Whether your dog is a playful new puppy or a senior who likes to stay snuggled up on the couch, they need veterinary care. Going to the vet for checkups—even when your pet seems healthy—is one of the most important things you can do to keep them happy and active for the long haul.
But how often should your dog see the vet? And how do vet visits change at different stages of your dog’s life? Let’s take a look.
Vet Visits for Puppies: A Busy First Year
If you’ve recently added a puppy to your family, congratulations! We know you’re very excited. Just remember that along with all the fun, your puppy’s health is now your responsibility. Whether you adopted from a shelter or a breeder, schedule your puppy’s first checkup as soon as possible.
You can expect to make several vet visits in your puppy’s first year for vaccinations and booster shots. They might need other treatments as well, like deworming, flea and tick prevention, or a spay/neuter operation.
During a puppy’s first 12 months, they will need to see the vet every 3 to 4 weeks. These appointments cover:
- Core vaccinations (like rabies, distemper, and parvo)
- Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- A physical exam to track growth and spot any health concerns
- Spay/neuter surgery (usually around 6 months)
- Microchip ID implant (in case your dog ever gets lost)
Your vet can also help with nutrition advice, behavior questions, and housetraining struggles. We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to support you through the chaos of puppyhood.
Adult Dogs: Once a Year Is the Minimum
Once your dog reaches adulthood (around age 1 for most), you should bring them to the vet at least once a year. Even if they seem perfectly healthy, dogs are experts at hiding pain and illness. Adult dogs also need yearly shots like rabies boosters, and most of them need annual teeth cleanings after age 3.
These yearly checkups give your vet the chance to:
- Detect health problems in their early stages
- Update vaccines and preventive care
- Check up on your dog’s weight, joints, teeth, and overall health
- Discuss any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy
Vet visits also give you an opportunity to ask questions about food, supplements, exercise, skin issues, and anything else that concerns you. Think of it as a full-body tuneup with expert guidance.
Senior Dogs: Twice a Year Is Best
Dogs age much faster than we do, and once they hit senior status—around age 7 for most breeds—problems can pop up quickly. At this stage, we recommend visiting the vet every 6 months.
Senior visits often include:
- Bloodwork to screen for underlying conditions
- Arthritis or pain management support
- Dental care
- Monitoring for weight gain or loss
Preventive care becomes even more important as your dog ages. The goal is to keep them comfortable, mobile, and enjoying life as long as possible.
Life Happens—And So Do Extra Visits
Outside of routine care, you should always schedule an exam if your dog:
- Skips meals or water for more than a day
- Has vomiting, diarrhea, or sudden behavior changes
- Is limping, coughing, or just seems “off”
- Gets into something they shouldn’t (meds, chocolate, the trash, etc.)
You know your dog best, so if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. We’re always happy to check things out and give you peace of mind.
Your Frisco Vet for Every Life Stage
At LazyPaw Animal Hospitals, we know that no two dogs are the same. That’s why we tailor our care to your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and personality—from their first visit and well into their golden years. We’re here to help your dog feel their best at every stage of life!
If you live in Frisco, Northern Plano, Little Elm, or The Colony and your dog is due for a checkup, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call, send us a message, or book an appointment today.
Photo by Chevanon Photography on Pexels used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 6/5/2025