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Wellness & Preventative Care: An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

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Our dedicated and experienced team believes in the power of wellness care. At Western Veterinary Center, Medical & Surgical Center (WVC), we don't just react to health issues; we proactively keep your pets healthy by catching potential problems early. Comprehensive, nose-to-tail examinations allow us to make customized recommendations based on your pet's unique needs, lifestyle, and other factors.

Fleas and ticks are active in Southern California all year. We recommend ongoing, life-long preventative measures to prevent illnesses caused by these pests.


Puppy and Kitten Care

Our specialized care for young pets helps set the stage for a lifetime of good health.

  • Vaccinations: We start these life-protecting vaccines at 8 weeks through 16 weeks.
  • Deworming and parasite control: This includes heartworm and flea and tick control to protect your young pet from harmful pests.
  • Diet: Our veterinarians will discuss the best dietary choices for your pet, ensuring they get the proper nutrition during their growing years.
  • Preventative dental care: Regular dental care is crucial, even at this young age.
  • Spaying and neutering: Depending on your pet, we will recommend the best age and timing for spaying or neutering.

Adult Pets (ages 1-7)

Our preventative care services continue as your pet matures into their adult years.

  • Annual wellness visits: Regular check-ups are key to catching any health issues early.
  • Comprehensive exams: Our nose-to-tail exam includes a corneal and ear examination, an examination of mouth and teeth, and palpation of the abdomen.
  • Annual lab work and fecal exam: These tests help identify any internal issues that may not be visible during a physical exam.
  • Vaccinations: We will ensure your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccines.
  • Diet and weight management: We will provide guidance on maintaining a healthy weight for your pet.
  • Preventative dental cleanings: Regular cleanings can prevent dental disease, which could lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.
  • Flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives: Continuation of these preventatives is essential to ensure your pet's safety.
Dr. Thakkar with a feline patient

Geriatric Pets (Age 7+, Giant Breeds, Age 5+)

As our pets age, their health needs become more complex. WVC provides specialized care for your senior pets.

  • Biannual visits: We recommend visits twice a year for senior pets.
  • Health checks: We will monitor thyroid function, blood pressure, heart and lung sounds, and check for joint disease and joint pain.
  • Nutrition recommendations: As your pet ages, their nutritional needs may change. We'll provide guidance to ensure your pet's diet is supporting their health.

The WVC team is dedicated to providing the best care possible for your pets at every stage of their life. Our comprehensive wellness and preventative services help ensure a long, healthy, and happy life for your treasured companions. Please call us today to schedule an appointment.