- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Taking your dog to the vet might not be their favorite activity (or yours!), but it’s one of the most important things you can do to keep your furry friend healthy. The average, healthy adult dog will only need an annual checkup, but that schedule can change depending on your dog’s age, health, or special circumstances (like pregnancy or chronic conditions). Puppies, adults, and seniors all have different needs—and that’s where this guide comes in.
In this article, we’ll break down how often to take your dog to the vet, the different kinds of vet visits, and what pet insurance will cover. We received the expert advice of Dr. Theresa Fossum, a world-renowned board-certified veterinary surgeon and CEO and Founder of Dr. Fossum’s Pet Care.
Vet Visits: Recommendation by Age or Health
| Age/Health | Frequency of vet visits |
| Puppies | Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old |
| Adult Dogs | Once per year |
| Senior dogs | Every 6 months |
| Dogs with health Conditions | Every 3-6 months |
| Pregnant dogs | 3-4 times throughout pregnancy, especially during 1st and 3rd trimester |
Type of Vet Visits: What Happens At Them?
Not all vet visits are the same. Sometimes it’s a routine checkup, other times it’s a quick follow-up, and occasionally, it’s because something just feels off with your dog. Here’s a breakdown of the different kinds of vet visits you might have on your pup’s calendar.
- Annual checkups. “This is usually a routine visit where we evaluate your dog’s overall health, perform physical exams, update vaccinations, and discuss preventive care,” says Dr. Fossum. It’s their once-a-year checkup where the vet looks at everything from nose to tail.
- Concern visits. If you notice something is not quite right with your dog—maybe they’re limping, not eating, or acting lethargic—you might take them to the vet for a concern visit. Your vet might run tests, take X-rays, or simply give your dog a thorough examination to figure out what’s going on.
- Vet tech or follow-up visits. Like mini-checkups, these vet visits might happen after a surgery, procedure, or treatment to make sure everything’s healing or working well. “Vet tech visits might include things like removing sutures, changing bandages, or performing weight checks,” says Dr. Fossum.
Annual Wellness Checks for Young and Adult Dogs
In general, all dogs should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. At your dog’s checkup, the vet will:
- Perform a thorough physical exam
- Checking your dog’s weight, heart, lungs, teeth, and overall body condition
- Ask about your dog’s behavior, eating habits, and any changes you’ve noticed
- Recommend any bloodwork, vaccinations, or flea and tick prevention based on your dog’s age and health status
Even if your dog seems perfectly fine, many health problems can be caught early during these annual exams. Important conditions a wellness exam can spot include:
- Dental disease
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Arthritis
- Early stages of organ dysfunction
- Cancer
Detecting issues early is often key for successful treatment for your dog. Plus, if your vet can detect problems before they become more serious and more expensive to treat, it will save you money in the long run, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
So is it okay not to take your dog to the vet? The short answer is probably not. “Skipping vet visits can be risky,” says Dr. Fossum. “You might miss early signs of disease or injury that could be treatable if caught in time. Waiting too long can allow problems to worsen, leading to more costly treatments or, in some cases, conditions that are no longer treatable.”
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A vet tech assists veterinarians in caring for animals by administering medications, running tests, and assisting during procedures. Mr Vito via iStock
Why Do Puppies Need More Frequent Vet Visits?
Puppies need to see the vet every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks old, when they should have completed their vaccination series. Puppies need more frequent vet visits than adult dogs because they’re in a critical stage of growth and development. These vaccines typically include a DHLPPC shot (a combined vaccine for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo, and corona) and a rabies shot.
During these early visits, your puppy might also receive deworming treatments, a flea and parasite preventative, and a general health assessment. Your vet will monitor your puppy’s growth, checking their weight, bones, joints, and teeth. They’ll be on the lookout for early signs of health issues that can affect young dogs, like congenital defects or developmental problems.
Once the vaccine schedule is done, you may not come back until your puppy is spayed or neutered at 6 to 15 months old, depending on their size. At their first yearly checkup, when your dog is a year old, many dogs get a distemper-parvo and rabies booster shot. If your dog goes to doggy daycare, they’ll probably get a kennel cough vaccine as well.
Frequent puppy visits can seem like a hassle, but it’s an important step in your puppy’s development. Plus, by getting your puppy used to the vet early on, you’ll help ensure a positive relationship with the vet for life!
How Often Should Adult Dogs Go to the Vet?
For healthy adult dogs, a yearly vet visit is typically all they need to stay on top of their health.
As your dog enters their golden years, they might slow down a bit, but that doesn’t mean their vet visits should. Senior dogs (typically 8 years or older) have more particular health needs and are more prone to developing chronic conditions, illnesses, and age-related injuries. For that reason, senior dogs should see the vet every six months, or semi-annually.
During these semi-annual visits, your vet may recommend a variety of diagnostic tests to monitor your dog’s health. Tests for a senior dog will likely include blood tests and fecal tests. For symptomatic concerns, your vet may recommend additional chest radiographs, ultrasounds, and blood pressure tests.
While expensive, these diagnostic tests help provide a baseline for your vet so they can be proactive with your dog’s care. The results can also be helpful if your dog develops an illness later on. As your dog gets older, your vet may recommend more frequent visits so that they can catch changes more quickly. Early detection is the best way your vet can can treat issues as they arise.
How Often Should Dogs With Health Conditions Go to the Vet?
For dogs with health conditions, regular vet visits are even more important. How often they need to see the vet will depend on the type and severity of their condition. Dr. Fossum recommends a vet visit every 3 to 6 months for dogs with chronic illnesses like:
- diabetes
- hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s disease
- epilepsy
Consistent checkups help monitor their condition, adjust treatments, and keep their quality of life high.
At these visits, the vet will likely perform a thorough exam and run tests (like bloodwork) to track your dog’s progress. Your vet will also ask about any changes you’ve noticed in your dog, like energy levels, appetite, or mobility, to ensure treatments are working effectively. Regular checkups will give your vet the opportunity to adjust medications, diets, or routines if necessary.
How Often Should Pregnant Dogs Go to the Vet?
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A pregnant dog will likely need to go to the vet several times throughout their pregnancy. Vesnaandjic via iStock
Pregnant dogs need a little extra TLC, and that means more vet visits to make sure mom and her pups are healthy. It’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet as soon as you know she’s expecting. After that, your vet will likely want to see her a few times throughout the pregnancy, especially during the first and last trimesters, according to Dr. Fossum.
During these visits, your vet will check your dog’s weight, appetite, and overall condition to ensure she’s getting the right nutrition for herself and her growing pups. They might do an ultrasound to check on the puppies’ heartbeats and developmental progress.
Your vet will also discuss what to expect as your dog gets closer to delivery and help you prepare for the big day. That involves learning how to properly hold puppies and bottle feed the newborn puppies if necessary.
Vet Costs and Pet Insurance
The cost of a checkup visit for your dog can vary depending on any additional tests (like bloodwork or X-rays) your vet might do. On average, you can expect to pay between $25 and $186. This includes things like a physical exam, vaccinations, and routine screenings. The average cost of a vet visit for a dog also tends to vary by state, so if you’re in a more expensive area, you can expect to pay a little more.
Although some plans don’t cover checkups or vaccinations, there are wellness add-ons or preventive care programs that might help offset costs. It’s worth looking into a plan that fits your dog’s needs.
While you’re at the vet, don’t hesitate let them know if you’re on a budget and ask for an estimate of costs. Vets are often happy to walk you through what’s essential and what treatments can wait until a future visit.
On average, pet insurance does not cover routine wellness visits but can be worth it for cost of emergencies and major treatments. “Most plans cover accidents, illnesses, surgeries, medications, and diagnostic tests,” adds Dr. Fossum. “[But] it’s important to read the policy carefully to understand what’s included.”
Unexpected Visits: Signs Your Dog Needs Vet
It’s not always easy to tell when your dog needs to see the vet, but it’s best to trust your instincts. Remember, you are a partner in your dog’s care, and your vet will rely on you to understand what’s normal and what’s abnormal behavior.
If you notice any of the following changes in your pup, it’s probably worth a trip to the vet:
- Suddenly itchy skin
- Sudden weight loss
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in eating, drinking, or bathroom habits (decreased appetite, increased thirst or urination)
- Unexplained limping
- Persistent vomiting/diarrhea
- Ingested something toxic
- Swallowed a toy or household item
- A swollen, hard abdomen
When in doubt, give your vet a call! They can let you know if your dog’s symptoms warrant a visit or if it’s something you can monitor at home.
Further Reading
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Vet Visits?
- How To Create an Emergency Preparedness Plan for Your Pets
- How To Create a Dog First Aid Kit: A Step by Step Guide
- Can Dogs Have Colds?
- What Are the Causes & Treatments for Ear Infections in Dogs?
- Dog Eye Infections: What to Do, When to Worry, and Helpful Products
