Regular vet visits keep small problems from becoming big ones. A simple, repeatable checklist helps you cover back safety, teeth, skin, weight, and age-specific risks in a breed that hides pain well. Bring notes, ask clear questions, and leave with written next steps.
Visit frequency
- Puppies: every 3–4 weeks until vaccinations finish, then a check at ~6 months
- Adults: comprehensive exam every 12 months
- Seniors (7+) or dogs with IVDD history: every 6 months plus anytime new pain or gait change appears
What to bring
- Diet details: brand, flavour, grams per meal, treat types and weekly amount
- Activity log: walks per day, minutes, surfaces, any strength exercises
- Videos: short clips of unusual gait, stairs, jumping reluctance, coughing, or night restlessness
- Recent changes: appetite, thirst, urination, stools, behaviour, sleep
- Sample: a fresh stool sample if there has been tummy upset
Weight and body condition
- Ask for a Body Condition Score (BCS) out of 9
- Targets for a dachshund body: easy-to-feel ribs, clear waist from above, abdominal tuck from the side
- If overweight or underweight, set a 2-week portion plan and recheck
Teeth and mouth
- Request a gum and tooth score and a look for fractured or worn teeth
- Confirm your home routine: daily brushing goal, safe dental chews that fit the treat-calorie limit
- Plan a professional clean if there is tartar, gingivitis, bad breath, or pain when chewing
Spine and joints
- Ask for gait observation and gentle spine palpation
- Report any yelps, stiffness after naps, reluctance with ramps, hind-end wobble, or toe scuffing
- Review your harness choice, ramp setup, and floor traction at home
Skin, ears, and coat
- Check for itch, dandruff, hotspots, or odor from ears
- Match shampoo type and bathing frequency to coat (smooth, long, wire)
- For wire coats, discuss hand-stripping vs clipping and maintenance carding
Parasites and vaccines
- Confirm regional risks: ticks, heartworm, fleas, intestinal worms
- Build a dose calendar that fits your lifestyle and travel
- Ensure core vaccines are current and discuss any non-core needs (canine cough, leptospirosis where relevant)
Seniors and long-term meds
- For seniors or dogs on ongoing medication, request bloodwork and urinalysis once or twice yearly
- Review pain plans and stomach protection if anti-inflammatories are used
- Note any thirst, urination, sleep, mood, or cognition changes since the last visit
Behaviour and daily life
- Share patterns of barking, anxiety, reactivity, or separation issues
- Ask for referral to a force-free trainer or behaviourist if needed
- Confirm travel plans and emergency contacts near your usual destinations
Red flags to mention immediately
- Sudden back pain, wobble, knuckling, or loss of bladder control
- Repeated vomiting, black stools, or bloat-like swelling
- Collapse, pale gums, fast or laboured breathing
- Heat stress signs: heavy panting, drooling, weakness
Go-home plan
- Leave with written dose charts, a weight goal, and specific dates for the next vaccine, parasite prevention, nail trim, and weigh-in
- Book a nurse visit for nail trim or weight check in 2–4 weeks if you are adjusting food portions
- Save a summary of today’s findings in your notes or phone
