As a caring dog owner, ensure your pup receives the necessary care for a long and healthy life. In this blog, our Lincoln vets will advise you on the recommended frequency for taking your dog to the vet and emphasize the significance of routine exams.
Prevention & Early Detection
One of the most effective ways to extend your dog's lifespan and enhance their well-being is to prevent serious illnesses or detect them in their initial stages when treatment is most effective.
By regularly visiting the vet with your dog, you empower your veterinarian to monitor their overall health, identify early signs of diseases, and offer tailored recommendations for preventive care products.
Our veterinarians understand that the expense of routine checkups for your dog may concern you, particularly when your pet seems healthy. However, adopting a proactive and preventive stance toward your furry companion's health can ultimately reduce the expense of more extensive treatments down the line.
Routine Wellness Exams - Checkups for Dogs
Taking your dog to the vet for a routine exam resembles taking them for a physical checkup. Just like with people, the frequency of your pet's physical checkups depends on their lifestyle, overall health, and age.
Healthy adult dogs generally benefit from annual wellness exams. However, puppies, senior dogs, and those with underlying health conditions benefit from more frequent examinations.
Puppies Up to 12 Months Old
If your pup is younger than a year old, we recommend taking them to the vet monthly.
During your dog's first year of life, they will need several rounds of vaccinations to protect them from common infectious diseases such as hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, corona, parvo, leptospirosis, and rabies. These vaccines will be administered to your puppy over 16 weeks and will significantly contribute to their overall health.
The 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 canine companion between 14-16 weeks old to prevent various diseases, undesirable behaviors, and unwanted puppies.
Adult Dogs Up To 7 Years of Age
If you have a healthy, active adult dog between 1 - 7 years old, we recommend scheduling yearly wellness exams.
During your adult dog's exam, your vet will thoroughly examine your pet from head to tail to detect early signs of illness or other issues, including tooth decay, joint pain, or parasites.
Additionally, your vet will administer any necessary vaccines, discuss your dog's diet and nutritional needs with you, recommend suitable parasite protection, and address any training or behavioral concerns you may have noticed.
Should your veterinarian identify any signs of developing health problems, they will discuss their findings with you and suggest appropriate next steps.
Senior Dogs
In the realm of canine aging, dogs generally hit geriatric or senior status around the age of 8, except giant breeds. Giant breeds like Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards age at an accelerated pace compared to other breeds, necessitating more frequent preventive care starting around 5 years old.
Given the heightened prevalence of injuries and illnesses among elderly canines, it's advisable to schedule biannual vet visits for your senior pooch. These wellness checkups encompass the standard assessments and recommendations mentioned earlier, augmented by additional diagnostic tests aimed at gaining deeper insights into your pooch's overall health.
Among the diagnostic tests recommended for senior dogs are urinalysis and blood tests, which can detect early indications of conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Geriatric care for dogs also involves a proactive approach to managing age-related discomforts, such as joint pain. If you have a senior dog, consult your vet to determine the optimal frequency for bringing your pet in 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.