Most people have their dogs checked once a year. But is that sufficient?
The frequency with which you take your dog to the vet is determined by his or her age and overall health. Puppies and older dogs, for example, require more regular checkups, although healthy adults may get by with yearly check-ups. If you're concerned about the expense of vet visits, remember that preventative health care may keep your pet healthier for longer periods of time and may even save you money in the long run.
Continue reading to find out why yearly vet checkups are crucial when to make extra appointments, and what common treatments, tests, and immunizations your dog may require.
Annual wellness exam
In general, all dogs should receive a full physical examination at least once a year. Consider it routine maintenance for your dog. These "wellness checkups" allow you to monitor your dog's growth and development and discuss any issues with your veterinarian. Most significantly, yearly exams are a vital aspect of preventative care.
Preventative care encompasses all you do to care for your dog, including proper feeding, exercise, and frequent vet visits. The idea is that by taking your dog for frequent wellness checkups, you will be able to make educated decisions about their health. You'll also learn about diseases or problems early on, which can be critical to successful treatment.
What Is the Annual Vet Exam?
The doctor will perform an all-over check-up on your dog during yearly wellness checkups. They will listen to their heart and lungs, examine their eyes and hearing, and look for fleas and other common ailments. They will also update any necessary vaccines. Following the exam, the doctor may give recommendations for your dog's diet and dental care, as well as activities and drugs according to your pup's health state. You'll eventually have a complete record of your pet's health.
"Pets are more likely to get sick if they don't visit a veterinarian at least once a year," according to the American Association of Animal Hospitals. Being proactive about your dog's health can keep them healthier for longer periods of time and save you money in the long run!
In-home vaccinations and exams
You may also have a vet visit to your house for a handy and frequently fairly reasonable choice. Services such as Vetted make it simple to bring the vet to you. In fact, Rover readers will receive a $50 discount!
Some local vet offices also provide in-home visits; inquire if you believe your pet would benefit.
Birth to one year: vaccinations and more
When you acquire a puppy, you quickly become familiar with the veterinarian! During puppyhood, experts recommend regular wellness checkups (source). Following a basic immunization regimen, they should be vaccinated once every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.
A simple immunization plan for young puppies is provided here
- 6-8 weeks: first DHLPPC injection (combined vaccine for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo, and corona). This is presented in a series during the course of your puppy's first year.
- 10-12 weeks: second DHLPPC injection
- 12-24 weeks: rabies
- 14-16 weeks: third DHLPPC injection
Keep in mind that your puppy's immunization needs and schedule may differ based on where you live and your puppy's specific health profile. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog.
The vet will inspect your puppy at puppy wellness appointments to ensure that they are developing normally and remaining healthy. After the immunization regimen is completed, you may not return until your puppy is six months old and has been spayed or neutered.
Puppy vet appointments might appear to be a significant time and financial expenditure. Vaccinations, on the other hand, protect your puppy from potentially fatal diseases. Furthermore, by introducing your puppy to the vet early on, you will help ensure a positive relationship with the vet for the rest of his or her life!
Adulthood (1–7 years)
Adult dogs, as previously stated, typically require annual wellness exams. Many dogs receive a distemper-parvo and rabies booster shot at their first yearly checkup when they are a year old. If your dog attends doggy daycare, he or she will almost certainly receive a kennel cough vaccine as well. Your dog may require rabies boosters on subsequent annual visits.
The yearly exam for your dog will continue to include a head-to-tail checkup, heartworm test, dental exam, and, in many cases, immunization updates as your dog ages. It should be noted that there is considerable debate regarding whether adult dogs require yearly immunization boosters. According to Dr. T.J. Dunn, DVM, many veterinarians err on the side of caution when it comes to administering booster doses, but this is changing. The American Association of Animal Hospitals has issued new pet vaccine guidelines that recommend only giving certain boosters every few years, for example; if you have an adult dog, it's worth discussing this with your vet.
During a yearly exam, the veterinarian will also inquire about your dog's temperament, training, and overall health. Other tests may be recommended based on your concerns or observations made by the veterinarian during the checkup.
Over time, you should develop a cordial and productive connection with the veterinarian. And what if your dog despises vet visits? At the very least, you only need to go once a year!
Senior years (8+ years)
Older dogs have more specific health requirements and are more susceptible to disease and age-related harm. As a result, elderly dogs should visit the vet every six months, or semi-annually.
In addition to routine health checks, your veterinarian may offer a range of diagnostic tests for your senior dog. Annual blood tests and fecal testing, as well as chest radiographs, ultrasounds, and a blood pressure test, may be required.
Diagnostic tests assist your veterinarian in assessing your dog's health and give a baseline against which subsequent tests may be compared (source). If your dog gets an ailment, the findings can be quite useful since the vet can go back and examine what "normal" looks like for your dog.
Depending on your dog's health, your vet may prescribe more regular checkups as he or she gets older. More regular vet visits will detect changes faster and offer your veterinarian more opportunities to correct problems as they emerge.
When to go to the vet right away
Ideally, your dog will only require veterinarian care on a yearly or semi-annual basis. However, crises can occur, and recognizing the warning signals can help you make an informed decision in those critical early seconds.
If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, take him to the animal hospital right away:
- Has been struck by an automobile or a sharp item after falling more than a few feet
- Is unconscious and will not awaken
- Has stopped breathing or has difficulty breathing
- Has experienced diarrhea or vomiting for more than 24 hours, or is vomiting blood
- You believe they have fractured bones.
- Is experiencing a seizure
- Has white gums
- Has consumed a hazardous substance such as antifreeze, rat poison, or household cleaners?
- Displays indicators of severe pain (whining, shaking, or refusing to socialize)
- suddenly falls or is unable to stand
- Is temporarily disoriented
- Has a hard, swollen abdomen
Remember, you are the expert on your dog. Believe your instincts! If your dog's behavior suddenly changes, he or she should see a veterinarian. Also, don't be afraid to call the vet on a regular basis. They are medical professionals who wish to assist.