Pet Preventive Carein Traverse City, MI
Protect your pet’s health and well-being with comprehensive preventive care tailored to their life stage and lifestyle.
Keeping Pets Healthy Startswith Preventive Care
At Oakwood Veterinary Hospital, we believe that prevention is the best medicine. That’s why our pet preventive care services are designed to catch health issues early, enhance quality of life, and ensure your pet enjoys a long, happy life by your side. Serving Traverse City, MI, and the surrounding communities, our experienced veterinary team partners with you to create a custom wellness plan based on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and health history.
Our preventive care offerings include thorough wellness care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutritional counseling, and behavioral counseling—all delivered with compassion and backed by the latest veterinary science and guidelines.
Comprehensive Pet Wellness Care
Annual or biannual pet wellness exams are the foundation of preventive veterinary care. During these visits, our veterinarians conduct a nose-to-tail physical examination, check your pet’s weight and vital signs, assess their oral health, and look for early signs of disease or discomfort. These appointments are also an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have, from behavioral changes to diet questions.
By identifying issues early, we can begin treatment before problems become more serious or costly. Whether your pet is a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or a cherished senior , routine wellness exams are key to a healthy life.
Tailored Pet Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a safe and essential way to protect your dog or cat from contagious diseases. At Oakwood Veterinary Hospital, we create individualized vaccine protocols that reflect your pet’s environment, lifestyle, travel habits, and risk of exposure.
We follow current recommendations from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) to provide both core and non-core vaccines:
Core Vaccines for Dogs:
- Rabies
- Canine Distemper
- Canine Parvovirus
- Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
Core Vaccines for Cats:
- Rabies
- Feline Calicivirus
- Feline Herpesvirus-1 (Rhinotracheitis)
- Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper)
Non-Core Vaccines (Administered Based on Risk Factors):
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme disease
- Canine Influenza
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Effective Parasite Prevention Plans
Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites aren’t just gross—they’re dangerous. Our pet parasite prevention strategies protect your pet and your family from parasites that can cause itching, illness, and even life-threatening conditions.
We’ll help you choose the right preventive medications based on your pet’s lifestyle and your household’s needs, and we’ll provide year-round guidance to ensure your pet stays protected through every season in Michigan.
Personalized NutritionalCounseling
Good health starts with good nutrition. Whether you have questions about choosing the right food, managing your pet’s weight, or feeding a pet with special dietary needs, we’re here to help. Our pet nutritional counseling services provide science-based advice tailored to your pet’s life stage, health conditions, and lifestyle.
From growing puppies to senior pets with chronic conditions, our team uses trusted veterinary nutrition guidelines to support your pet’s well-being and longevity.
Compassionate Behavioral Counseling
Changes in behavior can be a sign of stress, medical issues, or training challenges. Our behavioral counseling services are designed to help you understand and manage behaviors like aggression, anxiety, house-soiling, and excessive barking or scratching.
We’ll work with you to identify the root cause and create a customized behavior plan—because a well-behaved pet is a happier, healthier member of your family.
Comprehensive Hygiene Services for Cats and Dogs
Your pet deserves to feel their best every day—and that starts with proper hygiene. At Oakwood Veterinary Hospital, we offer expert pet hygiene care as part of our commitment to full-body wellness. Our trained veterinary technicians are prepared to address the most common hygiene needs efficiently, safely, and with the compassion your pet deserves.
Our hygiene services are ideal for pets of all breeds, sizes, and ages. Whether it’s part of a regular wellness routine or to address specific concerns, we’re here to help.
What’s Included in Our Hygiene Services?
Our pet hygiene services are performed by experienced veterinary technicians in a calm, clinical setting. These services go beyond aesthetic grooming—they serve an important medical function in your pet’s overall well-being.
Pet Nail Trimming
Overgrown nails can cause pain, difficulty walking, and even lead to joint issues. Our nail trimming service helps:
- Prevent nail breakage and injury
- Improve posture and mobility
- Reduce the risk of nail-related infections
We use safe trimming techniques and tools appropriate for your pet’s size and nail type.
Pet Ear Cleaning
Ear infections are common—especially in dogs with floppy or hairy ears. Regular ear cleaning helps:
- Remove wax and debris
- Prevent bacterial or yeast infections
- Alleviate itching and discomfort
We clean ears gently and check for signs of redness, discharge, or odor that may require further veterinary care.
Pet Anal Gland Expression
Impacted anal glands can be painful and lead to serious infection. Our anal gland expression service:
- Relieves pressure and discomfort
- Helps prevent abscesses or ruptures
- Keeps your pet smelling fresh and feeling well
This procedure is performed with care and precision by our trained staff to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.
The Role of Hygiene in Preventive Pet Care
Hygiene isn’t just about keeping your pet looking good—it’s about helping them feel their best. Poor hygiene can contribute to:
- Painful infections (ears, paws, anal glands)
- Skin irritation and inflammation
- Mobility issues from long nails
- Behavioral changes due to discomfort
Regular hygiene services allow us to catch minor issues before they become major health problems.