How important is dogs monthly visit to the vet?

Question

I have never really taken my dogs to the vet before. But nothing has ever been wrong with them. How important is it that my dogs see a vet?

Answer 1

Puppies need to see a vet every month for the first 4 months to get all it's shots. That is VERY important.
After the the first 4 months, the pup doesn't need any more vaccines for a year. After the year booster, he needs vaccines every 2 years.
He does need Heartworm preventative and an exam every year, but if your doggie is healthy, you can skip the exam and just get the heartworm meds.

Answer 2

It is very important. I understand that as you've never had a problem, you see vet visits as wasted money.

On the top of my list would be SHOTS. You may not get a $30 or $50 vaccination because you have never had a dog get, say, parvo. Ok. Now, say you walk your dog, and it picks up parvo. You can run up a $300 to $500 or higher vet bill, adding up IV fluids and multiple overnight vet stays, plus the food they feed and the poor dog who has to suffer through this horrible disease and staying in a cold metal cage with crying animals all around and not a soul he knows for days or weeks, all because you saved money on a single vaccination. And, if your dog gets too weak there's no guarantee of a recovery. (see link #1) (Sorry that I seem so emotional about this, but as a vet assistant I have seen this happen and it makes me angry to think that an owner could be irresponsible in this manner.)

So, I believe that, if for nothing else, you should go to the vet as often is necessary to keep on top of all shots. Plus, rabies vaccinations are necessary for a township licence, so I wonder how you purchase your dog licence. But that's beside the point. The second link explains exactly what i would like to say. I can understand that you would be skeptical, as it is a link from a hospital, but please read it.

Next, you said monthly visits. In fact, I believe it's more like annually, or at most every 6 months.

Some things need to be checked by a trained professional, such as teeth, and heart and lungs and body. You might not see a tumorous growth, but the vet might, therefore catching it early and early catching always means lower and fewer vet bills. Most vets require at least a yearly checkup in order to dispense meds such a heartworm meds, to make sure your dog is healthy and well.

In conclusion, if you keep on top of all your vaccinations and your pet is otherwise healthy, you COULD stretch it to every year and a half or two years once your dog is mature, but it is not adviseable, nor would I dream of saying to only see the vet once in a blue moon when you see an outward problem, because once a problem becomes evident it has done horrible things to your dog already.

If you decide to do stretch bewteen visits, you MUST brush your dog's teeth every day or two and devote at least 30 minutes a day to spending with your dog, getting to know every inch of him so if a problem ever arises you notice it immediately. Even with this there's a good chance your good luck will end eventually and you will wind up with a very sick dog in the hospital for some possibly preventable ailment.

I wish you luck.

Answer 3

It is very important for your dog to get yearly vet exams. Exams can find problems before they get out of hand. Also a dog does need deworming and vacciantions. Depending on where you live they also need a yearly heartworm test and to be put on heartworm meds.
Also you should get established with a vet BEFORE you have an emergency situation. The better the vet knows your dog the better the care will be and the easier it will be for you to get in to see a vet if a problem should arise.
Routine vet care is part of being a responsible pet owner.

Answer 4

The dog should see the vet annually for check-ups and vaccinations. It is very important that they do go at least once a year and more as necessary..especially since dogs go outside and can come in contact with rabies and other diseases that are easly prevented by vaccination. Monthly visits are a little too much though (unless your dog has a condition and he needs monthly visits). Think about it, you probably don't go to the doctor monthly.

Answer 5

No need to take your dog monthly to the Vet. every Year is for shots, and to get a general check up. The fact that you have never taken previous dogs to the Vet before is a little scary, as dogs need to have routine vaccinations. Please make sure you care for your current dog, and visit the Vet at least once a year.

Answer 6

I take mine to the vet once a year for their annual check up and shots. It can be expensive if you have several dogs - but mine are part of the family and I take care of them. Most kennels and groomers won't allow you to leave them if they are not current on shots. A yearly visit can also discover problems before they are causing additional issues and possibly pain for the animals. If your dog is older it is also very important - for older dogs there are things they can be perscribed to make things more comfortable and easier on them so they are happier and healthier while they are still with you.

Answer 7

A monthly visit? That's not necessary. However, it is important to see a vet if you haven't seen one yet. Make sure they are up to date with their vaccines. Then if they are healthy, they only need to see the vet once a year. (for their booster shots)

Answer 8

it is very important to update your pets vaccinations,
there is an unlikely chance of them getting diseases or illness due to no updates/boosters,
but you want to make sure!
also dont worry about having to keep notice of when their next updates are, as the vet usually sends you mail about that.

Answer 9

this is very important because they have to get all their shots!!

Answer 10

if there is nothing wrong and they are up to date on shots
don't bother