Pet care services at Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver form the foundation of a long and healthy life for your dog or cat. Our team has served the Dunbar community since 1998, providing preventive care that catches problems early, reduces the risk of serious illness, and keeps your pet feeling their best every year. We welcome new patients and offer appointments seven days a week at 4543 Dunbar Street.
Vaccines are the most effective tool for protecting your pet from serious infectious diseases. At Alta Vista Animal Hospital, we follow current WSAVA vaccine guidelines and personalize your pet's schedule based on age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Core vaccines for dogs include distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and rabies. Core vaccines for cats include feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies. Lifestyle vaccines, including leptospirosis, Bordetella, and feline leukemia, are recommended based on your pet's individual exposure risk. We discuss every vaccine decision with you at each visit so you can make informed choices for your pet.
Fleas cause significant discomfort and can lead to skin infections, anemia in young animals, and tapeworm infections. Consistent, year-round prevention is far more effective than reacting to an active infestation. Our team will recommend a veterinarian-approved flea prevention product suited to your pet's age, weight, species, and lifestyle. We also provide guidance on managing a flea infestation if one is already present in your home, including environmental control strategies to protect every pet in the household.
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause serious damage to the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. While risk in the Lower Mainland is generally low, pets that travel to endemic regions or are adopted from other areas may be at increased risk. Our team will assess your pet's individual risk and recommend appropriate preventive options. If your pet has not been tested recently, we may recommend a heartworm test before starting or restarting a preventive product.
Ticks in British Columbia can carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Pets that spend time in wooded areas, tall grass, or parks in and around Vancouver may be at risk, particularly during warmer months. Our team provides topical and oral tick prevention options and advises on how to check your pet thoroughly after outdoor activity. Consistent tick prevention also reduces the risk of tick-borne illness in human family members who share the outdoor environment with their pets.
Microchipping provides a permanent, tamper-proof form of identification that dramatically increases the chance of a lost pet being reunited with their family. Alta Vista Animal Hospital uses ISO-certified microchips compatible with national and international databases. The procedure is quick and well-tolerated by most pets. We will register your pet's chip at the time of implantation and advise you on how to keep your contact information up to date. A microchip is a one-time procedure that lasts your pet's lifetime.
Intestinal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and Giardia, are common in dogs and cats and can affect people as well. Many pets carry parasites without visible symptoms, which is why routine deworming and fecal testing are recommended as part of preventive care. Our team will recommend a deworming schedule appropriate for your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Regular fecal tests confirm that parasites have been cleared and help us detect any new infections before they become a health concern.
The first year of life is the most important time to establish healthy habits. At Alta Vista Animal Hospital, puppy and kitten wellness visits include a thorough physical exam, core and lifestyle vaccine planning, fecal testing and deworming, parasite prevention, microchipping, and guidance on nutrition, socialization, and behavior. We take time at each visit to answer your questions and create a first-year health plan tailored to your pet's breed, size, and lifestyle. Early care sets the foundation for a lifetime of good health.
Overgrown nails cause discomfort, affect posture and gait, and can lead to painful ingrown nails or joint strain over time. Professional nail trims are quick, safe, and can make a significant difference in your pet's comfort and mobility. Our team uses gentle, low-stress handling techniques to make nail trims as comfortable as possible, even for pets who are initially reluctant. Regular trims also allow us to check the paws and skin between visits for any developing concerns.
Regular ear cleaning removes accumulated wax and debris that can lead to infections, particularly in dogs with floppy ears or those who swim frequently. Our team will show you the correct technique for at-home ear cleaning and recommend veterinarian-approved cleaning solutions. At each wellness visit, we examine both ears for signs of infection, inflammation, ear mites, or foreign material, so that any concerns can be addressed before they progress.
Anal glands are small sacs located on either side of your pet's rectum. When they do not empty naturally, they can become impacted and cause discomfort, scooting, and licking. Professional expression by a trained veterinary team member is the safest way to address this concern and avoid the complications that can arise from incomplete or improper at-home attempts. If your pet experiences frequent impactions, we will discuss the underlying cause and whether a dietary change or other management approach would help.
Ready to book your pet's next preventive care visit? Contact Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver. Call (604) 221-5858 or book an appointment online at https://altavistaanimalhospital.ca/make-an-appointment/. We are open seven days a week for dogs and cats.
