When Should Your Pet See the Vet? An Essential Guide for
Responsible Pet Owners
Cats and dogs also have different life stages from humans, so their “age” cannot be judged by years alone. Breed and body size/weight (especially in dogs) affect expected lifespan and disease risk, and should be considered when planning preventive care. In addition, pets cannot describe symptoms, and many will instinctively mask pain or discomfort (particularly cats). As a result, some owners only seek veterinary care when signs become obvious—by then, disease may be more advanced and harder to manage.
Our pets can't tell us when something feels off
Why regular pet health check-ups matter
Regular health checks are a cornerstone of preventive medicine.
They help to:
- Detect problems early, often before clear clinical signs appear
- Enable timely treatment and more effective prevention strategies
- Reduce the likelihood of disease progression and complications
- Lower the risk of costly emergency visits through early intervention
- Support a longer, healthier quality of life for pets and families
What does a pet health check-up include?
A basic health check typically covers the following (details may vary by clinic, species, age, and medical history):
- History review: appetite, body weight or weight change, water intake, urination/defecation, activity level, behaviour, diet, parasite prevention, and vaccination status
- Physical examination: body condition scoring, skin and coat, ears/eyes/mouth, heart and lungs, abdominal palpation, musculoskeletal assessment, lymph nodes, and hydration status
- Preventive care planning: vaccination schedule, parasite control (fleas/ticks/mites; heartworm where relevant; intestinal parasites), and dental care guidance
- Lifestyle and nutrition counselling: weight management, diet suitability, and environmental/behavioural risk reduction
How often should your pet have a health check-up?
The ideal frequency depends on life stage and (for dogs) breed and body size. As a general principle: younger, healthy adults may need routine exams at least annually, while senior pets and those with chronic conditions often benefit from more frequent monitoring. Your veterinarian can tailor a schedule that matches your pet’s risk profile.
Determining age by weight
| Dog size | Weight | Puppy (years) | Adult (years) | Mature and beyond (years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini/Small dogs | < 9kg | 0 – 10 months | 10 months - 8 | 9 years and above |
| Medium dogs | 10–25kg | 0 – 12 months | 12 months – 7 | 8 years and above |
| Large dogs | 26–40kg | 0 – 15 months | 15 months – 5 | 6 years and above |
| 6–8 weeks: Initial vaccinations required Before 1 year old: First annual booster |
Once a year | Every six months or as recommended by a veterinarian |
Initial vaccinations required at 8–10, 12 and 16 weeks
First annual booster 12 months after initial vaccinations
Once a year
Every 6 months or as recommended by a veterinarian
- Leptospirosis
- Kennel cough
- Rabies
- DHPIL vaccine
- Heartworm prevention
- FVRCP vaccine
- Flea/Tick prevention
- Deworming
“Take Your Pet To The Vet” Campaign
In a densely populated city like Hong Kong, it is difficult to completely eliminate exposure to infectious diseases and other health risks. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Regular veterinary check-ups help owners identify and address issues early—reducing avoidable pain and complications, and supporting a healthier, happier life for pets.
The Pet Health Alliance invites pet owners to participate in the “Take Your Pet To The Vet (TYPTTV)” campaign (Chinese: 「檢查及早，相伴到老」). Learn more about pet health check-ups, schedule your pet’s next health check, and you may be eligible for pet food and other campaign offers^! For details, please visit our campaign page or contact a participating veterinary clinic.
^Disclaimer
All products and offers in this campaign are subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions, and must be professionally recommended by a veterinarian based on the pet’s health status. If the veterinarian does not recommend a product, the offer cannot be redeemed. Offer availability also depends on whether the participating clinic provides the relevant product. Please consult your veterinary clinic for details.
