‘How often should I take my dog to the vet?‘ While vets are always on hand if your dog is sick, do you also need to make regular vet visits?
In the past, pet owners would only visit the vet clinic if their animal was ill or injured. However, thanks to huge advancements in pet healthcare, there are many advantages to getting regular health checks for your dogs. Let’s take a look at how often you should take your dog to the vet… And the benefits of routine regular health care for dogs.
How Often Should I Take My Dog To The Vet?
If your dog exhibits any signs of illness or injury, it’s essential to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. But if your dog appears fit and healthy, how often should you take your precious pooch to the vet?
It is recommended that healthy adult dogs receive regular health checks with a veterinarian at least once a year. Puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs with pre-existing health conditions may require more frequent monitoring, necessitating a trip to the vet several times a year or more. A routine health check can be invaluable in identifying the early signs of illness and administering preventative healthcare, helping to keep your dog healthy and pain-free.
What Happens At A Dog Health Check?
Even healthy dogs should visit the vet clinic on an annual basis for a health check. During these visits, your veterinarian will:
- Perform a full physical examination;
- Update any necessary vaccinations;
- Check for any signs of potential health issues.
The physical examination of your dog may include:
- Checking the dog’s vital signs, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature.
- Examining the dog’s eyes, ears, and nose for signs of infection, discharge, or inflammation.
- Examining the dog’s mouth and teeth to check for dental issues, such as tartar buildup or gum disease.
- Palpating the dog’s abdomen to check for any abnormalities or signs of pain.
- Checking the dog’s skin and coat for signs of fleas, ticks, or other parasites.
- Feeling the dog’s lymph nodes and checking for any lumps or bumps.
- Discussing the dog’s diet and exercise routine to ensure they are receiving proper nutrition and staying active.
- Updating any necessary vaccinations or preventative care measures, such as flea and tick prevention or heartworm medication.
- Checking the dog’s joints and mobility, especially in senior dogs or those with a history of joint issues.
Benefit Of Health Checks For Dogs
A health check for dogs is an opportunity for the veterinarian to evaluate your dog’s overall health and identify any changes that could indicate a potential issue. Early diagnosis is vital in the successful treatment of many health disorders in dogs… And health checks are the ideal way to facilitate this. A health check is also a chance for pet owners to ask any questions they may have and receive recommendations for maintaining their dog’s health and well-being.
As your dog enters into old age, your veterinarian may suggest taking annual blood and urine samples to screen for age-related disorders such as liver or kidney disease. Picking up these conditions before clinical signs are seen can greatly improve the chances of your dog enjoying a good quality of life through their geriatric years.
If you notice any unusual or concerning symptoms, it’s always best to book an appointment to get them checked out. If you need help deciding if your dog needs to visit the clinic, Maven’s vet team is here to lend you a hand!
Maven’s Proactive Pet Care
While some in-person visits to the vet will always be necessary, studies show that up to 80% of consults could be done remotely. And that’s where Maven comes into play: by providing specialized help without the hassle of visiting a vet clinic, sparing your floof from the stress of pet carriers or crowded waiting rooms.
We understand that every pet is unique, and thanks to our technology, we’re able to treat them as such. Our devices capture your pet’s data in detail, and our vets then analyze and translate it into actionable insights you can use to actually improve your buddy’s health. At the same time, it allows our vets to stay one step ahead of illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, seizures and more.
And since our vet team is available 24/7, pet parents always have the chance to ask any questions they may have – routine or emergency – and receive instant help via chat or videocalls.
Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
