How often should I take my dog to the vet?

Healthy adult dogs should have an annual health check with vaccination boosters as recommended by your vet. Puppies need vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Senior dogs (7+ years) benefit from check-ups every 6 months.

What are the most common health problems in UK dogs?

UK vets commonly see skin allergies, dental disease, obesity (around half of UK dogs per the PDSA PAW Report), ear infections, arthritis in older dogs, and gastrointestinal upsets.

What vaccination schedule do UK dogs need?

Core UK vaccines cover distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. Puppies start at 8 weeks with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. Kennel cough is recommended for dogs in boarding or group walks.

UK dogs

Dog Health

Vaccinations, parasites, nutrition and emergency signs — plain-English dog health advice for UK owners.

Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ publishes 99 plain-English dog health guides for UK owners covering vaccinations, worming, nutrition, emergencies and seasonal care. Every guide opens with a direct answer and is reviewed against UK veterinary guidance from the PDSA, RSPCA and BVA — information only, not a substitute for seeing your vet.

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What preventive care do UK dogs need?

Annual vaccinations, year-round flea and tick prevention, regular worming, dental checks, microchipping (legally required) and a healthy body weight. The PDSA estimates preventive care costs roughly £300–£600 per year but prevents costlier illness.

When is a dog health problem an emergency?

Emergencies include difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, bloated abdomen (GDV), uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, and pale or blue gums. Contact Vets Now or your nearest emergency clinic immediately.

All 99 dog guides

Dog Health

UK reference sources

We check our guides against publicly available advice from these organisations. Links are for further reading — they do not mean these bodies endorse PETHEALTH+.

Worried about your dog?

Our free symptom checker gives plain-English triage guidance based on UK veterinary rules — it does not replace a vet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I take my dog to the vet?: Healthy adult dogs should have an annual health check with vaccination boosters as recommended by your vet. Puppies need vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Senior dogs (7+ years) benefit from check-ups every 6 months.
What are the most common health problems in UK dogs?: UK vets commonly see skin allergies, dental disease, obesity (around half of UK dogs per the PDSA PAW Report), ear infections, arthritis in older dogs, and gastrointestinal upsets.
What vaccination schedule do UK dogs need?: Core UK vaccines cover distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. Puppies start at 8 weeks with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. Kennel cough is recommended for dogs in boarding or group walks.