Greetings to our newest additions to the family! The first meetings with these charming furballs are crucial for detecting any inborn issues that could lead to future complications. It's also essential to create a customized healthcare strategy that suits your pet's unique requirements and your household." We advise scheduling appointments for new puppies and kittens at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. At these appointments, we will administer vaccines tailored to the risk factors you discuss with your veterinarian. Additionally, we'll initiate a deworming regimen for young pets, as many puppies and kittens often have a substantial worm infestation. These visits will also involve discussions about essential milestones like the commencement of training and socialization, as well as the timing of spaying or neutering. We'll offer guidance on nutrition and may even provide you with a trial of pet insurance. Common congenital issues that are frequently identified in puppies and kittens include: * Hernias, typically umbilical * Retained testicles * Retained baby teeth

Yearly check-ups represent a vital aspect of our services, as they enable us to converse about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, preventive measures, and the early identification of potential illnesses. A comprehensive physical assessment is conducted, encompassing a thorough examination from the nose to the tail, along with the measurement of vital signs. In a single year of your pet's life, it's akin to 5-7 "human" years, and within this timeframe, numerous changes can occur. Our primary objective during a wellness check is to proactively address issues before they become problematic. Following the examination, your pet may receive recommendations such as blood work, fecal analysis, urinalysis, and/or internal/external parasite control. These tests and treatments are designed to ensure that your pet receives the highest level of care, maintaining their optimal health. Common conditions frequently identified during annual wellness exams encompass: * Internal and external masses * Skin conditions and allergies * Mobility issues * Congestive heart disease * Chronic kidney problems * Bladder stones and masses * Ocular ailments * Dental concerns * Liver issues * Anal gland problems

The management of internal and external parasites stands as a crucial component of preventive healthcare on Vancouver Island. Our temperate climate contributes to the persistence of flea and tick issues throughout the year. The presence of fleas also elevates the likelihood of internal parasite problems in animals that frequent outdoor spaces. Additional risk factors for worm infestations include dietary habits, hunting activities, and interactions with other animals. Maintaining your pet's freedom from these "bugs" offers several benefits, including enhanced coat quality, increased activity levels, healthy weight gain or maintenance, and improved gastrointestinal well-being. It also safeguards the health of you and your family since many internal parasites have the potential to be transmitted between animals and humans. This is particularly critical for households with young children or individuals with compromised immune systems. Our recommendation is to utilize parasite control products consistently throughout the entire year: * External parasite control products should be administered every 1 to 3 months, depending on the specific product used. * Internal parasite control products should be given every 4 to 12 months, depending on your pet's lifestyle and circumstances. These products have undergone rigorous testing and have been determined to be safe when administered as directed. Instances of adverse reactions are infrequent and generally mild, typically resolving on their own. It's important to inform your veterinarian if your pet has experienced any adverse reactions to similar products in the past. Please be aware that, in order to receive parasite control products for your pet, they must have had their Annual Wellness Examination. This means your pet should have been examined by one of our veterinarians within the past 12 months.

We place great emphasis on the significance of vaccinations in maintaining the health of your pet, safeguarding your human family, and contributing to the well-being of the community. Our approach seeks to strike a balance between providing appropriate coverage and avoiding over-vaccination. Consequently, we recommend certain "Core" vaccines that should be administered to all animals, while others are presented as choices based on your pet's lifestyle. For puppies, we initiate vaccinations at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, followed by a booster vaccine at the one-year mark. Subsequently, vaccines are typically administered every three years, contingent upon your pet's individual risk factors. Our Vaccination Protocol for Dogs includes: * DA2PP (CORE) – Protection against Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type II, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus * Rabies (CORE) * Bordetella (commonly known as "Kennel Cough") * Leptospirosis In the case of kittens, we administer vaccinations twice between 8 and 16 weeks, followed by a booster vaccine at one year. Afterward, outdoor cats typically receive vaccines every three years. Our Vaccination Protocol for Cats comprises: * FVRCP (CORE) – Coverage against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia Virus * Rabies (CORE) * LVK – Protection against Feline Leukemia Virus

We offer spaying and neutering services for dogs, cats, and rabbits. While these procedures are categorized as "routine," it's important to note that they still involve significant surgeries that necessitate the use of general anesthesia. We view these surgeries as significant milestones in your pet's life and approach each one with meticulous attention to safety and a compassionate mindset. Our suggestion is to consider spaying your female pet when she reaches 6 months of age. For female dogs, cats, and rabbits, this procedure entails making a moderate-sized incision in the abdominal area using a scalpel, followed by the removal of both the ovaries and the uterus. When it comes to male dogs, cats, and rabbits, we recommend neutering small dogs at 6 months, medium-sized dogs at 8 months, and large breed dogs at 1 year of age. The neutering procedure involves making a small incision located just in front of the scrotum, and then removing both testicles.

Bacteria stemming from dental issues can spread to different parts of the body, such as the heart or kidneys. A Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) entails a thorough examination of each tooth, including intra-oral x-rays to assess the condition of the tooth roots. It is recommended to have professional anesthetized cleanings every 6-12 months. When daily brushing is neglected, the plaque formed by bacteria, saliva, and food particles hardens into tartar. Tartar causes inflammation along the gum line, known as gingivitis, and begins to deteriorate the periodontal ligaments, resulting in tooth mobility, infections, and discomfort. Eventually, the jawbone can become infected, potentially leading to abscesses or even jaw fractures in smaller animals. Broken teeth are also a significant concern because they expose the pulp cavity, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause tooth root infections or abscesses. A Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) involves a thorough examination of each tooth, including intra-oral x-rays to evaluate the condition of the tooth roots. Any plaque and tartar that escape home care are completely removed using manual and ultrasonic scaling instruments. Teeth that are fractured or have severely compromised periodontal ligaments are extracted to prevent infection and chronic pain. This level of oral health care can only be provided to animals under general anesthesia, as it is impossible to address teeth below the gum line in an awake animal. Professional cleanings every 6-12 months are essential to ensure that each tooth receives the necessary attention and care.

While aging itself is not a medical condition, it's important to recognize that there are numerous chronic health issues that tend to develop in pets as they grow older. Therefore, senior pets require additional care and vigilant attention. This often involves more frequent veterinary appointments and essential diagnostic tests like blood work, especially in geriatric patients. What defines an animal as "Senior"? * In cats and small dogs, it's typically around 10 years of age. * For medium-sized dogs, it's generally around 8 years. * In the case of large dogs, it's often around 7 years. * And for giant dogs, it's considered around 6 years. Most veterinarians advise bringing senior pets in for check-ups at least every 6 months. During these appointments, it's common to recommend blood work to assess organ function. Identifying issues early allows for better management and slowing the progression of diseases. For instance, chronic kidney disease may not have a cure, but early interventions can significantly impact the length and quality of life a kidney patient can enjoy.

While aging itself is not a medical condition, it's important to recognize that there are numerous chronic health issues that tend to develop in pets as they grow older. Therefore, senior pets require additional care and vigilant attention. This often involves more frequent veterinary appointments and essential diagnostic tests like blood work, especially in geriatric patients. What defines an animal as "Senior"? * In cats and small dogs, it's typically around 10 years of age. * For medium-sized dogs, it's generally around 8 years. * In the case of large dogs, it's often around 7 years. * And for giant dogs, it's considered around 6 years. Most veterinarians advise bringing senior pets in for check-ups at least every 6 months. During these appointments, it's common to recommend blood work to assess organ function. Identifying issues early allows for better management and slowing the progression of diseases. For instance, chronic kidney disease may not have a cure, but early interventions can significantly impact the length and quality of life a kidney patient can enjoy.