Preventive Health Care for Dogs: 2026 Guide

Keep your dog healthy with this comprehensive preventive care schedule and health monitoring guide.

13 min read Updated 2026

Table of Contents

Vaccination Schedule Parasite Prevention Dental Care Wellness Exams

Vaccination Schedule

Core vaccines for all dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Puppies receive a series of shots at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, with a booster at 1 year and then every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine. Non-core vaccines (Bordetella, Lyme, influenza) depend on lifestyle and geographic risk.

Parasite Prevention

Year-round prevention is recommended for heartworm, fleas, and ticks in 2026. Monthly preventives or newer long-acting products protect against these parasites. Annual heartworm testing is essential even with preventive use. Intestinal parasite screening should be done 1-2 times per year.

Dental Care

Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs by age 3. Brush your dog's teeth daily or at minimum 3 times per week using dog-specific toothpaste. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia should be performed as recommended by your vet, typically annually for most breeds.

Wellness Exams

Annual wellness exams are the minimum for adult dogs. Seniors (7+ years) benefit from twice-yearly exams with blood work. These visits catch problems early when they're most treatable and least expensive. Discuss breed-specific screening tests with your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Healthy adult dogs should visit the vet at least once a year. Puppies need visits every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Senior dogs benefit from twice-yearly checkups.
For most dog owners, pet insurance provides valuable financial protection against unexpected veterinary costs. The average claim in 2026 exceeds $1,000, making insurance a worthwhile investment.
All dogs need core vaccines (rabies, distemper, parvo, adenovirus). Additional vaccines depend on lifestyle — discuss Bordetella, Lyme, and canine influenza with your vet.