Preventative Care in Sidney

What is Preventative Care?

Preventative care includes routine health exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and wellness testing that keep your pet in optimal health. Instead of waiting for illness to develop, preventative care focuses on maintaining wellness, identifying health problems early, and implementing treatments that improve quality of life.

Why is Preventative Care Important?

• Early Disease Detection: Identifies health issues like heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease before they progress.
• Proactive Health Management: Prevents illnesses through vaccinations, parasite control, and nutrition.
• Improved Quality of Life: Ensures pets stay active, happy, and free of preventable health problems.
• Cost Savings: Preventing or catching illnesses early often reduces the need for expensive, long-term treatments.
• Longer Lifespan: Pets that receive regular preventative care live longer, healthier lives.

Our Comprehensive Preventative Care Services

1. Annual Wellness Exams

Routine wellness exams are essential for monitoring your pet’s overall health. During these visits, our veterinarians perform a thorough physical examination to check for any abnormalities or signs of illness. Wellness exams also include discussions about your pet’s nutrition, behavior, exercise habits, and lifestyle needs.

What We Assess During a Wellness Exam:

• Weight and body condition
• Heart and lung function
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Dental health
• Skin, coat, and joints
• Lymph nodes and abdominal organs

2. Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect pets from contagious and life-threatening diseases, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia. At Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital, we create personalized vaccination schedules based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors to ensure they receive only the vaccines they need.

3. Parasite Prevention and Control

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms pose significant health risks to pets and humans. Preventative treatments are essential to keep your pets parasite-free year-round.

Our Parasite Prevention Services Include:

• Flea and tick preventatives
• Heartworm testing and prevention
• Deworming for intestinal parasites
• Recommendations for environmental control to reduce parasite exposure

4. Dental Care

Dental health is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of preventative care. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, infections, and systemic illnesses affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. We provide dental exams, cleanings, and advice on home dental care to keep your pet’s teeth healthy and pain-free.

Signs Your Pet Needs Dental Care:

• Bad breath
• Red, inflamed gums
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
• Loose or missing teeth

5. Nutrition and Weight Management

Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of your pet’s health. Our veterinarians provide guidance on choosing the right diet based on your pet’s age, breed, activity level, and specific health needs. We also offer weight management programs to help overweight pets achieve a healthy weight, reducing the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

6. Wellness Screening and Bloodwork

Routine blood tests and screenings allow us to assess your pet’s internal health and detect underlying conditions early.

Common Wellness Tests Include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for infections, anemia, or inflammation.
• Blood Chemistry Panel: Evaluates organ function (liver, kidneys, pancreas) and blood sugar levels.
• Urinalysis: Assesses urinary tract health and screens for infections or diabetes.
• Fecal Tests: Detects intestinal parasites that may not show symptoms.

7. Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering not only prevent unwanted litters but also provide important health benefits for pets. These procedures reduce the risk of reproductive cancers, behavioral issues, and certain hormone-related diseases.

8. Senior Pet Care

As pets age, their healthcare needs change. Preventative care for senior pets focuses on managing age-related conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, and cognitive decline. Regular exams, bloodwork, and nutritional adjustments are essential for keeping senior pets comfortable and healthy in their golden years.

Why Choose Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital for Preventative Care?

At Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to providing high-quality, personalized preventative care for every pet. Led by Dr. Dhawala Abeywickrama, our experienced team works closely with pet owners to create tailored wellness plans that meet your pet’s individual needs. We combine advanced veterinary expertise, compassionate care, and modern technology to ensure your pet receives the best possible care at every life stage.

Benefits of Choosing Us:

• Comprehensive wellness exams and proactive treatments
• Personalized care plans based on your pet’s unique needs
• Experienced veterinarians and a caring support team
• Convenient location at 9837 Seventh St, Sidney, BC V8L 4B1
• Clear communication and education to help you make informed decisions about your pet’s health

Schedule Your Pet’s Preventative Care Visit Today

Preventative care is the key to a long and healthy life for your pet. At Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital, we are here to help your pet stay active, happy, and healthy for years to come. By staying proactive about their health, you can prevent illnesses, detect problems early, and give your furry friend the quality of life they deserve.

📍 Address: 9837 Seventh St, Sidney, BC V8L 4B1

📞 Phone: (250) 656-3955

⏰ Hours: Call us to schedule your pet’s wellness exam today.