How often should a dog go to the vet?

Puppy vet visit schedule

Puppies require more checkups than adult dogs to ensure they grow up healthy, are protected from disease through vaccinations and receive early treatment for potential health issues. In addition to vaccines, early vet visits give your vet a chance to monitor your puppy’s weight, coat, skin and overall development.

Your puppy should see a vet within the first week of coming home. This visit helps establish a care routine and starts preventive treatments. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), puppies should receive vaccines every three to four weeks, beginning at six to eight weeks old and continuing through 16 to 20 weeks.

Because puppies are more vulnerable than adult dogs, follow-up visits are typically needed every few months during the first year.

Key health checks for puppies

At each visit, your puppy will receive age-specific care tailored to their development:

• Physical exam: The vet checks the eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen and skin for abnormalities.
• Vaccinations: Puppies need core vaccines for rabies, parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis. Optional vaccines include leptospirosis, Lyme disease and Bordetella, depending on your dog’s environment and lifestyle.
• Deworming: Many puppies are born with intestinal parasites and need early treatment.
• Parasite prevention: Monthly protection against fleas, ticks and heartworms may be recommended based on where you live.
• Weight and growth tracking: Your vet will monitor your puppy’s weight and growth to ensure they’re hitting breed-specific milestones.

These early visits also help your puppy get comfortable with the clinic, making future visits easier. As your dog grows, vet visits typically become less frequent — usually once or twice a year.

» MORE: Does pet insurance cover vaccines?

Adult dog vet visit schedule

Most healthy adult dogs only need one vet visit per year. These annual checkups are important for maintaining health, updating vaccines and catching issues early — even if your dog seems fine.

Some dogs may need to visit the vet more often depending on their breed, health conditions or how active they are. Your vet can help set the right schedule for your dog’s needs.

Active dogs or those that spend a lot of time outdoors may be at higher risk for parasites, injuries or infections. Certain breeds are prone to health conditions like hip dysplasia or respiratory issues, which might require additional screenings or more frequent monitoring. As your dog enters its senior years, those visits may also become more frequent.

What’s included in an adult dog checkup

During your dog’s annual exam, your vet will typically:

• Perform a full-body physical exam to check overall health.
• Administer vaccine boosters to maintain immunity.
• Examine teeth and gums, recommending cleanings if needed.
• Assess weight and provide diet or exercise advice if needed.
• Recommend parasite prevention based on lifestyle and region.

If your dog has a chronic condition like diabetes, allergies or arthritis, your vet might suggest more frequent checkups or lab work. Dogs with outdoor lifestyles or those prone to breed-specific issues — like hip dysplasia or respiratory problems — might also need more than one visit per year.

Senior dog vet visit schedule

Senior dogs benefit from more frequent vet care to manage age-related health issues. The AVMA recommends two checkups per year for older dogs, but your vet may suggest more depending on your dog’s needs.

Because aging dogs are more likely to develop chronic conditions, these visits help you stay ahead of changes and adjust care as needed.

What’s included in a senior dog checkup

Senior exams include everything an adult dog gets, plus additional screenings:

• A physical exam focused on mobility, joint pain and organ health
• Routine blood work to monitor liver, kidney and thyroid function
• A dental exam and cleaning to prevent pain and infections
• Weight and nutrition guidance tailored to senior metabolism and activity level
• Mobility and arthritis evaluations to assess for stiffness or pain
• Parasite prevention, adjusted based on lifestyle and environment

Your vet may also recommend supplements, prescription diets or pain relief to help keep your senior dog active and comfortable. Regular visits are the best way to spot small changes before they turn into larger issues.

How much is a vet visit for a dog?

The average cost of a regular vet visit in 2024 was $214 for dogs, but pricing varies depending on where you live, what kind of care your dog needs and the type of clinic you visit. The following table shows estimated costs from Access Veterinary Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prices are based on a single clinic and may not reflect what you’d pay in your area. Prices are estimates and may change over time.

Dog-specific veterinary costs

General veterinary costs

» MORE: Is pet insurance worth it?

Financial planning for unexpected vet bills

Pet insurance can help you cover the cost of accidents, illnesses and — if you add a wellness plan — routine care. Most policies reimburse 70% to 90% of covered expenses after you pay the vet upfront.

You can also reduce vet costs with the following:

• Pet emergency funds: Save a small amount each month for surprise bills.
• Financing options: Ask your vet about payment plans or CareCredit.
• Wellness add-ons: Some pet insurers, like Pumpkin Wellness Club, offer stand-alone wellness plans that don’t require full insurance.
• Low-cost clinics: Humane societies and animal welfare groups often provide basic care, like spaying, neutering and vaccinations at reduced prices.

The earlier you enroll your dog in insurance, the more likely you’ll avoid exclusions for preexisting conditions.

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