From puppyhood to senior years, learn how often to visit the vet and why regular wellness exams matter for every stage of your pet’s life.
Read Time: 4 minutes
Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, regular checkups are an essential part of keeping them well throughout every life stage. From vaccinations to early detection of illness, wellness exams allow your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s health and prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
But how often should you actually take your pet to the vet for routine care? That depends on their age, species, lifestyle, and overall health. Here’s what you need to know about veterinary visit frequency—and why consistency matters.
Puppies and Kittens: Frequent Visits in the First Year
Young pets require more frequent care to support their rapid growth and development. Puppies and kittens should typically visit the vet every 3–4 weeks until they complete their initial series of vaccinations, usually around 16 weeks of age. These visits also include parasite screenings, deworming, microchipping, and nutritional guidance.
During this time, your vet will also monitor your pet’s development, behavior, and weight to ensure they’re thriving. These early appointments are crucial for building a strong foundation of health and trust.
Adult Dogs and Cats: Annual Wellness Exams
Once your pet reaches adulthood—typically around 1 year old—yearly wellness exams become the standard. These visits include a full physical exam, vaccine updates, heartworm and fecal testing, dental checks, and a discussion of diet, activity, and any behavior changes you’ve noticed.
Annual visits allow your vet to track trends in your pet’s health and catch any potential issues before they become serious. They’re also an opportunity for you to ask questions and update your pet’s care plan as needed.
Senior Pets: Biannual Exams for Aging Companions
As pets age, they become more vulnerable to chronic conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, and cancer. Most veterinarians recommend biannual checkups for senior pets—generally starting around age 7 for dogs and 10 for cats.
These more frequent exams may include bloodwork, urinalysis, and diagnostics tailored to your pet’s risk factors. The goal is early detection and proactive management to maintain comfort and quality of life for as long as possible.
What To Watch for Between Visits
Even with regular checkups, it’s important to monitor your pet’s health at home. Sudden changes in appetite, weight, energy level, behavior, or bathroom habits may warrant an earlier visit. Also, contact your vet if you notice signs like limping, vomiting, coughing, or excessive scratching.
Don’t wait for your pet to “look sick.” Animals are masters at hiding discomfort, so proactive care is your best tool for prevention.
We’re Here To Partner in Preventive Care
At Windermere Veterinary Services, we believe wellness care should be proactive, not reactive. Whether your pet is a bouncy puppy or a wise senior, regular exams allow us to tailor care, catch early signs of illness, and support a lifetime of health and happiness.
Windermere Veterinary Services Is Here To Help
Our experienced team is here to guide you through every life stage with care and compassion. We’ll help you understand your pet’s needs and create a customized plan that keeps them feeling their best.
Call us today at (407) 217-7635
Routine Visits Build Trust and Lifelong Wellness
Routine checkups aren’t just a medical necessity—they’re part of your relationship with your pet. Regular visits help your pet get comfortable with veterinary care, which reduces fear and anxiety over time.
By staying consistent with exams and preventive screenings, you’re giving your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life—full of tail wags, purrs, and all the moments that make pet ownership so rewarding.
Call Us To Schedule Your Pet’s Next Checkup
At Windermere Veterinary Services, we’re honored to care for your pet at every stage. Whether it’s your pet’s first visit or just time for a wellness update, we’re here to support their health every step of the way.
Call (407) 217-7635
