How often should I take my dog to the vet?
When our four-legged friends show symptoms like →diarrhea, →rumbling belly or →frequent scratching and itching, a trip to the vet's office is obvious. But what if the robust furball rarely gets sick and there seems to be no reason for a visit? We explain why you should still regularly visit your trusted veterinarian and which routine examinations** are due.
Is an annual examination worthwhile?
Some four-legged friends are regulars at the clinic, while others only come for the annual routine check - which is as important for them as it is for us humans. Even if it usually only involves regular examinations, some diseases like →elevated alkaline phosphatase are not immediately visible. Whether it's long nails, →slight tartar, vaccination updates, parasite prevention, or the →anal gland: A professional check should at least be done once a year to be on the safe side.
Examinations at the vet's office are not exactly the highlight of the day for many dogs - quite the opposite. Brave furballs definitely deserve a healthy treat. Our Pets Deli Snacks are free from grains, sugar, and artificial colors and flavors. All fit? Then it's time for a snack!
Gesund und lecker verwöhnen - mit unseren Snacks
Regular examinations at a glance
Parasite check and prevention
→Fleas, →ticks, worms - it's the same every year. Those who roam through the woods and wrestle with other dog buddies in the meadow automatically run the risk of coming into contact with certain parasites. Fleas and ticks can often be prevented 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 worm treatment from the vet, the so-called stool sample can also be performed. If you don't want to feed preventive tablets, this method is a good choice. Particularly for dogs that tend to feast on the droppings of their fellow canines, a strict monthly deworming is recommended. The medications can be purchased in advance. Regardless of whether it's preparations against ticks, fleas, or worms: The selection should never be done independently, as the exact weight ratios play a role and a misdose poses risks for your furry friend.
Vaccinations
Even though vaccinations generally need to be updated every 3 years, it is worthwhile to have a look at the yellow booklet once a year. This way, you can be sure that your four-legged friend is protected against dangerous diseases like distemper, rabies, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. With the titer test, veterinarians can determine once a year how many antibodies are still available in the blood and whether a booster is necessary.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Im Rahmen des jährlichen Check-ups stehen neben Untersuchungen von Krallen, Ohren und Zähnen auch eventuelle Impfungen und die Erneuerung von Parasitenpräparaten an.
Dental, ear, and nail care
Not always visible at first glance, but certainly on the treatment table at the clinic: Dental problems can be caused by cavities and tartar. Early diagnosis during a regular check can spare your four-legged friend pain. Slight tartar can be removed directly during the examination.
Additionally, the veterinarian will take a look at the ears and nails. Dirty ears can be flushed if necessary, and overly long nails can be trimmed.
Did you know that ear care is not just a vet's job? With our →CARE Ear Cleaner, you can ensure gentle and healthy ears without unhealthy additives! Our CARE package provides complete care luxury and is gentle on fur and paws.
Senior check
Older dogs often deal with more ailments than young pups. The →joints become stiff, hearing and vision decline, and digestion is not what it used to be. Did you know that dogs can also suffer from →dementia as they age? To ensure a good quality of life for senior dogs despite a few years under their belt, they should be examined twice a year starting from the age of 10.** This is also just about routine and checking if something is amiss.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Die Häufigkeit der Tierarztbesuche variiert auch je nach alter deiner Fellnase. Bei Grauschnauzen drückt häufiger mal die Pfote als bei jungen Hüpfern.
Vet costs: The necessary financial means
Depending on the examination, the costs at the vet's office can vary greatly. Particularly seniors and →puppies need to visit the vet more often, which adds to the costs. A check-up without treatment is thus much cheaper than a booster for all vaccinations. The examination alone, depending on whether your four-legged friend has complications, ranges from about €13 to €40. If, for example, a blood test is performed, the costs quickly rise to over €80.
A vaccination booster costs around €50-70 depending on the vaccine, and the prices for parasite preparations vary by type. The costs range from €15 to €40 and last for varying lengths of time. For nail trimming, you can expect to pay around €7, for dental care with cleaning if needed around €60, and for ear care about €15-30.
The prices for services are billed according to a fixed rate - if you want a detailed cost estimate before treatment, veterinarians can provide information.
