Why Routine Care Matters More Than You Think
If you're a pet owner, you’ve likely wondered at some point: Am I supposed to take my pet to the vet more often? Less often? Is once a year enough? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but having a general schedule can make a big difference in your pet’s health (and your peace of mind).
At City Park Vet, we believe that regular, proactive care is one of the most loving things you can offer your pet. Routine vet visits are about more than shots and scales; they help us spot little changes before they become big problems.
Here’s a vet-recommended guide for how often to bring your pet in, depending on their age, health, and lifestyle.
1. Puppies and Kittens (0–12 Months)
Young pets grow fast, which means their healthcare needs change quickly too. If you’ve just brought home a puppy or kitten, plan to visit us every 3–4 weeks until they’re around 4 months old.
These early visits cover:
Vaccinations (parvo, distemper, rabies, etc.)
Deworming and parasite prevention
Nutritional guidance for healthy development
Microchipping
Socialization support to reduce stress later in life
Once their initial vaccine series is complete, we’ll typically see them again around 6 months for a spay or neuter and wellness check.
2. Healthy Adult Pets (1–7 Years)
For most healthy adult dogs and cats, once a year is ideal for a full wellness exam. These visits help us keep tabs on your pet’s overall health, detect subtle changes, and update their vaccinations.
Your pet's annual visit often includes:
A full nose-to-tail physical exam
Vaccination boosters
Dental health check
Weight and nutrition discussion
Parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, heartworm)
Depending on your pet’s lifestyle (e.g., outdoor cat, hiking dog), we may tailor certain tests or treatments.
3. Senior Pets (7+ year old dogs / +10 year old cats)
As pets age, their bodies go through changes that can be hard to spot early on. That’s why we recommend bringing in senior pets every 6 months for wellness visits.
These checkups help us:
Track age-related changes in mobility, vision, and appetite
Run bloodwork to catch early signs of kidney or liver disease
Monitor for lumps, dental disease, and arthritis
Discuss comfort-focused care and joint support options
The sooner we catch something, the more options we have to manage it well—keeping your senior pet comfortable, mobile, and happy.
4. When to Come In Between Visits
If you’re ever unsure whether something warrants a vet visit, trust your gut. You know your pet best, and we’re always happy to take a look.
Common signs to watch for:
Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a day
Sudden changes in appetite, thirst, or energy
Limping, shaking, or sensitivity to touch
Trouble urinating or changes in litter box habits
New lumps, bumps, or rashes
When in doubt, give us a call. We’d much rather see your pet for something small than wait until it becomes serious.
5. Why Regular Vet Visits Save You Time, Money & Worry
We get it, life gets busy, and it can be easy to put off that annual exam. But consistent vet care almost always pays off in the long run.
Here’s why:
Early detection = more treatment options (and lower costs)
Reduces your pet’s stress over time by building trust with the clinic
Gives you peace of mind that you’re doing everything you can to keep them healthy
Plus, our team loves getting to know your pets through every life stage: from their first tail wags to their wise senior years.
Have Questions? Let’s Chat.
Whether your pet is due for a checkup or you're just not sure when to book, we're here to help. No pressure, no judgment—just real, honest care.
📍 City Park Vet is your local Saskatoon vet, proud to support pet parents with knowledge, compassion, and expert care.
👉 Book a visit or give us a call. We’re always happy to answer your questions.
