How often should your pet visit the vet? A guide by age and species

There’s a question we get asked almost every day at the clinic: “If my pet seems fine, do they really need to come in?”. The answer is yes. And in this article we explain why, and how often.

Why preventive check-ups matter more than you think

Most serious illnesses in dogs and cats — kidney, heart and tumour-related conditions — show no symptoms in their early stages. By the time the animal shows obvious signs, the disease has been progressing for weeks or months.

An annual check-up is not a formality. It’s the only way to detect those conditions before they become urgent or irreversible.

Recommended frequency by age

Puppies and kittens (0–12 months)

This is the stage with the most visits, and rightly so. In the first months of life, the vaccination schedule needs to be completed, a deworming routine established, and proper development confirmed.

What we do at each visit:

• Full physical examination
• Vaccination according to schedule
• Internal and external deworming
• Weight and growth assessment
• Microchip fitting (compulsory for dogs)
• Socialisation and nutrition advice

Healthy adults (1–7 years)

This is the stage when many owners ease off on visits because their pet “seems fine”. It’s precisely here that prevention has the most value.

What the annual check-up includes:

• Full head-to-tail examination
• Dental check (one of the most neglected areas)
• Booster vaccinations
• Basic blood work if the vet considers it appropriate
• Weight and body condition assessment
• Health record update

Senior pets (over 7–8 years)

From the age of 7–8 years, dogs and cats enter the senior stage. The body changes, and the most common problems at this stage — chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism in cats, arthritis, tumours — are much better detected with more frequent check-ups.

What we add in senior check-ups:

• Full blood and urine analysis
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Cardiac assessment
• X-rays if there are signs of joint problems
• Cognitive evaluation (especially in dogs)

Pets with chronic conditions

If your pet has diabetes, kidney disease, epilepsy or other chronic conditions, the frequency of visits is set by the vet on a case-by-case basis. In some diabetic patients, for example, check-ups can be monthly during the stabilisation phase.

Situations that require a visit regardless of age

Beyond routine check-ups, there are situations that should not wait:

• Changes in appetite or water intake
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours
• Lethargy or behavioural changes
• Limping or difficulty moving
• Persistent cough or breathing difficulties
• Before and after travelling abroad

Dogs vs. cats: an important difference

In summary

If you’re unsure about the right schedule for your pet, at Rovira Veterinary Clinic, in the Gràcia (Barcelona) neighbourhood, we help you design a personalised follow-up plan through our preventive medicine service. We have been caring for dogs, cats and their families in the neighbourhood for over 20 years.

If you also have questions about what type of diet is best for your pet, check out our guide on kibble, wet food and the BARF diet.

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