Routine Vet Visits: Are They Important?

Regular checkups at the Vet are important to ensure your dog remains healthy. How often you should take your dog to the Veterinarian’s office depends on your dog’s age and overall health. For example, puppies and older dogs will need to make more frequent visits in comparison to healthy adults who simply need annual checkups. Read on to learn the importance of routine Vet visits, how often you should take your dog to the Vet, and what you can expect at the visits.

Why Are Regular Vet Visits Important?

Some dog parents feel that they should take their dog to the Vet only if something goes wrong. This is not true. Routine Vet visits will help you identify any underlying medical conditions your dog might be suffering from. You will be able to see your dog’s growth and development during these visits. You will get a chance to discuss vaccination timelines and your dog’s physical health at the visits. This includes examining his eyes, ears, teeth, limbs, etc. Keeping your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date is important as this helps to protect your dog against diseases. Visits to the Vet are imperative if your dog suffers from an injury. Keep your Vet’s phone number handy should you need it during emergencies.

How Often Should You Visit?

Most dogs only require an annual visit to the Vet’s office. Frequency of visits depends on your dog’s age and health. Generally, puppies should visit once per month until they are at least 16 weeks old. Once your puppy is 6 months old, you may want to get him neutered or her spayed. Dogs between the ages of 1 – 7 years old need to visit only once per year if they are healthy. Older dogs between 7 – 10+ years might need to visit twice per year depending on what your Vet recommends. Your Vet will be able to advise you on the vaccinations best practices your dog requires. She will give you a schedule of vaccinations. This should outline when you will need to take your dog to the Vet’s office for each booster shot. Emergencies are another time you will need to visit the Vet’s office. When choosing your Vet, ask about emergency services.

What Should You Expect at the Visits?

During the annual visits, the vet will examine your dog to ensure he is remaining healthy. An annual exam includes a head-to-tail checkup, heartworm test, dental exam, and vaccination updates. This includes a complete physical examination where he will take your dog’s temperature, check his dental health, listen to his heart and lungs, etc. Your Vet will also look at your dog’s ears and eyes and check for fleas. He will then make recommendations about your dog’s nutrition, dental care, and any medications he might require. You can discuss your dog’s behavior, training, and grooming with your Vet as well.

Vet visits will help identify diseases in your dog early on. Preventative health care will greatly benefit your dog in the long run. He will remain healthier and happier. Preventing illnesses will also save you lots of money in the long term. Vet visits are one of the many ways in which you will give your dog the attention, nutrition, and care he requires.

Buster and Whiskers is a Dog Walking Service, Dog Training Service, and Dog Hiking Service located in Astoria, NY. We offer affordable and quality Dog Walking Services, Dog Training Services, and Dog Hiking Services in Astoria, Queens, NY.  Contact us if you need a reliable and professional Dog Walker in Astoria.