How Often Should I Take My Dog to the Vet? – MarketWatch

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All pet owners want their pet to live a long, healthy, happy life. Regular veterinary checkups are a vital part of that. These exams check for underlying signs of illness or other issues and can help spot problems before they get out of hand. But exactly how often should you take your dog to the vet? Should certain breeds go more frequently? Which tests and vaccines does your dog need, and when?
We at the Guides Home Team have answered these questions and more. Though this care isn’t covered in standard pet insurance plans, you can often add it by tacking on a wellness add-on to your policy. We’ve provided recommendations for the best pet insurance companies to cover these costs as well as an overview of what you can expect to pay without one.
 
 
According to Pets WebMD, healthy adult dogs only need to go to the vet once a year. At these annual checkups, your vet will conduct a complete head-to-tail physical exam, perform routine blood work and answer questions about your dog’s health. The vet will also track your dog’s growth and development and update its vaccinations. These are the most common vaccines adult dogs need each year, per ASPCA:
It’s debated how often dogs require booster shots, so talk with your vet about what’s appropriate for your dog. 
Once your dog reaches 7 years old, many vets recommend bringing it in every six months. This is to check for any developing illnesses or breed-specific conditions and catch any injuries that could become chronic and lessen your pet’s quality of life. As your dog ages, your vet will do more blood and urine tests to check its kidney and liver health, thyroid hormone levels and more.
If your vet finds something concerning, you’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to take a closer look. Otherwise, you won’t need to bring your dog in for another six to 12 months. Your vet’s office will maintain a record of your dog’s health so you can monitor it over the years. 
The cost of a routine exam varies depending on the vet, location and types of testing administered, but most checkups range between $50 and $100. If you need follow-up appointments, your vet can price those for you based on the type of office visit required.
 
 
As with babies and young children, puppies need extra health care. Experts recommend monthly vet checkups for puppies until they’re 16 weeks old. During these wellness exams, your vet will conduct a physical to ensure your puppy is developing properly and not showing signs of illness or injury. 
One of the most important aspects of these visits is vaccination. Though vaccines aren’t covered in most standard pet insurance plans, many providers offer wellness add-ons to reimburse these expenses. If you decide not to get a wellness package, expect each shot to cost $15 to $30. Your puppy’s vaccination schedule may change slightly depending on your vet and location. See the section below for a typical puppy vaccination schedule. 
Once your puppy’s vaccination schedule is complete, you won’t need to come back to the vet until it’s time to discuss spaying and neutering at 6 months old. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends spaying and neutering at 6 months to help control breeding and pet homelessnes, though it’s not required. 
After your puppy has had its vaccinations and any spaying/neutering procedures, you won’t need to bring it back to the vet until it’s 1 year old. You’ll only need to bring it in annually after that unless your vet detects a health issue that needs to be more closely monitored. 
Puppy vaccinations are important to establish a solid health foundation for your dog’s life. Young puppies’ vaccinations are typically administered on the following schedule:
These vaccines address common health issues in puppies, such as kennel cough, and can prevent nasty issues that will require more trips to the vet and expensive treatment.
Outside of vaccinations, here are some other treatments and procedures to discuss with your vet while your puppy is young.
The earlier you begin routine wellness care, the better chance you have at catching and correcting issues that could greatly affect your dog’s life. Many pet insurance companies offer wellness plans to help cover the costs of these treatments, so if finances are a concern, look into providers that have these.
Here’s how much you can expect to pay for common pet procedures if you don’t have a wellness plan:
 
 
The age your dog is considered senior varies by breed. Most senior dogs need to go to the vet every six months unless they have a condition requiring more frequent checkups. Dogs in their later years often show signs that they need extra care, such as suddenly increasing their water intake, urinating more, losing weight, experiencing disorientation, startling more easily, not eating or exhibiting abnormal behavior. These could be signs of diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, heart disease, osteoarthritis or another illness. 
Your vet should do a full physical examination, a complete blood count and chemistry profile, a urinalysis, a blood pressure test, a heartworm test and an intestinal parasite exam. If your dog is suddenly drinking a lot of water, urinating frequently or is hungry all the time, your vet will likely perform an ACTH stimulation or low-dose dexamethasone suppression test to rule out Cushing’s disease. Your vet should also perform specialized testing for any conditions your pet’s breed is known for. For example, terriers have a higher risk of developing bladder tumors, so an ultrasound may be part of their exams in later years.
 
 
A typical dog wellness exam isn’t that different from yours. Your vet will first discuss any issues you’ve noticed and then ask some routine questions about your dog’s recent health. They’ll then assess every part of your dog’s body, feeling for anything that might be off. A wellness exam includes assessment of vision, hearing, reflexes and other appropriate responses. Your vet will check your dog’s heart, lungs and lymph nodes for any irregularities. Many vets will perform a dental exam to look for tartar buildup. 
After this hands-on examination, your vet will administer any vaccines or boosters your dog is due for and get a fecal sample to check for intestinal parasites or eggs. Blood tests help establish a normal baseline for your dog and identify abnormalities as it ages, so blood work is typically performed at every appointment. For adult dogs, urinalysis testing is common to check for urinary tract infections, kidney disease or kidney stones.
 
 
Most pets have at least one emergency in their lifetime, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior to spot any abnormalities. You know your pet best, so if you see a physical difference on your dog’s body, notice a change in appetite or thirst, or observe behavioral changes, take your dog in for a vet exam as soon as possible. Treatment should be covered if you have a pet insurance plan, but review your coverage details to be sure. 
If your dog shows any of these signs, go to an emergency vet office right away:
Trust your instincts when it comes to your dog. Get medical attention right away if anything seems off about your pet’s well-being. If your pet has had an accident, such as being hit by a car or swallowing something toxic, go to the vet immediately. If you’re unsure whether to take your dog to the vet, many pet insurance providers offer a 24/7 vet telehealth line you can call.
 
 
A full physical for your dog can cost anywhere from $100 to $400, depending on a few factors. Vet costs vary state to state and sometimes city to city, so location is a big determinant. Your pet’s age and breed also factor in. Puppies require more vaccinations, and senior dogs require more diagnostic testing. Certain breeds that are known for particular conditions will also require more testing. 

 
 
Pet insurance is meant to cover unexpected costs related to accidents and illnesses. Routine preventive care is considered an expected cost that isn’t medically required, so it’s uncommon for providers to include it in their standard plans. However, emergency vet visits are typically covered because they’re deemed medically necessary.
The typical accident-and-illness plan covers treatments, medications and procedures needed for instances such as a broken bone, laceration, swallowed object, illness or corrective surgery. Many pet insurance companies offer a preventive care add-on you can combine with your base plan. This coverage reimburses preventive vet visits anywhere from 70% to 100%, depending on your provider and contract. Some insurers also offer Wellness Rewards programs that work similarly to a health savings account (HSA) for your pet. 
If you’re not familiar with pet insurance, we recommend doing some research and picking a provider that aligns with the coverage your dog needs. Here are some basics to understand as you begin your search.
There are three main types of pet insurance plans to choose from.
Most providers offer at least a few options to customize your deductible, annual coverage limit and reimbursement rate. Adjusting this selection affects your monthly premium, so make selections that provide the coverage you need at a price you’re comfortable with. 
A low reimbursement rate and high deductible will decrease your monthly premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket when you file a claim. A high reimbursement rate and low deductible will decrease your out-of-pocket costs but increase your monthly rate. 
There are many reputable pet insurance providers to choose from, all with their own pros and cons. Lemonade offers more affordable plans than many providers, plus discounts if you bundle your pet insurance plan with the company’s home, renters or auto insurance.
Spot has unlimited, easily customizable coverage, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. Healthy Paws offers quick reimbursements and affordable unlimited coverage, while Embrace provides multiple discounts and dental care in its standard plan. Fetch is a great choice if your dog needs behavioral therapy coverage, and Trupanion has the most flexible deductibles. 
When choosing a pet insurance company, review coverage details on the website or read a sample policy. Also, read customer reviews and get quotes from multiple providers before making a decision.
 
 
If you suspect your dog is pregnant, make a prenatal appointment with your vet. Your vet will instruct you on your pet’s nutritional needs, perform an ultrasound and answer any questions about what to expect during your dog’s pregnancy. This appointment should take place three to four weeks after mating so the ultrasound is effective. Unless your vet suspects there’s an issue, you’ll only need to take your dog in this one time. Dog pregnancies are much shorter than humans’, lasting around two months, so there’s typically no need for more appointments.  
Yes. Though not all dog vaccines require annual boosters, some do. Your veterinarian will determine your dog’s vaccine schedule. 
Dogs with long hair should go to the groomer every four to six weeks to keep things manageable. Every eight to 12 weeks is a good cadence for dogs with shorter hair, depending on how quickly its hair grows. Also consider how quickly your dog’s claws grow and require maintenance. 
According to PetMD, you should brush your dog’s teeth at least twice per week to cut down on plaque. It’s best to brush daily for optimal dental health. A dental cleaning at the vet is recommended annually. Dental care is just as important to dogs as it is to humans. Many dogs experience a dental disease by just 2 years old. Dental diseases can cause painful, swollen gums and even tooth loss, affecting your pet’s ability to comfortably eat. Stay on top of your dog’s dental health as you would your own for a healthier, happier pet. 
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