As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure your furry friend leads a long and healthy life. Regular preventive veterinary care is one of the best ways to achieve this. But how frequently should you take your dog to the vet? Our veterinarians in Ypsilanti are here to provide you with the answers.
Preventive Care & Early Detection
It is important to prevent serious diseases and detect them as early as possible to keep your pet healthy for longer.
Regular visits to the vet allow them to monitor your pet's overall health and look for early signs of disease, which are easier to treat. The vet can also recommend the best preventive products for your furry friend.
We understand that you may be concerned about the cost of check-ups when your dog appears healthy, but taking a proactive and preventive approach to their care can save you the cost of expensive treatments in the future.
Routine Wellness Exams - Check-ups for Pets
When it comes to your furry friend's health, taking them for a routine vet check-up is as essential as taking yourself to the doctor. Like humans, how frequently your furry companion needs a check-up depends on their age, overall health, and lifestyle.
Generally, healthy adult dogs should have an annual wellness exam. However, puppies, senior dogs, and those with underlying health conditions require more frequent examinations to ensure their well-being.
Puppies Up to 12 Months Old
If your canine companion is less than a year old, then monthly visits to your vet are recommended.
During the first year of your puppy's life, it is important to get them vaccinated against common infectious diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo, corona, rabies, and leptospirosis. These vaccinations need to be given to your puppy over a period of 16 weeks. By vaccinating your puppy, you can help ensure their good health and protect them against these diseases.
The exact timing of your young dog's vaccinations will vary depending on your location and your furry friend's overall health.
Our vets recommend spaying or neutering your dog between 6-12 months to prevent diseases, undesirable behaviors, and unwanted puppies.
Adult Dogs Up To 7 Years of Age
If you are a proud owner of a healthy and active adult dog aged between 1 to 7 years, taking them for yearly wellness exams is recommended. During these exams, your vet will conduct a head-to-tail examination of your pet to identify any early signs of illness or other issues such as tooth decay, joint pain, or parasites.
Your veterinarian will also administer any necessary vaccines, discuss your dog's diet and nutritional needs, recommend appropriate parasite protection, and help you with any training or behavioral issues you may be experiencing. If your veterinarian identifies any signs of developing health issues, they will discuss their findings with you and suggest the next steps.
Senior Dogs
Dogs are typically considered senior or geriatric when they reach around 8 years of age, except for giant breeds. Some breeds, such as Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards, age more quickly than others and require more frequent preventive care starting around 5 years of age.
As dogs get older, they become more susceptible to various diseases and injuries. Therefore, it is recommended that senior dogs receive a check-up at the veterinarian every six months. During these visits, the vet will perform wellness check-ups, including all necessary checks and advice for your dog's age. Additionally, some diagnostic tests such as blood tests and urinalysis may be performed to detect early signs of problems such as kidney disease or diabetes.
It's also essential to take a more proactive approach to keeping your senior dog comfortable as age-related issues, such as joint pain, become more common. If you have a senior dog, it's recommended to consult with your vet on how often to bring your pet in 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.