Dogs Need Checkups?

Dogs, like humans, may deal with a multitude of health problems over their lifetime. Many diseases or conditions have few early warning signs, and your vet will detect these issues long before you can. Additionally, many dogs are good at hiding discomfort or pain, making it even more difficult for their owners to know if they’re sick. 

At a checkup appointment, your vet will:

• Listen to their heart and lungs

• Look at their weight and build

• Check vision and hearing

• Look inside their ears for buildup or infection

• Palpate to check for swelling or issues with internal organs

• Inspect their skin for irregularities, ticks, or flea bites

• Check teeth for decay or plaque buildup

These checks will help your vet determine if your dog is sick with an infection or parasite, is experiencing pain from health decline or arthritis, or is otherwise showing signs they may need additional care.

Routine Dog Care Schedule

Keep in mind that all dogs are different. While these general guidelines can help you ensure your dog stays on top of their health, you should always prioritize veterinarian instructions, as they’ll understand the unique needs of your dog. 

Weekly:

• Brushing and grooming

• Exercise (multiple times per week)

• In the warmer seasons, a flea tick check

Monthly

• Most flea and tick medications

• Nail clipping/ claw trimming

• Cleaning out ears

• Anal glands expressed, depending on the breed

Every Six Months

• For senior dogs: a checkup at the vet

• Clean bedding and sleeping mats

Annually

• For adult dogs: a checkup at the vet

• Teeth cleaning

As Needed

• Treatment for illness

• Baths

• Coat trimming (breed dependent)

Stay on Budget While Giving Your Dog the Care They Need

Regular vet appointments are essential to maintaining your dog’s health. Some health issues may be hard to detect without a regular check-up. Your vet will recommend a good timeline for follow-up appointments, depending on the age, health, and breed of your dog.

While regular vet care is important, costs can add up fast. You can save money while giving your dog the care they deserve with Carefree Pet Plus with Insurance.