How Often Should I Take My Bernedoodle Puppy to the Vet?
Taking your Bernedoodle puppy to the vet regularly is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a long, healthy, and happy life. Bernedoodles, like all puppies, need a series of well-timed veterinary visits during their first year — not just for vaccinations, but for thorough health checks, parasite prevention, and early screenings for breed-specific conditions.
Here’s a complete guide to how often you should take your Bernedoodle puppy to the vet, broken down by age and developmental stage:
🐾 First Year: Puppyhood Vet Visit Timeline
✅ 6–8 Weeks Old: First Vet Visit
- Initial wellness exam
- First round of core vaccinations (DHPP: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza)
- Fecal test for parasites
- Deworming (if needed)
- Guidance on feeding, training, and socialization
Tip: If you’re adopting from a breeder, they may have already done this. Be sure to ask for vet records.
✅ 10–12 Weeks Old: Second Vet Visit
- Second round of DHPP vaccine
- Begin non-core vaccines if recommended (e.g., Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme)
- Check for growth milestones
- Discuss teething and early behavioral signs
✅ 14–16 Weeks Old: Third Vet Visit
- Third DHPP vaccine
- Rabies vaccine (required by law in most areas)
- Final deworming
- Dental and joint development check
✅ 4–6 Months Old: Adolescent Checkup
- Spaying or neutering discussion (timing depends on your vet’s guidance)
- Puppy losing baby teeth — check bite alignment
- Monitor for early signs of joint issues like luxating patella or hip dysplasia (Bernedoodles are prone to both)
- Heartworm prevention plan
If you’re concerned about joint health, this AKC article on luxating patella is a helpful reference.
✅ 6–12 Months Old: Final Puppy Visit
- Booster shots for any incomplete vaccine series
- Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention check-in
- Weight and body condition assessment
- Training and behavior support if needed
🐾 After the First Year: Adult Bernedoodle Vet Visits
Once your puppy turns one year old, routine vet visits are recommended once or twice a year, depending on your dog’s health status and lifestyle.
🩺 Annual Wellness Exams
- General physical exam
- Vaccine boosters (e.g., Rabies, DHPP)
- Fecal test for parasites
- Heartworm test
- Bloodwork to check organ function as your dog ages
🧬 Additional Screenings (Age 2+)
- Joint evaluations (Bernedoodles are prone to orthopedic issues)
- Dental cleanings
- Early screenings for eye or heart conditions (common in older dogs)
Why Routine Vet Visits Matter for Bernedoodles
Bernedoodles are generally healthy but can inherit conditions from both Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, such as:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Eye issues (like progressive retinal atrophy)
- Heart conditions
- Cancer (especially in Standard Bernedoodles)
Routine vet visits help catch these issues early and keep your dog on track with preventative care.
Final Thoughts
So, how often should you take your Bernedoodle puppy to the vet?
At least 4–5 times in the first year, and once or twice per year after that. These visits are crucial for vaccinations, parasite prevention, growth tracking, and early detection of health issues.
👉 Regular vet care = fewer emergencies + a longer, happier life for your Bernedoodle.
Would you like a printable puppy vet schedule or health record template to stay organized? I can make one for you!
