When to Take Your Pet to the Vet

Taking your pet to the vet is key to make sure your furry friend is in good health. It's important to know signs and symptoms to keep him safe and as happy as possible.
When to Take Your Pet to the Vet
Eugenio Fernández Suárez

Written and verified by the vet Eugenio Fernández Suárez.

Last update: 22 December, 2022

Many people don’t know when or why they should take their pet to the vet. Vet visits are vital for our canine friends’ health, and they help us learn how to take care of them better.

When do I take my pet to the vet if it’s healthy?

Some owners believe that you don’t have to take your pet to the vet if they don’t seem sick. However, it’s essential to go. Obviously, whenever you adopt or get a new pet, you need to go to the vet. That way, you can establish a health plan according to its species and age. Also, you can make sure that their vaccines are in order, and deworm them.

This largely depends on your rhythm of life and your pet’s, in addition to their species and other variables. It’s normal and recommended to take your pet to the vet once a year. In fact, some diseases need vaccinations that you need to renew.

In addition, it’s always good for the specialist to check your pet’s health to avoid any medical emergenciesTherefore, take special care in areas where there are endemic diseases, like canine leishmaniasis.

A dog at the vet's clinic.

Obviously, whenever you adopt or get a new pet, you need to go to the vet. That way, you can establish a health plan according to their species and age. Also, you can make sure that their vaccines are in order, and deworm them.

How to know if your pet is sick

Finding out that your pet is sick can be complicated. This is especially true if it’s a disease that doesn’t show symptoms. Therefore, if you have any doubts, it’s important to take your pet to the vet.

Owners are especially sensitive to changes in their pet’s appearance or behavior. For example, you notice when your dog is eating less, or if your bird is molting.

A happy dog with a vet.

It’s very important to not self-diagnose. It’s interesting to learn, but a qualified vet needs to make the diagnoses and treatments.

Changes in your pet

There are some signs that can alert you to a change in your pet’s health. Anything regarding behavior, apathy, drowsiness, lack of appetite, or pain should be cause for concern.

In addition, we should mention that everything depends on the species. For example, rabbits hardly show symptoms until a disease is very serious. Therefore, keep in mind that for this species, routine visits are extremely important.

Any change in your pet’s appearance should also get your attention. Weight loss, skin swelling or irritation, and changes in the mouth or eyes might not seem very important. However, if you think it could be a symptom of a disease, take your pet to the vet.

Changes in appetite or thirst, or the frequency that your pet defecates or urinates, like polyuria, are also important. Being attentive to this will keep your pet healthy and make vet visits more effective. As the saying goes, prevention is better than a cure.

It’s very important to not self-diagnose. It’s interesting to learn, but a qualified vet needs to make diagnoses and treatments.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.