Annual Vet Visits for Dogs

There is divided opinion on the need for annual vaccination of pet dogs. However, one thing that all vets recommend is an annual checkup to assess the health of your pet. This becomes even more important if your dog is aged above 7 years or needs special medical care. Through a series of examinations, the vet identifies potential problems and prescribes appropriate measures to ensure your dog remains healthy.

  1. Checks during the Visit

    • During an annual visit, veterinarians examine the weight, eyes, ears and general skin and coat conditions. They also carry out a dental and musculoskeletal examination, which is a test of the condition of teeth, muscles and bones. Especially with dogs aged 7 and older, these visits assess the functioning of the heart and detect any other age-related conditions. Various tests such as urine and stool exams, complete blood counts and biochemical profiles are routine, and the vet prescribes more specific tests if there is anything disturbing in these findings.

    Advantages of an Annual Visit

    • Regular visits help the vet get a clear picture of the overall health of your dog. These visits also help the vet to administer vaccinations, treat parasitic infestation and identify potential health problems. Many conditions necessitate diet management and medication; incorporating these is important to ensure a healthy life for your dog. With older dogs, although it is difficult to cure certain conditions, it is possible to manage them well if identified early.

    Tips on Planning Visits

    • Get your pet used to variety by introducing it to different people. Regularly check its eyes, ears, teeth, belly and toes to help it to become familiar with the actions involved in a vet checkup. Take frequent rides in a car to make travel less stressful. To make the annual vet visit pleasant, schedule the visit during a time when the clinic is less crowded. Stay calm to avoid making your dog panic.

    Preparing for a Vet Visit

    • When you take your pet to the vet, take along its collar and license tag and a leash or harness. If your dog has a tendency to bark or bite in the presence of strangers, carry a muzzle. It is a good idea to have a few treats or a favorite toy handy to divert your pet from anxiety during the visit. If you have pet insurance, take that along.

    What to Ask the Vet

    • Annual visits provide a good opportunity to interact with the vet about any concerns you have regarding the health of your dog. Besides asking about general dog care and parasite control, it is important to discuss specific significant changes you observe in your dog. Loss or gain of weight, appetite changes and alterations in behavior with the family or with strangers are all indicative of a change in your dog's health and require timely intervention.