A visit to the vet is of utmost importance to keep your dogs in good health. Just like we humans require regular check-ups, dogs also need emergency care and regular health check-ups. But, despite being aware of this fact, many dog owners feel, “How often should I take my dog to the vet.” Well, to answer this question, a lot depends on the age of your dogs and their health condition. On the other hand, most people think that a yearly visit to the vet is all, but is that really enough? 

On a general front, every dog should get a routine check-up once a year as a routine maintenance regime. But the count may vary based on the wellness and health of your dog. This guide is going to clear the air about the same. If you are wondering how often should I take my dog to the vet, then this article is surely going to clear the doubts you have in mind. 

Puppy vet visits

During the initial age of your dogs, how often should I take my dog to the vet is a common question that creeps up in the mind because it is the time when you are required to take your pups to a vet on quite a frequent visit. Sometimes, you are even required to take them on a monthly basis until they turn a year old. The primary reason behind such frequent visits of dog to the vet is vaccination. Usually, the vaccination regime starts as soon as the pups turn six or eight weeks old, and this continues until they grow up.

May it be for the DHPP shots or rabies, you might need to take your pups frequently to a vet. During such visits, the vet also examines your pup for other issues, such as ticks, heartworms, fleas, etc., and suggests preventive measures.

Adult dog vet visits

When your dog lies between the age of 1 to 8 years old, they are categorized as an adult dog. If your dog is healthy and you are thinking about ‘how often should I take my dog to the vet,’ then a yearly visit of dog to the vet is enough for them. But if there are any underlying health issues and based on the breed of your dog, there are chances that you may be required to pay more frequent visits so that the vet can frame a proper plan of action for the wellness of your dog.

Also, there are chances that your dog may require DHPP and rabies vaccine in a gap of 1 to 3 years which may again make you visit a vet to make sure that your furry friend is properly vaccinated. A regular visit to a vet also allows them to get a teeth check-up done because teeth infections can be a cause of serious concern. 

At times, the bacteria and infection of the teeth can also spread to the liver, kidney, and other organs of the dog, which can raise some serious concerns. Thus, it is imperative that you get your dog’s teeth check-ups done regularly to make sure that they have good oral health.

Senior dog vet visits

A dog that has attained an age of 7 to 10 years comes in the category of senior dogs, and they are more prone to health concerns. With that said, experts suggest seeking an appointment of dog to the vet at least two times a year. Such visits involve physical tests and treatments of the dog if they are diagnosed with any underlying disease or issues. The vet might consider prescribing a few blood tests and liver tests for your dog to identify specific problems that are more prominent among old dogs.

When you take the senior dog to the vet twice a year, they also give you a brief about the preventive care one should follow as dog parents to make their dog’s life more comfortable and easy when they age. This can also help in prolonging the life of dogs while preventing them from falling prey to serious illnesses.

How often should I take my dog to the vet when she is pregnant?

When you have doubt if your dog is expecting a child or not, you should definitely seek a prenatal appointment with the vet. Moreover, you take into account the pregnant dog’s health and breeding practices, ensuring that their puppies are delivered with the utmost caring. 

Accordingly, the regular appointment of a dog to the vet will give you advice regarding the nutritional needs and other requirements that a dog needs during her pregnancy period. Also, they will prescribe follow-up visits and advise for ultrasounds and other tests.

When to take your dogs to a vet straight away? 

We hope you have gained an insight on ‘How often should I take my dog to the vet,’ but there are times when you may be required to take your dog to a vet in emergency. Such a situation arises when you happen to discover your dog behaving abnormally which calls for an emergency visit to the vet. Here are a few symptoms that signal you to take your dog to the vet right away:

• When your dog has been hit by a car or has encountered any type of accident.
• In the case of a seizure.
• Swollen or hard abdomen.
• If you doubt broken bones.
• Bloody stools
• If your dog has gone unconscious and is not waking up.
• When your dog experiences difficulty in breathing.
• If your dog whines continuously and is experiencing continuous pain.
• If your dog is not able to stand up or collapses all of a sudden.
• If your dog vomits blood or suffers from diarrhea for more than a day.
• In the case of pale gums.
• Weak and fast pulses.
• Seizures.

Also read about- How often should I take my cat to the vet.

Which vaccinations do dogs require annually?

Dog vaccinations are crucial to protect against deadly and serious infections besides you consider how often should I take my dog to the vet. As vaccines can boost the immune system, strengthen our loved ones, and guard them against many terrible illnesses. In the end, it lessens the consequences that the diseases may have on the dog. Keep in mind that you must consult your veterinarian before administering the listed vaccines depending on the breed, their diseases, and other considerations.

According to the Canine Task Force of the American Hospital Association, some of the essential vaccinations for dogs include

• Canine Parvovirus
• Canine Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Rabies
• Leptospirosis
• Bordetella
• Canine Influenza (dog flu)
• Lyme vaccine

Takeaways

We hope that this guide has made it clear as to ‘How often should I take my dog to the vet.’ Besides the cases and conditions mentioned above, also keep in mind that you are the only one who knows your dog at your best. So trust your feelings and instincts and if you find your dog experiencing any kind of discomfort or pain, reach out to a vet at your earliest so that you can keep your dog in good health.