Regular veterinary care keeps dogs healthier and catches issues early. Visit frequency depends on age, health status, and life stage, but a baseline schedule helps most owners plan.
Typical visit cadence:
Additional reasons for visits include dental cleanings, allergy management, injuries, sudden behavior changes, and chronic condition monitoring. Annual bloodwork and parasite screening are useful screening tools as dogs age. If you notice appetite changes, weight loss, vomiting, lethargy, or abnormal behavior, schedule a vet appointment promptly rather than waiting for the next routine check.