Person gently holding a sleeping calico cat's head, which is resting on the person's hand.

Routine Wellness & Preventive Care: Nurturing a Lifetime of Health for Your Pet

At Tarka Vets, we believe that prevention is always better than cure. Regular checkups and proactive preventive care are the cornerstones of your pet's long-term health and happiness. By focusing on wellness, we can catch potential problems early, often before they become serious, ensuring your beloved companion lives the healthiest life possible.

Annual Exams: A Comprehensive Health Check-up for Every Stage

Just like people, pets benefit from regular health assessments. Our annual exams are tailored to your pet's specific life stage and needs:

  • Puppy & Kitten Exams: Crucial for establishing a healthy foundation, these exams focus on growth and development, initial vaccinations, parasite control, and early behavioural guidance.

  • Adult Pet Exams: For healthy adult pets, annual exams allow us to monitor their overall health, assess weight, dental condition, and address any subtle changes that might indicate developing issues.

  • Senior Pet Exams: As pets age, their healthcare needs evolve. Senior exams focus on age-related conditions like arthritis, organ function decline, and cognitive changes, allowing us to implement early interventions and maintain their quality of life.

Every annual exam includes a thorough physical examination from nose to tail, assessing everything from their eyes and ears to their heart, lungs, joints, and skin.

Vaccinations: Tailored Protection Against Disease

Vaccinations are a vital part of protecting your pet from contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases. At Tarka Vets, we don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach. We will discuss your pet's:

  • Age: Different vaccines are recommended at various life stages.

  • Lifestyle: Whether your pet is an indoor-only companion or an adventurous outdoor explorer impacts their exposure risk.

  • Health Status: Any underlying health conditions may influence vaccination protocols.

We will then tailor a vaccination schedule that provides optimal protection while minimising unnecessary vaccinations. Importantly, every vaccination visit includes a full health check, ensuring your pet is healthy enough for vaccination and providing another opportunity to monitor their overall well-being.

To make managing your pet's health easier, we can also set up automated booster and anti-parasitic treatment reminders, helping you stay on top of their preventative care schedule.

Close-up of a happy brown dog being petted by a person with hands visible, in an outdoor setting.

Parasite Prevention: Shielding Your Pet from Unwanted Guests

Parasites can cause discomfort, serious illness, and even be transmissible to humans. Our comprehensive parasite prevention programs protect your pet from a wide range of common invaders:

  • Fleas & Ticks: Causing skin irritation, allergies, and transmitting diseases.

  • Roundworm & Tapeworm: Common intestinal worms that can impact digestion and nutrient absorption.

  • Lungworm: A potentially fatal parasite that affects the heart and lungs.

We offer various safe and effective preventative treatments, including oral medications, topical solutions, and collars, and will recommend the best option based on your pet's needs and your preferences.

Travel Health Certificates & Pet Passports: Global Adventures Made Easy

Planning to travel abroad with your pet? Navigating international pet travel regulations can be complex, but we're here to help. We provide:

  • Issuance of necessary documentation for pets traveling abroad.

  • Guidance on required vaccinations, blood tests, and microchipping protocols specific to your destination country.

  • Assistance with obtaining Pet Passports where applicable, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey for you and your companion.

Please contact us well in advance of your planned travel to ensure all requirements are met.

Microchipping: Permanent Identification for Your Pet's Safety

A microchip is a tiny, permanent identification device implanted painlessly under your pet's skin. This simple procedure significantly increases the chances of being reunited with your pet if they ever become lost. The microchip stores your contact information, which can be read by a scanner at veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and rescue organisations worldwide. It's a crucial step in responsible pet ownership and provides invaluable peace of mind.

By prioritising routine wellness and preventive care, we partner with you to give your pet the best possible chance at a long, healthy, and happy life.