Our goal at West Marin Pet Hospital is to keep your pets healthy through all stages of their life.
Good health starts from the beginning. It is important to bring your new puppy or kitten to the veterinarian as soon as possible. We will perform a thorough examination to ensure that the new member of your family is healthy.
This initial visit is when we start preventative care for your new pet. We will start your pet on a vaccination schedule to prevent certain illnesses. While they are young they will need to be seen every few weeks for vaccinations. This ensures immunity to preventable diseases.
During this initial wellness exam we administer dewormers. These are necessary to kill any intestinal parasites. We will discuss your options regarding flea, tick and heartworm prevention. Heartworm disease can be deadly in pets but is easily preventable.
The next step in your young puppy or kitten’s life is to get them spayed or neutered. This is typically done between six months to a year of age. Spaying and neutering not only stops unwanted litters, but also helps keep your pet healthy. Fixed animals are less likely to develop breast or testicular cancer. It also reduces the likelihood of your animal roaming, reducing the risk of them coming to harm on the road or by other means.
For adult pets, we recommend yearly examinations. These visits give us the chance to make sure your pet is as healthy as possible. Our goal is to catch problems early, making them easier to treat increasing the chances of a full recovery.
Monitoring and tracking your pet’s weight is an important part of these visits. Obesity in animals can lead to health concerns both now and in the future. We offer nutritional advice and can discuss easy changes in diet and exercise habits.
These check-ups serve as a time to get your pet up-to-date on his or her vaccinations. Certain vaccines are only good for a year, while others can last up to three years. This is also a great time to check in on your flea, tick and heart worm prevention.
As your pet gets older it is a good idea to come in more often. Examinations twice a year are recommended for older pets. We will perform a thorough check-up. Regular monitoring at this age can help spot any signs of arthritis, weight gain or loss, and any other problems.
Arthritis can be hard on animals as they age. There are numerous ways in which we can help them feel young again. We have many supplements and injections that can improve your pet’s mobility. Our goal to give your pet as many good years as possible.
As time goes on, we are also here to discuss quality and end of life care. We are very compassionate and know how hard it is to say goodbye to your loving pet.
Our entire staff are people who adore animals and understand how they are part of your family. We are here to answer any of your questions during your appointment. Feel free to contact us at other times with questions or concerns.
For questions about keeping your pet healthy or to schedule an examination, contact us today.
Services provided include: