Vets warn dog owners not to skip follow-up appointments

Veterinary experts are warning dog owners that missing a follow-up appointment could put their pet’s health at risk and lead to higher costs in the long term. While many owners are understandably cautious about rising veterinary fees, a second visit can play a crucial role in monitoring recovery and preventing chronic issues.

According to research by ManyPets, the average cost of a vet consultation in the UK has risen to £58.29 – an 8% increase from last year. However, experts from Dechra say that skipping a second appointment can result in ongoing health problems that are far more expensive to treat later.

Robyn Dutton, Veterinary Technical Advisor at Dechra, said, “Checking in on how a treatment is working is just as important as the initial diagnosis. A follow up appointment gives the vet a chance to see whether the treatment is working as expected, to spot if any changes are needed, and to pick up on problems that may not have been obvious the first time. A second appointment also provides reassurance for owners, allowing them to ask questions, raise concerns, and receive advice that may not have come up during the first visit.”

Dutton added that these visits often allow vets to detect subtle but important changes in a pet’s condition. “It’s our job to look for the small signs. Maybe an ear still looks inflamed, or your dog is scratching more than expected. These are traits owners might not pick up on, but they can be warnings that highlight intervention is needed. A follow-up visit gives us the chance to see how well your pet is responding to treatment, whether any adjustments are needed, and to check for any new or ongoing issues that might not have been obvious at the first appointment.”

One of the most common examples is ear conditions in dogs, which frequently require more than one round of treatment. “Dogs with ear problems sometimes need two-part treatment courses or a higher dose of pain relief than first prescribed,” said Dutton. “That second appointment is often where we spot if the ear hasn’t healed properly, or if an adjustment to the medication is needed. Without a follow up, the dog may continue to suffer, and the problem can even become chronic.”

Dutton also urged owners to consider their pets’ healthcare in the same way they would their own. “We’d never turn down a second doctor’s appointment if we were unwell and needed monitoring. So why should it be any different for our pets? A follow up appointment can mean the difference between a full recovery and a lingering condition.”