Annual physical exams and vaccination

Annual physical exams are an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Dogs and cats age much more rapidly than people so having a thorough physical exam each year (and bi-annually for pets over 8 years of age) can help to prevent disease and extend the longevity and vitality of our pets.

Vaccination of your pet depends on risks and potential disease exposure and thus is catered to your pet’s needs. Typically most canine ‘core’ vaccines are on a 3 year rotation with the exception of vaccines necessary due to risks for certain diseases. Feline vaccines are yearly as research has shown that the ingredients in longer lasting vaccines in cats can come with some serious side effects. The veterinarian will talk with you to assess your pet’s needs at their annual visit.

Heart worm & lyme disease testing

Although not very prevalent in the Niagara region, there are several cases of heartworm disease in dogs every year and many more cases of lyme disease each year. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and can go unnoticed until serious side effects of infection occur. Lyme disease is transmitted by deer ticks and is present in the Niagara deer tick population. Yearly heartworm andlyme disease testing is recommended for all dogs in Niagara. Heartworm and lyme disease testing is performed on a small sample of blood, typically sampled in the spring months, and results are given to you before the end of your pet’s visit. Your vet can talk with you in detail about heartworm disease, lyme disease and preventative products for your canine companion. Selection of a product for heartworm prevention, flea and tick control can be tailored to your dog’s needs.

Senior wellness visits

Senior pets, although young at heart, often require a little extra attention. It is recommended to have your senior pet in to see the veterinarian twice annually. Unfortunately pets age much more rapidly than our human counterparts and therefore paying close attention to their weight, and physical exams are really important in preventing disease. Wellness bloodwork starting yearly at the ageof 8 is a helpful way to keep tabs on your pets health beyond what the eye can see.

Nutrition counseling & prescription diets

Nutrition plays an important role in the wellness of our pets. Many diseases and ailments can be controlled through diet alone, especially in cats! Your veterinarian has a thorough education in nutrition and can recommend a diet appropriate for your pet, whether it is a veterinary exclusive diet or a recommendation of a diet you can purchase at your local pet store.

Puppy and kitten vaccines and wellness exams

Puppies and kittens require their own special vaccine protocol and de-worming schedule in their first year of life to get them off to the right start. Most pets will require three sets of vaccine boosters spaced a month apart starting at 2 months of age. Vaccinating and deworming young animals is important for their healthy growth and development.

Microchip identification

Microchips are a great way to ensure your pet returns home should they ever become lost. All veterinary clinics and humane societies routinely scan lost pets for microchips. Many pets have returned to their loved ones safe and sound due to a microchip. Microchips are the size of a grain of rice and are permanently placed under the skin. Most chips are placed while your pet is spayed or neutered but they can be placed during your annual exam, or at any time by appointment.

In-house x-ray

In-house  x-ray is available to help in the diagnosis of many diseases and ailments.

Blood analysis and urinalysis

Blood analysis to assess organ function can be performed rapidly in the clinic with results within minutes. For a sick pet and a worried owner being able to assess blood work rapidly can make a diagnosis more clear and help ensure the pet gets the right treatment, faster.

Fecal analysis and deworming

Our pets often eat things we might not find so appetizing and yearly fecal analysis is a great way to make sure your pet isn’t harbouring any parasites that are competing for its nutrition.

Specialized testing (outside lab testing)

Specialized blood testing, urinalysis and diagnostics are available to your pet through our partner laboratories. Your veterinarian can help you in deciding which testing your pet may require.

Spay and neuter surgeries

Most spay (female) and neuter (male) surgeries are day surgeries. Most spay and neuter surgeries are performed between 6-12 months of age. It may be recommended to wait longer in certain breeds. A visit to the clinic prior to the surgery day for a physical exam is important. At that visit your vet will talk with you about what to expect when your pet comes in for surgery. Every surgery patient has a thorough exam prior to surgery, pre-anesthetic bloodwork performed, receives intravenous fluids during surgery and receives and goes home with appropriate pain medication.

Dental prophylaxis and extractions

Oral health is often overlooked and dental disease can cause ongoing discomfort and pain to pets. An oral exam is an important part of the annual exam.

Soft tissue surgery

Various soft tissue surgeries are performed at the clinic including spays, neuters, bladder surgeries, laceration repairs and more. If your pet requires an advanced surgery the appropriate referral center can be recommended.

Select orthopedics and specialty surgeries

Some select orthopedic surgeries and specialized surgeries can be performed in clinic. If your pet requires a specialized surgery it may be referred to a board certified surgeon with appropriate training.

At home euthanasia

Providing the client and patient a home visit during this difficult time is a service the vet clinic is proud to offer.

The difficult travellers or owners with limited transportation

Sometimes travelling to the vet clinic can be very stressful for our pets. House call visit can help alleviate that stress. Annual exams and vaccine visits can be performed in a house call setting, however sometimes a visit to the clinic is more appropriate.