Puppy Care Guide

Week 50 – The Pre-Adult Health Check

Your puppy is already 50 weeks old — almost a full year! It feels like just yesterday you were bringing them home for the first time, and now they’re standing on the doorstep of adulthood. Before stepping into their adult stage, it’s time for one last milestone: a comprehensive pre-adult health check.

🩺 Why a Health Check Is Crucial Now

Even after vaccinations and basic puppy exams, annual check-ups remain one of the most powerful ways to maintain lifelong health. Regular wellness exams allow veterinarians to detect and prevent potential problems early — before they become serious.

For dogs under senior age (below 6–7 years), a yearly check-up is recommended. Think of it as your dog’s “annual physical” — a way to ensure their first steps into adulthood are healthy and strong.

✅ The 4 Essential Checks for This Stage

1️⃣ Dental Check – Are all adult teeth in place?

Your vet will confirm that all baby teeth have fallen out and that adult teeth are properly aligned. They’ll check for plaque buildup or gum irritation to prevent early dental disease.

2️⃣ Weight & Body Condition Score (BCS)

Ensuring your dog is at a healthy weight now prevents joint stress and future metabolic issues. Your vet will use a standardized BCS chart to assess if your dog is underweight, overweight, or ideal.

3️⃣ Patellar Luxation Screening

A common orthopedic issue in dogs, this condition occurs when the kneecap slips out of position. Your vet can often detect it through a simple physical palpation — no costly imaging needed.

4️⃣ Heartworm Test

A small blood test that can save your dog’s life. Even if you use monthly prevention, annual screening is crucial — especially in mosquito-prone areas. Heartworm is preventable, but once contracted, it’s dangerous and difficult to treat.

🏥 Find Nearby Veterinary Clinics

Need help with microchipping or licensing? Visit a trusted veterinary clinic near you. PetGo’s Veterinary Care section lets you easily locate local clinics, read reviews, and even book appointments online.

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🔎 Understanding Veterinary Diagnostics

Many of these checks — like patella exams — can be performed quickly and affordably during a regular consultation. However, if your vet recommends bloodwork or more detailed testing, don’t be alarmed. Early detection saves both worry and cost down the road.

We know that reading veterinary test results can be confusing. Terms like ALT, ALP, or BUN can leave many pet parents uncertain about what they mean. That’s why PetGo’s Remote Veterinary Consultation service is here to help.

Simply upload your dog’s bloodwork, and our licensed veterinarians will review and interpret the results for you — in clear, friendly language you can actually understand.

Continue with PetGo’s Puppy Care Guide

Use the PetGo App to schedule checkups, store vet records, and monitor your dog’s growth data — ensuring a healthy transition into adulthood.

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