How Often Should You REALLY Take Your Dog to the Vet?

Taking your dog to the vet isn’t just for when they’re sick. Routine visits are one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy over the long run, and yet it’s something many pet parents put off, sometimes for years. So how often should you actually be making that appointment? The answer depends on your dog’s age, health, and lifestyle, but there are some general guidelines every owner should know.

The Puppy Phase (Birth to 1 Year)

Puppies need vet visits more frequently than adult dogs. From the time you bring your puppy home, you can expect to be at the vet every few weeks at first.

Most puppies require visits for core vaccinations (like distemper, parvo, and rabies), fecal tests for parasites, starting flea, tick, and heart worm prevention, microchipping, and spaying/neutering. On average, expect to visit the vet every 3–4 weeks from around 6 weeks to 16 weeks old, and then again for a 6-month wellness check or spay/neuter surgery.

Adult Dogs (1 to 7 Years)

Once your dog reaches adulthood, you can generally shift to an annual vet visit—assuming they’re healthy and up to date on vaccinations. These yearly checkups are more than just a quick once-over; they help catch issues early, even when your dog seems perfectly fine.

At a typical adult dog wellness visit, your vet will do a full physical exam, update vaccines, run bloodwork if needed, check weight and dental health, and review diet, exercise, and behavior. If your dog has any chronic issues, like allergies, joint stiffness, or skin conditions, you may need to come in more often. It’s also a good idea to check in if you notice any changes in appetite, energy levels, or bathroom habits between visits.

Senior Dogs (7+ Years)

As dogs age, they’re more prone to conditions like arthritis, dental disease, and organ issues. That’s why senior dogs should typically visit the vet every 6 months for wellness checks, even if they appear to be in good shape.

Vets often recommend regular bloodwork, urine testing, and more in-depth exams for older dogs to monitor for signs of aging that may not show outwardly yet. Staying on top of these changes can extend your dog’s quality of life in meaningful ways.

Emergency and Sick Visits

Of course, beyond routine checkups, you should take your dog to the vet anytime something doesn’t feel right. Red flags include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours

• Trouble breathing

• Sudden limping or pain

• Lethargy or unusual behavior

• Refusal to eat or drink

• Excessive scratching, shaking, or licking

Your gut feeling as an owner is important. If your dog just isn’t acting like themselves and you’re unsure why, it’s always better to have them checked out.

Preventive Care Matters More Than You Think

Even if your dog seems perfectly healthy, regular checkups allow your vet to spot subtle issues early, when they’re easier and less expensive to treat. Think of it like your own annual physical; it’s not just about fixing problems, but keeping them from happening in the first place.

Wellness visits also help build a relationship between your dog and the vet, making future visits less stressful for both of you.

In the End...

So how often should you really take your dog to the vet?

• Puppies: Every few weeks until 16 weeks old, then again at 6 months

• Adults (1–7 years): Once a year

• Seniors (7+ years): Every 6 months

• Any age: If something seems off—go.

Your dog depends on you to advocate for their health. Keeping up with regular vet care isn’t just good practice. It’s part of giving them the happy, healthy life they deserve.