A healthy adult dog generally does well with one wellness examination a year. That visit is not just a vaccination appointment — it is a full physical exam, a chance to catch small problems early, and a conversation about what has changed at home over the last twelve months.
When once a year is enough
An annual visit is usually appropriate for a dog who is:
- Between about one and seven years old
- At a healthy weight and body condition
- Up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention
- Free of ongoing medical conditions
- Eating, drinking, playing and toileting normally
When we recommend more often
Twice-yearly visits are worth considering if your dog is a senior, if they take long-term medication, or if they are living with a condition such as arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes. Puppies need a more frequent schedule during their first months, and any dog on a wellness plan has unlimited exams built in — so visit as often as you need to.
Why age is measured differently for dogs
The old “seven years for every one” rule is a rough average, not a formula. Small breeds tend to age more slowly, large and giant breeds more quickly. What matters more than a number is a trend: we compare today’s weight, gums, teeth, heart and joints against the last visit and act on the direction of travel.
What happens at a wellness exam
- A full nose-to-tail examination — eyes, ears, mouth, skin, lymph nodes, heart, lungs, abdomen and joints.
- Weight and body condition score — the single most useful thing we track over time.
- Preventive care — vaccines, parasite prevention and any testing that fits your dog’s age and risk.
- Dental check — most dogs over three already have some degree of dental disease.
- Your questions — behaviour, food, mobility, anything that has been on your mind.
If your dog is due a visit, or you are unsure how long it has been, you can book an appointment and we will look at the whole picture with you.
