Healthy adult dogs should see a vet at least once a year. Puppies need several visits in their first months for vaccines, and senior dogs benefit from checkups every six months. When a dog becomes “senior” depends on its size and breed, which this guide explains.
It is part of our vet visit schedule guide.
Dog vet visit schedule
| Life stage | How often | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (up to about 16 weeks) | Every 2 to 4 weeks from 6 to 8 weeks of age | Vaccine series, deworming, microchip, socialisation advice |
| Puppy (4 to 12 months) | At spay/neuter discussion and around 1 year for boosters | Neutering decision, growth, diet, parasite control |
| Adult | At least once a year | Vaccines, weight, dental health, parasite prevention, behaviour |
| Senior | Every 6 months | Arthritis, organ function, dental disease, lumps, cognitive changes |
| Chronic condition | As your vet advises, often every 3 to 6 months | Monitoring and medication |
When is a dog considered senior?
Veterinary life stage guidelines, such as those from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), describe the senior stage as roughly the last quarter of a dog’s expected lifespan. Because larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans, they become senior earlier.
| Dog size | Typical age considered senior |
|---|---|
| Small breeds | Around 10 to 12 years |
| Medium breeds | Around 8 to 10 years |
| Large breeds | Around 7 to 8 years |
| Giant breeds | Around 5 to 6 years |
These are approximate. Your vet will consider your dog’s individual health. Our senior dog wellness exam guide explains what changes at this stage.
Signs your dog needs a vet right away
- Swollen, hard belly with unproductive retching, especially in large deep-chested dogs (possible bloat/GDV, an emergency)
- Difficulty breathing, pale or blue gums
- Collapse, seizures or sudden weakness
- Suspected poisoning, such as chocolate, grapes or raisins, xylitol, rat poison or human medicines
- Repeated vomiting or bloody diarrhoea, especially in puppies
- Not able to stand or bear weight on a leg
- Heavy bleeding or major trauma
See pet emergency signs for the full list.
Does breed affect how often dogs need the vet?
Some breeds have known health risks that may justify extra monitoring. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as pugs and bulldogs often have breathing and skin issues. Large breeds are prone to joint problems, and some small breeds to dental disease. Ask your vet whether your dog’s breed changes its checkup plan.
What happens at a yearly dog checkup?
A thorough wellness exam includes weight and body condition, eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, joints and lymph nodes, plus vaccines and parasite prevention as needed. See our dog wellness exam guide for details.
Frequently asked questions
How often do dogs need vaccines?
After the puppy series and a booster around one year, many core vaccines are given every one to three years, depending on the vaccine and local rules. Rabies schedules are often set by law. See our dog vaccination schedule.
Do dogs need dental checkups?
Dental disease is very common in adult dogs. Your vet checks teeth at each wellness exam and may recommend cleaning under anaesthesia. See our dog dental care guide.
Related guides
- Puppy’s first vet visit
- How often should cats go to the vet?
- Dog wellness exam
- Vet visit schedule hub
This guide is general information for pet owners and is not a substitute for an examination by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.
Run a veterinary clinic?
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