How often should cats and dogs have a vet checkup?

General guidelines: Young adult pets (under 7, healthy): at least once a year. Senior pets (7+): every 6 months — organs change faster and early detection becomes more critical. Pets with chronic illness: as scheduled by the vet, possibly every 3 months. Annual checkups are the minimum — not a luxury.

What does a general checkup involve?

Physical exam: weight, body condition score, temperature, heart rate and breathing, abdominal palpation, eyes/ears/teeth/skin/coat assessment. For a full or senior checkup: blood work (CBC + chemistry panel), urinalysis, and sometimes X-ray or ultrasound. The vet also reviews vaccination status, parasite control, and disease risk based on the pet's lifestyle.

Does a pet that looks healthy still need a checkup?

That is precisely why checkups matter. Many serious diseases — chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, early-stage cancer — show no visible symptoms until they are already well advanced. With CKD, for example, around 75% of kidney function is already lost before the first symptom appears. Early blood-test detection means a dramatically better prognosis.

How much does a routine checkup cost for a cat or dog in Jakarta?

Basic physical exam: Rp150,000–300,000. Full checkup with blood work and urinalysis: Rp400,000–900,000 depending on the panel selected. Home visit (vet comes to you): an additional visit fee applies. For senior pets or those with a health history, annual blood work is strongly recommended.

Do a checkup and vaccination need to happen at the same visit?

They can be combined, but don't have to be. Combining them is efficient and convenient. During a vaccine appointment, the vet typically performs a brief physical exam as standard — this already covers basic screening. Blood work or urinalysis can be scheduled separately as needed.

Routine Checkup for Cats & Dogs: When, Cost & What the Vet Checks

"My cat is perfectly fine — why would I take her to the vet?" — This is one of the most costly misconceptions in pet care. A pet that looks healthy on the outside doesn't mean there is nothing to check on the inside.

A vet is not only called when something is wrong. Routine checkups are the foundation of genuine, lasting health.

Why "Looking Healthy" Is Not Enough

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late!

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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Symptoms only appear once around 75% of kidney function is already lost. Blood tests (SDMA) can detect problems years before symptoms emerge — when management is still highly effective.

Hyperthyroidism

Develops slowly over years. Owners often miss it because changes are gradual. Early detection via T4 levels = simpler and less expensive treatment.

Dental Disease

80% of dogs and cats over 3 years old have some degree of dental disease. Pets rarely show obvious signs of tooth pain — but bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Early-Stage Obesity

Owners often don't realise their pet is becoming overweight because the change is gradual. A vet can objectively assess Body Condition Score and provide nutritional guidance before obesity triggers diabetes or joint problems.

What the Vet Does During a Checkup

Physical Examination (All Ages)

✓ Weight & Body Condition Score
✓ Body temperature
✓ Heart rate & rhythm
✓ Breathing pattern & lung sounds
✓ Abdominal palpation (liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys)
✓ Eyes, ears, teeth & gums condition
✓ Skin & coat condition
✓ Lymph nodes
✓ Joint condition & mobility

Additional Tests (Senior / As Needed)

✓ Complete blood count (CBC) — cells, infection, anaemia
✓ Chemistry panel — kidneys, liver, blood sugar, electrolytes
✓ T4 — thyroid (for cats over 8 years)
✓ Urinalysis — kidney function, crystals, infection
✓ Fecal test — intestinal parasites
✓ Blood pressure (for hypertensive cats / CKD)
✓ Abdominal ultrasound — organ structure

Checkup Schedule by Age

Age	Checkup Frequency	Priority Focus
0–1 year (puppy/kitten)	At each vaccine visit (3–4 times)	Vaccination, deworming, normal growth
1–7 years (adult)	At least once a year	Full physical, vaccine boosters, weight
7–10 years (early senior)	Every 6 months	Physical + blood work + urinalysis
10+ years (geriatric)	Every 3–6 months	Full panel + blood pressure + ultrasound

Checkup at Home — Easier and More Accurate

Pets examined in their own environment are calmer — heart rate and blood pressure readings are more accurate because there is no "white coat syndrome." Birawa Vet doctors bring all basic examination equipment directly to your home.

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