Regular veterinary check-ups can improve your dog's lifespan and happiness. Today, our Springfield vets discuss the recommended frequency of vet visits.
Preventive Care & Early Detection
Regular check-ups for your dog are crucial in preventing potentially serious diseases. Detecting and treating any condition in its earliest stages is always better.
By taking your pet to the vet regularly, you can ensure that they monitor your dog's overall health, identify the earliest signs of disease, and recommend the best preventive products for your four-legged friend.
We understand that you may be concerned about the cost of bringing your dog in for a check-up when they seem healthy, but taking a proactive approach to preventive care can help you save on expensive treatments in the future.
Routine Wellness Exams
Taking your dog to the vet for a routine exam is like bringing your pup in for a physical. As with people, how often your pet should have a physical depends on several factors including your dog's overall health and age.
Annual wellness exams are recommended for healthy adult dogs, but puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions benefit from more frequent examinations.
Puppies 0-12 Months Old
If you have a puppy less than a year old, it is advisable to take them to the vet at least once a month.
During the first year of your furry friend's life, they will require several rounds of vaccinations to protect them against common infectious diseases like distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo, rabies, and leptospirosis.
These vaccines will be administered over 16 weeks, which will help increase their immunity against potentially harmful diseases. The exact timing of your puppy's vaccinations will depend on various factors, such as your location and your dog's overall health.
It is recommended to have your dog spayed or neutered between the ages of 6 and 12 months to prevent diseases, undesirable behaviors, and unwanted puppies.
Adult Dogs Up to 7 Years of Age
If you have a healthy, active adult dog between the ages of 1 and 7, it is recommended that you take your pet for annual wellness exams.
During the exam, your veterinarian will perform a thorough head-to-tail examination of your dog to detect any early signs of illness or other issues such as tooth decay, joint pain, or parasites.
Your vet will also administer any required vaccines, discuss your dog's diet and nutritional requirements with you, recommend appropriate parasite protection, and address any training or behavioral issues you may be noticing.
If your veterinarian detects any signs of developing health issues, they will discuss their findings with you and recommend the next steps.
Senior Dogs
As dogs age, they may become senior or geriatric, usually after the age of 8. However, giant breeds like Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards should be considered senior after the age of 5.
Senior dogs are more prone to diseases and injuries, which is why it's recommended to take them to the vet every six months.
These wellness check-ups should include all the elements of a regular check-up as well as additional diagnostic tests to provide better insight into your pet's health.
It's recommended to perform blood tests and urinalysis to detect early signs of diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Geriatric care for pets also requires proactive measures to keep them comfortable as they age. Joint pain is a common issue in senior dogs, and it's essential to ask your vet how often to bring in your pet for an examination.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.