The frequency of vet visits changes dramatically through your dog's life stages. Puppies need visits nearly monthly; healthy adult dogs need a single annual wellness exam; senior dogs benefit from twice-yearly checkups. Understanding what each visit covers helps you make the most of every appointment and catch problems early.
Puppy Visits (0–12 months)
Puppies need the most frequent vet visits because their vaccine series requires multiple appointments and because this is the period when congenital defects and early health issues are most often detected.
| Timing | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First exam, first DHPP, deworming, health record established |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP booster, optional non-core vaccines, discuss nutrition and training |
| 14–16 weeks | Final puppy DHPP, rabies vaccine, discuss spay/neuter timing |
| 5–6 months | Spay/neuter consultation; pre-surgical bloodwork |
| 12 months | First annual wellness exam, DHPP booster, rabies booster if due |
Adult Wellness Exams (1–7 years)
Healthy adult dogs need one annual wellness exam. This is not the same as a "shots appointment" — it's a full-body physical examination plus whatever vaccines are due, plus discussion of diet, weight, dental health, and any concerns.
The annual exam is valuable because dogs age roughly 5–7 times faster than humans — a year between exams is equivalent to 5–7 years between human physicals. Conditions like heart disease, dental disease, joint problems, and tumors can progress significantly in that time.
Senior Dogs (7+ years, or earlier for large breeds)
Senior dogs benefit from twice-yearly wellness exams. Many vets recommend biannual bloodwork and urinalysis for seniors to catch kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and thyroid conditions before they progress to symptomatic stages.
Large breeds are considered senior at 5–6 years; small breeds at 7–8 years. See our senior dog guide for more detail.
What's Included in a Wellness Exam
- Full nose-to-tail physical examination (eyes, ears, mouth, lymph nodes, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, joints)
- Weight check and body condition scoring
- Vaccines due per schedule
- Heartworm test (annual)
- Fecal test (checks for intestinal parasites)
- Dental assessment
- Discussion of any behavioral or health concerns
- Prescription renewals for medications/preventives
What a Wellness Exam Costs
Annual wellness exam (exam fee + core vaccines + heartworm test): $150–$400 depending on your region and clinic type. Adding bloodwork for seniors: $100–$300 more. Veterinary specialty clinics and emergency hospitals charge more; low-cost clinics and humane societies often offer reduced-cost vaccine clinics.