Skip to content Preventive care is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your dog or cat. At Elgin Park Animal Hospital in South Surrey, our pet care services cover everything your companion needs from puppyhood and kittenhood through their senior years. From core vaccinations and wellness exams to microchipping, deworming, and nail trims, we provide thoughtful, personalized care in a calm and welcoming environment. We serve dogs and cats across South Surrey, White Rock, and the surrounding area. Call (604) 531-3394 or book online to schedule your pet's next visit.
Core vaccines protect dogs and cats from serious, potentially fatal diseases. At Elgin Park Animal Hospital, we follow current WSAVA vaccination guidelines and tailor every vaccine plan to your pet's age, health history, and lifestyle. Core vaccines for dogs include DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) and Rabies. Core vaccines for cats include FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) and Rabies. Lifestyle vaccines such as Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and Feline Leukemia Virus are recommended based on your pet's individual risk factors. In South Surrey, Leptospirosis is a meaningful local risk given the area's proximity to wetlands, ditches, and off-leash parks. We discuss your pet's full lifestyle at every visit so we can recommend the right protection at the right time.
Regular wellness exams allow us to detect health changes before they become serious problems. During a wellness visit at Elgin Park Animal Hospital, your veterinarian performs a thorough nose-to-tail physical assessment covering weight, eyes, ears, teeth, coat, lymph nodes, abdomen, heart, and lungs. Wellness visits are the ideal time to update vaccines, review parasite prevention, discuss nutrition, and address any behavioral changes you have noticed. We recommend annual wellness exams for adult pets and visits every six months for senior dogs and cats. Early detection consistently leads to better outcomes and lower long-term costs.
Fleas are a year-round concern in the Lower Mainland. Even indoor pets can be affected, as fleas are often carried inside on clothing or by other animals. Ticks are increasingly common in South Surrey's outdoor spaces, including parks, trails, and forested areas near Elgin Heritage Park and Crescent Beach Regional Park. Year-round parasite prevention is strongly recommended for most dogs and cats in this area. We offer a range of safe, veterinarian-approved flea and tick prevention products in formats suited to your pet's lifestyle. Ask us about the best option at your next visit.
Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and is present in British Columbia, though infection rates are lower on the coast than in inland or eastern regions. The risk is real, particularly for pets with outdoor access or those who travel. Heartworm can be fatal if left undetected, and there is no safe approved management option for cats. Prevention is safe and straightforward. We recommend discussing heartworm risk with your veterinarian at your annual wellness visit, especially if your pet spends time outdoors, travels within Canada, or has exposure to areas with higher mosquito activity.
A microchip provides permanent identification for your pet and gives them the best chance of being returned to you if they are ever lost. The procedure is quick. A small chip, no larger than a grain of rice, is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades and linked to your contact information in a national registry. We recommend microchipping all dogs and cats, including those who stay indoors. Collars and tags can be lost. A microchip cannot. Microchipped pets are reunited with their families at significantly higher rates than those without permanent identification.
Intestinal parasites are common in puppies, kittens, and dogs that spend time outdoors in South Surrey. Many animals carry parasites without visible symptoms, making routine deworming and fecal testing essential. We follow a deworming schedule that begins in young animals and transitions to an annual maintenance plan based on your pet's lifestyle and fecal test results. Some intestinal parasites can occasionally be passed to people, particularly children, making regular deworming a household health matter as well as a pet health matter.
Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, affect posture, and lead to joint issues over time. Most dogs and cats need nail trims every three to four weeks. Many pets are anxious about nail trims, and our team is experienced in gentle, low-stress nail care. We use a calm, patient approach and work at a pace that keeps your pet comfortable. If your pet is particularly sensitive about paw handling, let us know before your visit so we can plan accordingly.
Regular ear checks are an important part of preventive care. Dirty ears can trap moisture and debris, creating conditions that lead to infection, particularly in dogs with floppy ears. We assess your pet's ears at every wellness visit and perform gentle cleaning when needed. If we notice redness, odor, or discharge, we address it before it progresses. We are also happy to walk you through basic at-home ear maintenance so you can check your pet's ears between visits.
Anal glands are small scent glands located on either side of the rectum. In some dogs and cats, these glands do not empty on their own and can become uncomfortable or impacted. Signs that anal glands may need attention include scooting, excessive licking of the rear, or a persistent fishy odor. Regular expression prevents discomfort and more serious complications. If your pet has recurring anal gland issues, we can discuss dietary and management strategies to reduce frequency.
Many pets with intestinal parasites show no visible signs, which is why routine fecal testing at annual wellness visits is recommended. When symptoms are present, they may include soft or mucus-streaked stools, a pot-bellied appearance, scooting, visible segments near the tail, or weight loss despite a normal appetite. A fecal exam identifies any parasites present so they can be addressed promptly.
Book your pet's wellness visit at Elgin Park Animal Hospital in South Surrey. We are open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Call (604) 531-3394 or book online at elginparkvets.ca/make-an-appointment/.
