Vets settle debate on how often dogs need a check-up

Vets have revealed how often you should take your dog to the vet for a check-up on its general health. Although dreaded by many dogs, a visit to the vet is an essential part of making sure your pet is healthy and well. A vet can check for a number of things regarding your dog's health, such as its heartbeat, weight, teeth, and breathing. But it is important that you bring your dog in the first place to make sure they are in tip-top shape.

Vets have shared their advice regarding when you should bring your dog to the vet. It is important to bring them to the vet as recommended by the experts because if your dog develops any health issues, this will be caught sooner rather than later by your vet. According to the experts, you should bring your dog to the vet for a general check-up at least once per year, so you should plan an annual trip to the vet.

Veterinary Hospital, Smithfield Road, revealed that an annual check-up for your dog is best. However, this is the usual recommendation for adult dogs who are generally healthy.

However, puppies, older dogs, and dogs with ongoing health conditions should probably be brought to the vet for a check-up more regularly.

The same advice is shared by Care Credit, which says that regular visits to the vet can catch any issues before they develop and get serious, and can stop your dog from developing a disease. They advise owners of both cats and dogs to take their pets to the vet at least once a year.

When one Reddit user asked dog owners how often they take their pooch to the vet, their answers mostly reflected the above advice. One person wrote: "Once a year, dentals as needed, ASAP for illness/health changes."

Another shared: "I take all my animals to the vet once a year for an annual check-up and we make additional appointments throughout the year if something comes up."

A third said: "Annually at the bare minimum for a proper physical exam, full bloodwork, fecal and urine, routine vaccinations, preventative prescriptions, and possible dental care. More as needed for illness and once she is a senior, should be every 6 months."