How Often Should a Dog Go to the Vet?
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Regular vet visits catch problems early. Here's how often your dog should go, by age and health.
Puppies need frequent visits
Puppies visit every few weeks early on for vaccinations, deworming, and a parasite-prevention plan, until their vaccine series is complete around 16 weeks. Your vet also discusses spaying or neutering timing.
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Adult dogs: once a year
Healthy adult dogs generally need an annual wellness exam — a physical check, dental assessment, parasite screening, and vaccine updates. These visits catch subtle problems before they become serious and expensive.
Seniors: twice a year
Dogs over about seven benefit from twice-yearly checkups, often with bloodwork, since age-related conditions (kidney, heart, arthritis) develop faster and are easier to manage caught early.
Don't skip prevention
Routine care is far cheaper than treating advanced disease. Keep flea, tick, and heartworm prevention current between visits — our [free pet savings card](/card) can help with medication costs. And see your vet promptly for any concerning symptom.
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Frequently asked
- How often should a healthy adult dog see the vet?
- Once a year for a wellness exam, vaccine updates, and parasite screening. Seniors and puppies need more frequent visits.
- Are annual vet visits really necessary?
- Yes — they catch subtle problems early, when treatment is easier and cheaper, and keep preventive care on track.