How often should I take my dog to the vet?

How often your dog needs a vet visit depends on their age, health status, and vaccination schedule. Here is a practical guide.

Puppies (0–12 months)

- First visit: ideally within 48–72 hours of bringing them home to check for congenital problems
- Vaccination series: typically 3 visits between 8 and 16 weeks of age
- Worming check-up at 6 months
- Neutering consultation at 5–6 months (or later for large breeds)
- Total: 4–6 vet visits in the first year

Adult dogs (1–7 years)

- Once a year for a health check and booster vaccinations
- Booster schedules vary — some vaccines are annual (leptospirosis, kennel cough), some are every 3 years (distemper, parvovirus). Your vet will track what is due.
- Dental check at each annual visit — your vet will advise if a professional clean is needed
- Flea, tick, and worm prevention review

Senior dogs (7+ years, or 5+ for giant breeds)

- Every 6 months is recommended. Blood and urine tests at each visit catch problems like kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disease early, when they are most treatable.
- More frequent visits if your dog has a chronic condition

Between scheduled visits

Do not wait for the annual check-up if you notice:
- Weight loss or gain, changes in appetite or thirst
- Limping, new lumps, changes in stool or urine
- Behavioural changes, lethargy, or anything that seems "off"

Flovvi tip: Use the appointment tracker to log every vet visit and set reminders for vaccinations and parasite prevention. Your vet''s notes and your observations together make every consultation more efficient.