You adore your pup and aim to provide them with the best opportunity for a long and joyful life. This is where regular preventive veterinary care plays a crucial role. So, how frequently and at what intervals should you bring your dog to the vet? Let our Jackson veterinarians clarify.
Preventive Care & Early Detection
Preventing serious diseases or detecting them in their earliest stages can significantly extend your pup's overall health and well-being.
Regularly visiting the vet empowers them to monitor your pet's health comprehensively, identify disease indicators at an early, treatable stage, and advise you on the most effective preventive measures for your four-legged companion.
We recognize your budget concerns regarding routine check-ups for your seemingly healthy dog. Nevertheless, adopting a proactive, preventive approach to your dog's care can ultimately save you from the expense of future, costly treatments.
Routine Wellness Exams - Check-ups for Pets
Bringing your dog to the vet for a routine exam parallels scheduling a physical for your pup. The frequency of these check-ups hinges on factors like your dog's lifestyle, age, and overall health.
Healthy adult dogs should ideally undergo annual wellness exams. However, puppies, senior dogs, and those with underlying health conditions derive greater benefits from more frequent check-ups.
Puppies Up to 12 Months Old
We recommend monthly vet visits if your canine companion is under one year old.
During your pup's first year, they require multiple rounds of vaccinations to protect them from common infectious diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo, corona, rabies, and leptospirosis. These vaccines will be administered to your puppy over 16 weeks, significantly contributing to your puppy's overall health.
The timing of your young dog's vaccinations will depend on your location and your furry friend's overall health.
Between 6 to 12 months, our veterinarians advise spaying or neutering your pup to prevent various diseases, undesirable behaviors, and unwanted puppies.
Adult Dogs Up To 7 Years of Age
If you own a healthy, active adult dog aged 1 to 7 years, it is essential to schedule yearly wellness exams.
During your adult dog's examination, your vet will thoroughly examine your pet from head to tail, searching for early signs of illness or potential problems, including tooth decay, joint pain, or parasites.
Furthermore, your veterinarian will provide any required vaccines, address your dog's dietary and nutritional requirements, suggest suitable parasite protection measures, and address any training or behavioral concerns you might have.
Should your veterinarian identify any emerging health problems, they will promptly communicate their findings and offer guidance on the necessary next steps.
Senior Dogs
Dogs typically reach senior or geriatric status around 8 years of age, except for giant breeds like Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards, which age more rapidly and need more frequent preventive care starting around 5 years old.
Given the increased prevalence of canine diseases and injuries in senior dogs, we strongly advise bringing your senior dog to the vet every 6 months. These biannual wellness check-ups encompass all the checks and guidance mentioned earlier, along with additional diagnostic tests to gain further insights into your pet's overall health.
For our senior patients, we recommend specific diagnostic tests such as blood tests and urinalysis to detect early signs of conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.
Geriatric pet care also involves a proactive approach to ensuring your pet's comfort as age-related issues, such as joint pain, become more common. If you have a senior dog, don't hesitate to consult your vet about the optimal frequency for examinations.
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.