Taking your dog to the vet once a year for a check-up is the best way of making sure he’s in the best possible health.

Even if you keep a close eye on your dog's health, an annual visit to the vet for a thorough check-up ensures extra peace of mind.

Apart from helping identify any newly emerging problems before they become serious, regular health assessments will give you the chance to keep your dog's vaccinations up-to-date, and to find out more about any issues that may be worrying you.

'Well dog' visits are critical for detecting subtle changes in your pet's physical health. Ideally, dogs should be seen at least once every year, or more frequently if they are elderly or have special medical needs.

Regular visits to the vet play a huge part in the whole 'prevention is better than cure' approach, so don't just wait until it's obvious your dog needs medical attention.

Regular visits to the vet especially where nothing "negative" happens to your dog, also ensures that your dog feels comfortable with clinic vets.. If your dog only visits the vet when he is sick then he probably won't enjoy the vet. Take him occasionally just to say hello - most vets and vet nurses will happily accept this form of socialisation.

A regular visit to your local vet is the perfect opportunity to make sure your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date.

Once a year your dog will need a booster Vaccination usually of 'Kennel Cough'  (for Parainfluenza and Bordatella), and Leptospirosis, (especially important as Leptospirosis can be passed onto humans).

Other vaccinations that are usually given every second year after the first series of vaccinations include  distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus.

It is best to speak with your vet so that they can recommend an appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog.

Take the opportunity at your dog's annual assessment to discuss unusual behaviour. Whether that takes the form of excessive barking, biting or destroying shoes in your absence, misbehaviour can usually be controlled if caught in the early stages.

Another subject you should discuss with your vet is the control of fleas and ticks. Remember that fleas, or at least their larvae, can live year-round in your home and garden. Vets can also provide help in identifying tapeworm and advising on the best course of action to eliminate it.

Your vet will also have a good look at your dog's teeth to determine whether or not dental cleaning is required and, if so, when. This is also a good time to evaluate your at-home dental care program with your vet.

If your dog is getting older, you can talk about any special needs with your vet. Just like people, senior dogs may suffer from various organ system problems, osteoarthritis, loss of vision or hearing, and even memory loss or dementia. Luckily, many problems can be successfully controlled with medication or simple changes to their lifestyle.