You prioritize regular veterinary checkups and preventive care to ensure your beloved dog enjoys a healthy and fulfilling life. However, determining the ideal frequency for taking your dog to the vet can be challenging. Fear not, as our skilled veterinarians located throughout Grants Pass can guide you through the process.
Veterinary Preventive Care & Early Detection
Regular veterinary checkups are crucial in keeping your dog healthy and extending their lifespan by preventing or detecting serious illnesses early on.
These appointments allow your veterinarian to monitor your pet's health, detect the earliest signs of disease, and recommend appropriate preventive care.
Although the cost of routine checkups may concern you, being proactive and preventive in your pet's care could ultimately save you from expensive treatments in the future.
Our knowledgeable veterinarians understand your concerns and are here to help.
Routine Wellness Exams - Checkups for Dogs
Just like people, dogs require routine physical examinations, which vary based on their age, health, and lifestyle.
Generally, healthy adult dogs should have annual wellness checkups, while more frequent examinations are recommended for puppies and kittens, senior pets, and those with underlying health issues.
Puppies Up to 12 Months Old
For puppies under one-year-old, visiting the vet monthly is recommended. During their first year, puppies need several rounds of vaccinations to prevent common infectious diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo, corona, rabies, and leptospirosis.
These vaccinations are usually administered over 16 weeks to ensure optimal protection. The timing of vaccinations may vary based on location and your puppy's overall health.
We also recommend spaying or neutering your puppy between 6 to 12 months of age to prevent health issues, unwanted behaviors, and unwanted litters. Our veterinarians can provide expert guidance on this matter.
Adult Dogs Up To 7 Years of Age
Annual routine exams are recommended for healthy adult dogs between the ages of 1 to 7 years. These checkups are conducted while your dog appears healthy and active. During the exam, your veterinarian will perform a comprehensive head-to-tail examination to identify early signs of illness, tooth decay, joint pain, or parasites.
Additionally, your veterinarian will administer necessary vaccines, provide guidance on your dog's diet and nutrition requirements, recommend appropriate parasite protection, and address any training or behavioral concerns you may have. If any developing health issues are detected, your veterinarian will discuss their findings with you and recommend further action.
Senior Dogs
Dogs are considered senior or geriatric at around 8 years old, except for giant breeds like Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards, who require more frequent preventive care from as early as 5 years old due to their faster aging process.
Since older dogs are more susceptible to various diseases and injuries, we recommend taking them to the vet every 6 months for wellness check-ups. These check-ups include all the same advice and tests mentioned before, but with additional diagnostic tests like blood tests and urinalysis to detect early signs of health problems such as kidney disease or diabetes.
Geriatric care for pets also involves proactive measures to keep them comfortable as age-related issues like joint pain become more common. If you have a senior dog, consult your vet for guidance on the ideal frequency of routine check-ups.
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.
