It is essential for pet owners to ensure their furry friends receive regular checkups and vaccinations. For adult dogs, the recommended frequency is once a year. This annual wellness exam provides an opportunity to track your pup's growth and development, as well as detect any potential health issues. At the first annual checkup, when your dog is one year old, they will receive a booster shot against distemper, parvovirus and rabies.
Depending on the state, they may also need rabies boosters at subsequent visits. During the exam, your vet will perform a full checkup on your pup, including listening to the heart and lungs, looking at their eyes and ears, and checking for fleas and other common conditions. They will also update any necessary vaccines. Young puppies will need monthly visits to be vaccinated and monitored for their well-being.
Additionally, they should be spayed or neutered around four months of age. After six months, all dogs should be dewormed every three months for effective protection. At each visit, your vet can make suggestions for your dog's nutrition and dental care, or recommendations for activities and medications specific to their health status. Over time, you'll have a complete record of your pet's health.
It is important to remember that regular checkups are essential for keeping your pup healthy and happy. Annual wellness exams give you the opportunity to track your dog's growth and development and discuss any concerns with your vet. The results can be very useful later if your dog develops an illness, since the vet can go back and see what “normal” looks like for your dog.
