How Often Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

 

Taking your dog to the vet can be an expensive endeavor, especially if it’s not something you do regularly. But how often should you take your dog to the vet? How do you know when your dog needs attention? For answers to these questions and more, check out this article on how often you should take your dog to the vet.

Initial Consultation

A veterinarian is trained in diagnosing and treating disease. During an initial consultation, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam on your dog, including listening to his heart and lungs, checking for any signs of pain or discomfort, as well as evaluating his skin and coat condition. Blood work may also be recommended by your vet at this time. All of these tests will give valuable information about possible health issues with your dog's body and whether they need immediate attention.

Once Every 3–6 Months

When should you take your dog to the vet? It is important for every pet owner to remember that, just like humans, it is essential for dogs and cats to have routine checkups and annual physicals. Though these visits can seem expensive and inconvenient, they are an invaluable way of catching and treating serious illnesses early on.

 This means that it is a good idea for pet owners to schedule annual visits with their veterinarian. Even if your dog or cat does not exhibit any signs of illness, regular checkups are important in order to catch any abnormalities early on. During these checkups, you will get valuable information about diet and exercise and will be given an opportunity to ask questions regarding nutrition, behavior, and training. Although annual physicals are typically sufficient, some dogs and cats may need more frequent exams.

More Frequent Visits When Needed

There are two ways that you should decide how often you visit your vet. The first is if your dog is suffering from a condition that needs more frequent attention. The second is if your dog's age has made them prone to developing certain diseases at a higher rate.

Below are some of the main things you can ask your vet when they next see them:

 

1) Is there something unusual about my dog? What should I know about their symptoms and treatment?

 2) Can you recommend a specialist that can treat my dog's condition? Is there anything else that we should be aware of? What kind of follow-up tests will they need in order to continue treatment?

 3) What are some natural remedies that can help with my dog's condition? Would you recommend a supplement or change in diet for them?

Choosing Between Vets

Choosing a vet can be tough. Most people only think about proximity when choosing a vet, but sometimes that's not the best decision. A good place to start is by checking their websites for information about the practices and what services they offer. But more importantly, you need to go online and read reviews for the vets you're considering on popular review sites like Yelp or Google Reviews. You might also call your friends and ask if they have any recommendations.

 Choosing a vet is an important decision for you and your pet. You want to find someone who you feel comfortable with, who can offer high-quality service, and is available when you need them. If you live in a major city there's no shortage of vets from which to choose. But what happens if your pet needs medical attention on a weekend or at night, when most vets' offices are closed? That's why it’s important to choose one that has after-hours care.

Home Feeding vs. Boarding

As you may know, there are two ways to board your dog: in your home or elsewhere. Let's start with home-boarding, which is a simple process of having someone come into your house for as many days at a time as needed and feed your pet.

 Many pet owners choose home-boarding over boarding in a kennel or similar facility. Dogs that are well cared for while their humans are away tend to be more pleasant when they return, and home-boarding is generally less expensive than comparable services in kennels. Pet owners who opt for at-home care find it gives them peace of mind, and ultimately makes their dog happier too.

Vaccinations & Preventative Medicine

Vaccinations are a vital part of preventative medicine and they will vary based on your dog's age, weight, lifestyle, geographic location, and previous vaccination history. Once a puppy has received their initial series of vaccinations (puppy shots), they will require booster shots at various intervals throughout their life. It is important to keep up with your dog's shot schedule so they can stay healthy. You should also have them checked by a veterinarian every year for a general wellness exam.

 In addition to vaccinations, your dog may also need additional preventative care. Depending on their age and lifestyle, they may need routine blood work for internal wellness, heartworm medication if they are at risk for that disease, flea/tick treatment if they go outside frequently or have a high exposure risk in your area, and other treatments as needed. 

If you have any questions about how often your dog should see a veterinarian or what medical care they require, please ask us at Park Center Animal Hospital.

Spaying & Neutering

Getting your dog spayed or neutered is a key step in preventing pet overpopulation. It will also help prevent certain health problems like pyometra, where an animal's uterus becomes infected and can rupture, killing them.

Making sure your pet is spayed or neutered at an appropriate age will also allow them to live happier and healthier lives, free from chronic pain. Spaying a female before her first heat cycle can prevent mammary gland tumors, for example.

 Overall, there are many health benefits that come with getting your pet spayed or neutered. They will live longer, happier lives free from a number of health issues and can even change their behavior.