Dog Health UK: Preventive Care & When to See a Vet

What vaccinations does a dog need in the UK?

Puppies get several doses of core vaccines (distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, parvovirus) 2–4 weeks apart, with the last dose at 16 weeks or older and another at or after 26 weeks. Leptospirosis is recommended where it is endemic and usually needs yearly boosters; core boosters should not be given more often than needed, and titre (blood) tests can help decide timing (WSAVA vaccination guidelines, 2024). UK licensed courses vary by brand, so your vet will give exact dates.

Titre testing is a blood test that checks your dog's existing immunity. WSAVA supports using it from 20 weeks of age to confirm protection and, in adult dogs, to decide how often core boosters are needed. Parainfluenza and kennel cough vaccines are non-core for pet dogs living in typical homes: ask your vet whether your dog needs them.

Which dog vaccinations are yearly?

WSAVA says most non-core vaccines give about a year of immunity, so they are usually given at the yearly health check, which it encourages vets to treat as a full health check rather than a “vaccination consultation”. Leptospirosis is usually boosted yearly too. Core boosters are given only as often as needed. At the 11 practices whose price lists we read on 21 October 2026, the yearly booster cost £47–£77 and a puppy course £75–£115: see our dog vaccination cost guidefor each practice's price.

What are the most common dog health problems in the UK?

The largest UK study of vet records, from VetCompass at the Royal Veterinary College, looked at 22,333 dogs seen at 784 practices in 2016. Periodontal disease (12.5%), ear infections (7.3%) and obesity (7.1%) were the three most common specific diagnoses in one year (O'Neill and others, BMC Veterinary Research, 2021). The urgency labels below are general guidance, not a diagnosis.

• Dental (periodontal) diseaseRoutine
  Most common disorder in UK VetCompass data: diagnosed in 12.5% of dogs in one year
• Ear infections (otitis externa)Routine–Urgent
  Second most common in the same VetCompass study: 7.3% of dogs in one year
• ObesityRoutine
  Diagnosed in 7.1% of dogs in VetCompass records, but vets estimate about half of UK dogs are overweight or obese (UK Pet Food, 2024); PDSA: 46% (2023)
• Skin allergies / atopyRoutine–Ongoing
  Common; often needs long-term management
• OsteoarthritisRoutine–Ongoing
  Common in older dogs
• Cruciate ligament ruptureUrgent
  Often needs surgery; see costs below
• GDV (bloat)Emergency
  Mainly large, deep-chested breeds; life-threatening
• CancerUrgent
  More likely with age; ask your vet about any new lump

How do you keep a dog healthy? Four preventive habits

1. How do you prevent dental disease in dogs?

Periodontal disease was the most common disorder in UK dogs in VetCompass data, diagnosed in 12.5% of dogs in one year (RVC). It starts with plaque, progresses to tartar and gum inflammation, and can end in tooth loss. Daily tooth brushing with a dog toothpaste is the main way to prevent it; dental chews and water additives are sold as aids. A scale and polish under anaesthetic cost £200–£565 on the price lists we read on 21 October 2026: see our dog dental cleaning cost guide.

2. How many UK dogs are overweight?

Vets estimate about half of UK dogs are overweight or obese: 50% in the UK Pet Food Obesity Report (16 October 2024), from a survey of 148 vet professionals; the PDSA put it at 46% in 2023. Excess weight adds strain to joints and is linked to other health problems. Weigh food rather than scooping it, count treats in the daily allowance, and give exercise suited to your dog's breed and age. Many practices run weight clinics with their veterinary nurses. See our dog food guide for cost-per-day comparisons, our weight loss dog food comparison and our portion calculator.

3. Is worming a dog necessary?

Yes: ask your vet about a flea, tick and worm routine for your dog. Fleas cause allergic skin reactions and transmit tapeworm. The PDSA says some UK ticks carry and transmit Lyme disease (PDSA, ticks on dogs), and Babesia canis has been caught by dogs that never left the country (Essex, 2015–16). Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is now a risk to dogs across much of the UK, and severe infections can be fatal (PDSA). The PDSA says there are currently no lungworm treatments available without a prescription. Products range from prescription-only treatments, which include the ones licensed against lungworm, to non-prescription spot-ons and wormers sold online and in shops. Your vet can advise on the right protocol for your location and lifestyle. For the non-prescription route, see our comparison of flea and worm treatment subscriptions.

4. When should a dog be neutered?

Since March 2026, BVA and BSAVA advise spaying most female dogs between 12 and 23 months depending on breed, and not castrating males before physical maturity unless there is a compelling reason (joint BVA/BSAVA policy, reported by VetClick, 3 March 2026). The BVA policy page says skeletal maturity is reached between 12 and 23 months, with larger breeds maturing later, and that castration should be decided case by case. This replaces the older one-size-fits-all advice. Spaying removes the risk of pyometra (a serious womb infection); talk to your vet about the right timing and method for your dog. At the practices we checked, a spay cost £235–£620 and castration £180–£475 depending on weight (dog neutering cost guide).

What does a dog seizure look like, and when is it an emergency?

The PDSA describes a seizure (a “fit”) as faulty electrical activity in the brain. Signs it lists include muscle twitching, a vacant expression with no response, uncontrolled jerking or paddling movements, collapse and loss of consciousness, passing urine or faeces, drooling or frothing at the mouth, tense muscles and eyes rolling back or moving side to side. Not all seizures look the same. Causes include epilepsy, poisons such as caffeine, chocolate and slug bait, head injury, low blood sugar, liver disease, lungworm and, rarely, brain tumours.

Call your vet immediately if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or your dog has more than one seizure in a row. During a seizure, the PDSA advises: do not go near the mouth, move your dog away from danger if needed, turn the lights off, keep the room quiet, time the seizure and phone your vet for advice. Always call your vet for advice after any seizure, even if your dog seems normal (PDSA PetWise seizures guide).

When should you take a dog to the vet?

This is a general guide, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet: out of hours, your practice's phone line will direct you to its emergency service.

How much does a vet cost for a dog in the UK?

These ranges are the lowest and highest prices on published practice and referral-centre price lists we read on 21 October 2026; they are not averages. Each guide linked in the table names every practice and its price. Your own practice may charge more or less. To add these to food and insurance, try the pet cost calculator.

One practice's prices for tests and operations

We could not find a published UK-wide range for these. As a single example, these are the University of Liverpool vet practice's prices (correct September 2026). They are one practice's prices, not a national average.

Insurance is one way to spread the risk of a large bill; it does not pay for routine vaccinations, neutering or flea treatment. If you have a new puppy, see puppy insurance explained. For how policies differ, see our dog insurance comparison and our guide to average UK vet bills.

Related health guides

• Dog Insurance UK: Complete Comparison →
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• Average Vet Bill UK: What to Expect →
• Is Pet Insurance Worth It UK? →
• Dog Dental Insurance UK →
• Best Dog DNA Tests UK 2026 →
• Best Dog Food UK 2026 →
• Dog vaccination cost UK →
• Dog neutering cost UK →
• Dog dental cleaning cost UK →
• Puppy insurance UK →
• Cost of owning a dog UK →
• Pet cost calculator →