How often should I take my pets to the vet? As a new pet owner, you might wonder how regularly you should see your vet. The goal is to ensure you give your pet the best health care and treatments possible. How frequently should my animals see a vet? Here’s a quick guide.
1. PREVENTIVE CARE CLINICS
Essentially, it should be for a wellness or preventive care visit whenever you go to the vet. These visits are essential to keep your pet healthy and diagnose any potential health issues before they become serious. For puppies and kittens, that means they should see the vet every three to four weeks until they’re about 16 weeks old. For adult dogs, that means they should see the vet at least once a year. For adult cats, that means they should see the vet every six months to a year.
2. EARLY DETECTION SERVICES
If you have an adult animal, you should take them to the vet for preventive care every six months to a year. If your pet is seven years or older, they’re considered a senior and may need to see the vet more frequently. As they age, they’re more likely to develop health problems like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and kidney disease. You want to detect these conditions early to treat them and help your pet live a long and healthy life.
3. DENTAL CARE
You might not think about your pet’s teeth, but they can develop dental problems as we can. In fact, by the time they’re three years old, most dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease. That’s why taking your pet to the vet for a dental cleaning at least once a year is essential. A vet can help keep your pet’s teeth healthy and spot any potential problems early.
4. PARASITE PREVENTION
There are a lot of different parasites that can harm your pet, including fleas, ticks, and heartworm. These parasites can make your pet sick and even be deadly. That’s why it’s crucial to use parasite prevention products year-round and take your pet to the vet for regular check-ups. Your vet can help you choose the best parasite prevention products for your pet and ensure they’re using them correctly.
5. VACCINATIONS
Your pet must be vaccinated against certain diseases, depending on their age, health, and lifestyle. For example, all dogs should be vaccinated against rabies. Talk to your vet about which vaccinations are suitable for your pet. Vaccinations follow a known schedule, so you’ll need to take your pet to the vet regularly to ensure they stay up-to-date on their shots.
CONCLUSION
The frequency of vet visits depends on a variety of factors, including their age, health, and lifestyle. The best thing you can do is talk to your vet and follow their recommendations. That way, you can ensure you’re doing everything possible to keep your pet healthy and happy. Sunnyside Pet Hospital can help you with your pet’s health needs, from wellness visits to dental care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
