We all wish our dog companions could live forever don't we?!
Although we can't stop the aging process we can help extend our pup's lifespan just by keeping up with their vet visits.
Taking your dog to the vet annually is essential for their health and overall wellness.
We have put together a basic plan for how often you should take your dog to the vet as well as what preventive measures you can take such as vaccines, treatments and more!
These recommendations elaborate through the puppy stages all the way to the time they are senior dogs so we've got you covered at every age!
Keep reading below for our recommended wellness plan:
A Lifetime of Wellness Plan:
8 weeks old
This is the age you first need to take your pup to the vet for their initial appointment. During this vet visit your dog will receive a comprehensive physical exam, nutrition plan, dewormer treatment and a few different vaccinations to protect them from harmful diseases.
10-16 weeks old
You will need to take your pup back to the vet a few times over the next few weeks after their first visit to get more wellness shots and exams. You will also begin monthly parasite protection during these vet visits as well as receive their first rabies vaccine!
6 months old
At 6 months it's time to make the decision if you are going to spay and neuter your pup. If you decide to- you will want to take your dog to the vet to do pre surgical blood work before it's time to spay and neuter.
1-7 years old
For the next 1 to 7 years you will take your dog in for yearly wellness exams. During these annual visits your vet may need to give your dog vaccines, a professional dental cleaning and parasite protection treatment (all as needed).
Why are yearly wellness exams important?
This exam allows our team to find clues that may uncover diseases that are not always obvious. Clues to liver, kidney, heart problems, cancer, arthritis and dental issues may not become symptomatic until they are in advanced stages. Early detection and intervention is the cornerstone to the health and happiness of your pet.
8 years and older
At this stage your dog is now considered in the "senior-stage" of wellness. Instead of taking your pup to the vet only once a year you will now want to start taking them twice a year or more depending on the health status of your elder dog.
You may be asking why does my dog need vaccines?
Internal and external parasites are a common cause of disease and vaccines given to your pup by the vet can protect them. These harmful parasites can be a burden to pet’s system by sucking blood, invading vital organs, and transmitting many deadly diseases which can make your dog really sick or even result in death.
Vaccinating our pets can also help to prevent disease in people. Zoonotic diseases (diseases shared between people and animals) are still very common in parts of the world. Vaccine availability and overall care of our pets has led to a huge decrease in the prevalence of these diseases. Some Zoonotic diseases include rabies, leptospirosis, anthrax and brucella.
It is important to talk to your vet about different vaccines offered for your dog and which ones are vital from them to live a long and healthy life!
