Knowing how frequently your furry family member should visit the vet is an important step in ensuring they stay happy and healthy. There are several factors that can affect your pet’s veterinary needs. Here is an overview of what to expect during a routine visit at our Myrtle Beach, SC, veterinary practice and how often these visits should happen!

What Happens at a Routine Vet Visit? 

Most pets should have regular check-ups at least once yearly, even if you do not have any specific concerns about their current health. Senior pets and pets of all ages benefit from two regular visits each year, especially if they are prone to developing specific health problems as they age.  Because pets age much faster than people, more frequent visits to their veterinary doctor are indicated. The earlier a problem is found the better the prognosis and cheaper the treatment are.  Pets with certain chronic health issues or any early signs of illness may also need to visit the vet more frequently. These visits are an important opportunity for your vet to check for potential problems you may not be aware of. We will provide preventative care, such as diagnostic tests, and offer insights into how you can best care for your pet. Wellness exams typically include: 

• Checking whether your pet’s weight is within a healthy range for their breed
• Checking the overall appearance and health of their skin and coat
• Feeling for any abnormal lumps 
• Assessing your pet’s dental health
• Making sure your pet’s eyes, ears, and nose are clean and healthy
• Stool, urine, or blood tests as necessary 
• Administering necessary vaccinations
• Discussing your pet’s diet, typical exercise, and other important details 
• Behavioral concerns

How Often Should My Pet Be Vaccinated? 

Once your puppy or kitten’s initial series of vaccines are completed, they will not need them as frequently as they get older. Some vaccinations may need to be updated each year, while others may be good for a few years. We’ll keep a record of your pet’s vaccinations and send your reminders when it’s time to have booster shots. 

How Often Should My Pet Get Bloodwork Done? 

Blood work should generally be a part of your pet’s wellness visits at least once a year to serve as a baseline and catch disease processes early, and some senior pets or pets with health issues that visit the vet more frequently may also benefit from having bloodwork done every six months. This allows us to test for a wide range of illnesses, especially those not showing any other physical symptoms. Oftentimes by point a pet shows signs of an underlying disease it is much more advanced than we detect it earlier.

How Long Do Regular Vet Visits Take? 

The total length of time you can expect to spend at the vet can vary significantly depending on your pet’s age, the number and complexity of questions you plan to ask, and how busy your vet’s office is. Sometimes a routine exam can be completed in as little as 30 minutes, while others may take significantly longer. 

Why Is Routine Veterinary Care Important?

Routine veterinary care services are important for your pet’s overall health. This type of visit gives your vet a regular opportunity to check for a wide range of potential health concerns before they become more significant problems, which is especially important because your pet’s needs can change significantly throughout their lives. You may not always be able to tell if your pet is feeling ill or has a less obvious injury, and routine exams are a crucial way to identify unknown problems as early as possible.

A routine checkup is also a natural opportunity to ask your vet any questions you may have about what type of food your pet should be eating, how much exercise they should be getting, or anything else you need to know about helping them stay as healthy as possible.