How often should I take my dog to the vet?
When our four-legged friends suffer from symptoms like →diarrhea, →rumbling tummy or →frequent scratching and itching the trip to the vet's office is the obvious choice. But what if your robust furry friend rarely gets sick and there is apparently no reason for a visit? We explain why you should still regularly visit your trusted veterinarian and which routine check-ups are due.
Is an annual check-up useful?
Some four-legged friends are regulars at the clinic, others only come for the annual routine check – and that is just as important as it is for us humans. Even if it is mostly about regular examinations , some diseases like →elevated alkaline phosphatase are not directly visible. Whether it's nails that are too long, →mild tartar, booster vaccinations, parasite prevention, or the →anal gland: A professional's trained eye should check at least once a year to be on the safe side.
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Regular check-ups at a glance
Parasite check and prevention
→fleas, →ticks, worms – every year again. If your dog loves to roam through the woods and roughhouse with other dog buddies in the meadow, there's always a risk of coming into contact with certain parasites automatically. Fleas and ticks can often be prevented together with a →special preparation. Whether it's a new spot-on, a fresh collar, or suitable tablets – regular visits to the vet are a must for parasite prevention.
There are various options for deworming. In addition to a regular deworming treatment from the vet, you can also do a so-called stool sample. If you don't want to give tablets as a preventive measure, this method is a good choice. Especially for dogs who, much to our dismay, love to feast on the droppings of their fellow dogs, a strict, monthly deworming is recommended. You can buy the medication in advance. Whether it's products against ticks, fleas, or worms: The choice should never be made on your own, as the exact weight ratios play a role and incorrect dosing poses risks for your furry friend.
Vaccinations
Even though vaccinations usually need to be boosted every 3 years, it's worth having a vet check the yellow booklet once a year. This way, you can be sure your four-legged friend is protected against dangerous diseases like distemper, rabies, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. With the titer test, vets can determine once a year how many antibodies are still available in the blood and whether a booster is necessary.
As part of the annual check-up, in addition to examinations of claws, ears, and teeth, possible vaccinations and the renewal of parasite treatments are also due.
Dental, ear, and nail care
Not always visible at first glance, but clear on the treatment table at the clinic: dental problems can be caused by cavities and tartar build-up. If you get an early diagnosis during a regular check-up you can spare your dog pain. Mild tartar can be removed directly during the examination.
The vet will also take a look at the ears and nails. Dirty ears can be cleaned if necessary, and nails that are too long can be trimmed.
Did you know ear care isn't just for the vet? With our →CARE Ear Cleaner you can gently and without unhealthy additives keep ears fresh! Our CARE package provides complete grooming luxury and is gentle on coat and paws.
Senior check-up
Older dogs often deal with more aches and pains than young pups. The →joints become stiff, hearing and vision decline, and digestion isn't what it used to be. Did you know that dogs can also develop →dementia as they age? To ensure a good life for your senior dog despite a few extra years, senior dogs should be examined twice a year from age 10 onwards even if it's just routine and to check if anything is wrong.
The frequency of vet visits also varies depending on your furry friend's age. Senior pets need a helping paw more often than young jumpers.
Vet costs: The necessary financial means
Depending on the examination, the costs at the vet's office vary greatly. Especially seniors and →puppies need to visit the vet more often, so additional costs may arise. A check-up without treatment is therefore much cheaper than a full booster of all vaccinations. The basic examination alone, depending on whether your dog has complications, ranges from about 13€ to 40€. If, for example, a blood test is done, costs quickly rise to over 80€.
A booster vaccination costs, depending on the vaccine, about 50–70€ and the prices for parasite treatments vary by type. Costs range from 15 to 40€ and the duration of effectiveness varies. For nail trimming, you should expect about 7€, for dental care with cleaning if needed about 60€ and for ear care around 15–30€.
The prices for services are charged at a fixed rate – so if you want to know the exact cost before treatment, ask for a detailed quote, your vet can provide information.
