When pets should see vets for health checks

Visiting the vet with our pets might not be on our priority list of nice things to do. But it should definitely be something that we plan in advance and then make an effort to do, whether it is a cat, dog, bird, rabbit or any other small animal to see the vet. It might feel like a waste of time, but believe us when we say it’s not.

 

The reason

You might still wonder why pets should see the vet at least once a year when they’re obviously in good health. The short answer is because you want them to stay healthy. By doing a proper health check, your vet might pick up something that can be addressed before it becomes a major problem. Your vet might then suggest a few tests that could reveal something developing and which can then hopefully be treated in time.

 

Accompanying information

The more information you can give the vet, the clearer the picture of your pet’s health will be to the vet. Information that you will need to gather includes:

  • The type of food your pet eats, the amount consumed and how often he eats.
  • Approximately how much water he drinks in a day.
  • Any recent travels or outings undertaken.
  • How often his tummy works and what the stools look like.
  • All the medication he is currently taking – and this includes calming medicine, CBD products and supplements.
  • History of tick and flea preventative programmes.
  • Medical history.
  • Vaccine card with a history of all vaccines administered.
  • Information about weight gain or loss.
  • Information about his dental routine.

 

Remember: If your pet is ill, take him to the vet immediately.

Frequency

How often your pet needs to see the vet will depend on what type of animal he is and his age. The older or sicker your pet is, the more often he needs to see the vet.

 

Dogs

Puppy (up to a year old, depending on the breed) Every three to four weeks up to 16 weeks of age. And then again when he is six months old.

Adult (about one to seven years old, depending on the breed) At least once a year.

Senior (typically seven years and older, depending on the breed) At least twice a year.

 

Cats

Kitten (between 12 and 18 months old, depending on the breed) Every three to four weeks up to 16 weeks of age – depending on the vaccines administered. And then again when she is six months old.

Adult (about two to six years old, depending on the breed) At least once a year.

Senior (typically six years and older, depending on the breed). At least twice a year.

 

Birds

Chick (less than a year old) Once you have received your new bird, you need to take him to the vet immediately.

Adult (around a year old) At least once a year.

Senior (this depends on the breed of the bird) At least twice a year.

 

Rabbits

Kitten (less than a year old) Twice a year.

Adult (around one to five years old) At least once a year.

Senior (over five years old) At least twice a year.

 

Small rodents

Pups (up to about three months old, depending on the breed and type of animal) Twice a year.

Adult (three months to about 14 months old, depending on breed and type of animal) At least once a year.

Senior (generally older than 14 months) At least twice a year.