Preventive care and regular examinations are vital to the ongoing health of your furry friend. Here, our team in Toledo discusses bringing your dog or cat in for veterinary checkups and how often you should take them to the vet.
Regular Dog & Cat Checkups in Toledo
When it comes to diseases, earlier is always better. Preventing potentially serious conditions from developing in the first place or detecting them early to begin treatment as soon as possible is key to your pet's health and longevity.
Taking your dog to the vet regularly allows them to monitor your pet's overall health, look for the earliest signs of disease (when conditions are easiest to treat), and offer recommendations on the best preventive products for your four-legged friend.
Our vets understand your concerns about the cost of bringing your dog in for a checkup when they seem healthy, but taking a proactive approach to your dog's preventive care could save you the cost of expensive treatments down the road.
Routine Wellness Exams for Dogs
Taking your dog to the vet for a routine exam is like taking your pup in for a physical. As with people, how often your pet should have a physical depends on several factors, including their overall health and age.
Annual wellness exams are typically recommended for healthy adult dogs, but puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions benefit from more frequent examinations.
While They Are a Puppy
If your canine companion is less than a year old, it is recommended to take them to the vet once a month.
During your puppy's first year of life, they're going to need several rounds of vaccinations to help protect them against common infectious diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo, rabies, and leptospirosis. Your puppy will receive these vaccines over 16 weeks, increasing their protection against potentially dangerous diseases.
The exact timing of your young dog's vaccinations will vary depending on your location and your dog's overall health.
From when they come home until they are about 12 months old, our vets recommend spaying or neutering your pooch to prevent several diseases, undesirable behaviors, and unwanted puppies.
Once Your Dog Is an Adult
Annual wellness exams are recommended if you have a healthy, active adult dog between one and seven years old.
During your adult dog's exam, your vet will perform a head-to-tail examination to look for early signs of illness or other issues, such as tooth decay, joint pain, or parasites.
Your vet will also administer any required vaccines, discuss your dog's diet and nutritional requirements with you, recommend appropriate parasite protection, and discuss any training or behavioral issues you may be noticing.
If your veterinarian detects any signs of developing health issues, they will discuss their findings with you and recommend the next steps.
During Their Golden Years
Most dogs are considered senior after about eight years old. Giant breeds such as Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards should be considered senior after five and will require more frequent preventive care.
Since many canine diseases and injuries are more common in older dogs, we recommend taking your senior dog to the vet every 6 months. Twice-yearly wellness check-ups for your senior dog will include all of the elements of a regular wellness check but with a few added diagnostic tests to provide extra insight into your pet's overall health.
Some diagnostic tests we recommend for our senior patients include blood tests and urinalysis to check for early signs of problems such as kidney disease or diabetes.
Geriatric care for pets also requires being more proactive in keeping your pet comfortable as age-related issues such as joint pain become more common. If you have a senior dog, ask your vet how often you should bring your pet in for an examination.
Is it bad to not take your dog to the vet?
Yes, it is. It's not recommended to avoid taking your dog to the vet, as regular check-ups are crucial for ensuring their overall health and well-being. Neglecting veterinary care can lead to undiagnosed health issues and worsen existing conditions.
Routine Vet Checkups in Toledo
Pet wellness exams are essential to helping your pet stay in good physical health throughout their life. Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition, these routine examinations consist of regular physical checkups to give your pet their best chance at lifelong optimal health.
When you take your cat or dog to the vet for a routine checkup, we can help prevent your pet from developing health issues or detect them early when they are easier to treat.
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.