What does the vet check during a physical examination?
During a physical examination, the vet will check various aspects of your dogs health, such as how much they weigh, how they stand and walk, the condition of their coat, skin and eyes, among other things, says VCA Animal Hospitals.
The veterinarian also will look at your dogs teeth and mouth for tartar buildup, as well as checking the heart, lungs and lymph nodes for any irregularities, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.
Vets may also ask for feces samples from your dog to check for intestinal parasites or eggs.
Your dogs checkup is not too different than yours. The vet will ensure all areas of your pets health are in good shape.
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Kitten or Puppy: Birth to 1 Year
Youll need to bring your little one in for vaccines every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.
Dogs will get shots for rabies, distemper-parvo, and other diseases. They may also need shots to protect against health woes such as kennel cough, influenza, and Lyme disease.
Cats will get tests for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. They also get vaccinations that cover several diseases.
At this stage, your pet will also start heartworm and flea- and tick-prevention medications, if theyâre recommended for your area.
The vet will examine your pup or kitten to make sure they are growing well and shows no signs of an illness. Theyll check again at around 6 months, when you bring your pet in to be spayed or neutered.
“Well also check to see how housebreaking, training, and socialization are going,” Barrett says.
How Often Should You Take Your Puppy to the Vet?
A puppy will need to be taken to the vet every three or four weeks until they are sixteen weeks old for necessary vaccinations.
It’s important to get your puppy fully vaccinated so they are protected against diseases. The vet will also start your puppy on flea and heartworm treatments to prevent them from getting either.
How Often Should Your Dog See the Vet for Checkups
Preventative health is just as important for our canine companions as it is for us. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), preventative care helps us give more pets a greater chance at longer and better lives – which means more snuggles, more walks, and more games of fetch!
Keeping your dog in tip-top shape starts with regular trips to the veterinarian, which may have you wondering: how often should I take my dog to the vet?
Generally, your dog should have a wellness check-up at least once a year. However, the number of times you should take your dog to the vet can vary based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and existing health conditions, among other factors.
Below, we’ll walk you through a breakdown of how often you may need to take your dog to the vet based on their age.