How Often Should I Bring My Pet to the Vet?
- 16 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Routine vet visits are essential for keeping your pet healthy — but how often should you go? The answer depends on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and any existing health conditions. While it’s tempting to skip check-ups if your pet seems well, regular visits help detect problems early, before they become serious or costly.
In this post, we’ll break down how often your pet should see the vet at each stage of life — and why preventative care matters more than you might think.
Contents
Why Regular Vet Visits Matter
Even the healthiest pets need regular vet checks. Animals age faster than humans, and problems can develop quickly without obvious symptoms. Routine visits allow your vet to monitor your pet’s health, weight, and behaviour over time — helping catch early signs of disease, manage preventative care, and keep vaccinations up to date.
Benefits of regular vet visits include:
Early detection of illness
Ongoing dental, joint, and skin assessments
Personalised advice for nutrition, behaviour, and lifestyle
Peace of mind that your pet is on track
Puppies and Kittens (0–12 Months)
Young pets need more frequent visits during their first year as they grow, build immunity, and learn the ropes of the world.
Recommended schedule:
Every 3–4 weeks for initial vaccinations (typically from 6 to 16 weeks old)
A full health check at the time of neutering (usually around 5–6 months)
Regular weigh-ins and behaviour assessments
Final booster and transition to adult health plan at 12 months
These early visits are crucial for preventing disease, detecting birth defects, and building a positive association with the vet for life.
Adult Pets (1–7 Years)
Once fully grown, most healthy pets only need to visit the vet once a year for a routine wellness check.
Annual check-up should include:
A full physical examination
Vaccinations and parasite prevention review
Dental health assessment
Weight and nutrition discussion
Any lifestyle or travel-related risks
During this stage, yearly visits help maintain optimal health and catch subtle changes that could suggest underlying issues.
Senior Pets (7+ Years)
As pets age, they become more prone to conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, and dental problems. More frequent vet visits help manage these risks and maintain quality of life.
Recommended schedule:
Every 6 months for a full health check
Annual blood tests to monitor organ function
Weight, mobility, and behaviour reviews
Pain management and age-appropriate diet advice
Some smaller breeds may not show signs of ageing until 9 or 10, while larger breeds may enter their senior years earlier. Your vet can advise based on breed and lifestyle.
Pets with Chronic Conditions or Special Needs
Pets with ongoing health issues need more frequent monitoring to keep conditions stable and adjust treatment as needed.
Common examples include:
Diabetes
Kidney or liver disease
Epilepsy
Allergies or skin conditions
Mobility issues or chronic pain
Visit frequency: Every 2–4 months, depending on the condition, plus regular check-ins for medication reviews or test results.
Vaccination and Preventative Care Schedules
Preventative care doesn’t stop after the first year. Keeping on top of vaccines and parasite protection is key to long-term health.
Typical schedule includes:
Annual boosters (e.g., leptospirosis, kennel cough, feline flu)
Parasite prevention every 1–3 months (fleas, ticks, worms)
Lungworm prevention in dogs where applicable
Dental check-ups and cleaning as advised
Annual or biannual blood tests for senior pets
Ask your vet about a Pet Health Plan to help manage these costs with monthly payments and year-round cover.
Signs You Shouldn’t Wait for a Routine Visit
Even if your pet isn’t due for a check-up, there are times when an earlier visit is essential.
Book a vet visit if you notice:
Changes in appetite, drinking, or toilet habits
Sudden weight loss or gain
Lumps, bumps, or wounds
Coughing, limping, or difficulty moving
Bad breath, red gums, or drooling
Behaviour changes like hiding, aggression, or lethargy
These could be early signs of illness — and acting quickly can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Your pet can’t tell you when something’s wrong — which is why regular vet visits are one of the best ways to keep them healthy, happy, and pain-free throughout their life. From curious kittens to golden oldies, a routine tailored to their age and needs helps prevent problems before they start.
📅 Not sure when your pet’s last check-up was? Book a wellness visit at Roundwood Vets — and let’s keep them feeling their best, year-round.
We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.
Save money, and help your pet live a happy and healthy life with Vital Pets Club, by Roundwood Vets.
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