How Often Should My Dog Have a Wellness Exam?
Why Dogs Need Regular Checkups
Veterinarians are trained to spot, identify and treat a pet when it is ill or injured.
But it’s also important for a pet to receive regular wellness exams. A veterinarian will identify problems that could be harmful and save your pet from pain in the future.
What’s Covered in a Dog Wellness Exam?
A wellness exam is a general checkup that reviews a pet’s medical history and checks vital signs, heart and lung health.
The physical inspection looks for any signs of illness or disease by evaluating the eyes, ears, teeth, lymph nodes and abdomen.
Most canine exams also include drawing blood for a heartworm test, vaccines and vaccine boosters, and collecting a fecal sample to check for worms.
How Often Should Your Dog See the Vet?
Most dogs should have a veterinary checkup at least once a year. Puppies, senior dogs and pets with ongoing health conditions need more frequent visits to stay healthy and catch potential issues early.
Puppies Need More Visits
For puppies, wellness exams are generally recommended every three to four weeks until the dog reaches 16 weeks of age. During this time, the pet will receive core vaccines, get tested for parasites and have evaluations for developmental issues.
This is also when a vet recommends spaying and neutering, microchipping and early training.
Adult Dogs Should Get Annual Exams
Once a dog reaches adulthood, typically between 1 and 2 years of age, wellness exams generally occur once a year. During these visits, your veterinarian will assess your dog’s overall health, check for potential issues and help maintain an appropriate vaccination schedule.
These annual visits can help detect early signs of conditions like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and other health concerns before they become more serious.
Senior Dogs Require Frequent Checkups
As dogs enter their senior years, typically between 7 and 10 years of age, depending on breed and size, they often need more frequent exams. Many veterinarians recommend wellness visits every six months to monitor for age-related conditions such as kidney disease, vision loss, arthritis, heart disease and cognitive changes. Senior dogs may also benefit from more comprehensive bloodwork and diagnostic screenings.
Regular preventative care is one of the most effective ways to help a dog maintain a healthy, active life and detect health concerns early.
Signs Your Dog May Need Attention Sooner
To ensure your pet’s health, be on the lookout for conditions that indicate you should schedule a checkup sooner. This includes things like:
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Stiffness or noticeable limping
- Increased thirst, urination or changes in appetite
- New anxiety, aggression or depression