4 Common Preventive Services Offered By Animal Hospitals
Your pet depends on you for safety and comfort. Preventive care protects that trust. Many problems start quietly and grow until they cause pain, fear, or lasting damage. Routine services at an animal hospital can stop that. You protect your pet before problems spread. You also avoid hard choices that come with late treatment and high costs.
This blog explains four common preventive services that most animal hospitals provide. You will see how each service works, when your pet might need it, and what you can expect during a visit. You can use this guide to plan questions and speak clearly with your veterinarian in central Fontana or any other clinic you choose.
You do not need medical training to protect your pet. You only need clear steps and steady support. Preventive care gives both.
1. Vaccinations
Vaccines train your pet’s body to fight certain diseases before they strike. Many of those diseases spread through the air or through bites. Some spread through shared bowls or shared yards. A few also threaten people in your home.
Most animal hospitals follow clear vaccine schedules. These come from expert groups that study disease patterns and risks. You can review general guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to understand how disease spreads between animals and people.
Typical core vaccines for dogs include
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus
Typical core vaccines for cats include
- Rabies
- Panleukopenia
- Calicivirus
- Herpesvirus
During a vaccine visit, your veterinarian checks your pet first. You discuss age, lifestyle, and travel. Then your pet receives the shots. Most pets only feel brief discomfort. A quiet rest at home after the visit is often enough.
2. Parasite Prevention
Parasites drain strength and spread disease. Many live on the skin. Others live in the gut or heart. They can cause weight loss, anemia, coughing, and organ damage. Some parasites also infect people, especially children who play on the floor or in the yard.
Common parasites include
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Heartworms
- Roundworms and hookworms
Animal hospitals use simple tools to prevent these threats. You may receive
- Monthly pills or chews
- Topical drops on the skin
- Injections that last for months
During the visit, your veterinarian may also run tests on blood or stool. These tests catch hidden infections. Early treatment protects your pet and your family. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration explains how approved parasite products work and why dosing matters.
3. Dental Care
Teeth and gums affect more than your pet’s breath. Infected gums leak bacteria into the blood. That strain reaches the heart, liver, and kidneys. Quiet pain in the mouth also changes behavior. Your pet may eat less or avoid play.
Most animal hospitals offer dental cleanings under anesthesia. During this service your pet
- Receives a full mouth exam
- Has plaque and tartar removed
- May receive dental X-rays
- Have damaged teeth been treated or removed if needed
Home care supports those cleanings. You might use
- Tooth brushing with pet safe paste
- Dental treats
- Dental diets or rinses
Clean teeth reduce pain. They also lower the risk of costly emergency visits for broken or infected teeth.
4. Wellness Exams and Screening Tests
Wellness exams are regular checkups. They catch changes before they turn into crises. Your veterinarian listens, looks, and feels for early signs of trouble. You receive clear advice that fits your pet’s age and daily life.
A typical wellness exam includes
- Weight check
- Body condition score
- Heart and lung check
- Eye, ear, and skin review
- Joint and muscle check
Screening tests often pair with the exam. These may include
- Blood work
- Urine testing
- Fecal testing for parasites
- Heartworm testing
These results show trends over time. Small shifts can guide changes in diet, exercise, or medication. That prevents a sudden decline.
Comparison of Common Preventive Services
| Service | Main Goal | Usual Frequency | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaccinations | Protect against infectious disease | Puppies and kittens every few weeks, then every 1 to 3 years | Lower risk of deadly illness |
| Parasite Prevention | Stop fleas, ticks, worms, and heartworms | Monthly or as directed | Protect pet and family from parasites |
| Dental Care | Prevent gum disease and tooth loss | Home care daily. Cleanings every 1 to 2 years | Reduce pain and infection |
| Wellness Exams and Screening | Catch early signs of illness | At least once a year. Senior pets often need to be seen twice a year | Guide early treatment and lifestyle changes |
How To Use These Services For Your Pet
You can start with three steps.
- Schedule a wellness exam. Bring any records and your questions.
- Ask for a written plan that covers vaccines, parasite prevention, and dental care.
- Set reminders on your phone or calendar for refills and visits.
- Core vaccines (like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus) are administered to protect pets against deadly diseases, with non-core vaccines recommended based on lifestyle and risk factors.
Each small step protects your pet’s body and mind. Early care spares your pet from suffering. It also spares you from sudden fear and high bills. Preventive services at an animal hospital turn concern into clear action.
