Preventive Care for Pets: The Most Loving Thing You Can Do This Year
January is a time for fresh starts, goal setting, and focusing on what matters most. As you think about your own health goals for the year ahead, it’s the perfect time to do the same for your pet.
Preventive care for pets is the foundation of lifelong health and one of the most loving, impactful ways you can help your dog or cat live a longer, happier, and more comfortable life.
At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we believe preventive care isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things at the right time, tailored to your pet as an individual.
What Is Preventive Care for Pets?
Preventive care focuses on identifying and addressing potential health issues before they become serious (and often expensive) problems. Pets are experts at hiding illness or discomfort, so by the time symptoms appear at home, disease may already be advanced.
Preventive care typically includes:
- Comprehensive bi-annual physical exams
- Vaccinations tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors
- Parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heart worm)
- Routine lab work and diagnostic screening based on age and health history
- Dental health assessments
- Nutrition and weight management guidance
- Behavior and lifestyle discussions
Think of preventive care as proactive maintenance, not reactive treatment.
Why Are Bi-Annual Wellness Exams Important?
One of the most common things we hear is, “My pet seems totally fine.” And we love hearing that! However, many medical conditions - such as kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease - can develop silently.
During a wellness exam, your veterinarian evaluates:
- Heart and lung health
- Joint and muscle condition
- Oral and dental health
- Skin, coat, and ear health
- Abdominal organs
- Weight trends and body condition
Even subtle changes can provide critical clues. Catching issues early often leads to simpler treatments, better outcomes, and lower costs over time.
Are Vaccines One-Size-Fits-All?
No. Vaccinations are an essential part of preventive veterinary care, but not every pet needs the same vaccines at the same frequency.
Vaccine recommendations are based on:
- Age and life stage
- Lifestyle (indoor vs. outdoor, dog parks, boarding, travel)
- Local disease risks
- Overall health status
Our goal is to protect your pet while avoiding unnecessary interventions. Preventive care should feel thoughtful, personalized, and evidence-based not automatic.
Do Pets in Oregon Need Year-Round Parasite Prevention?
Yes, even in the winter.
Fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heart worm disease do not disappear during colder months, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Many parasites survive year-round, and some can be transmitted to humans.
Year-round parasite prevention:
- Protects your pet from painful and potentially life-threatening diseases
- Reduces the risk of parasite transmission to people
- Helps keep your home and environment parasite-free
Our team can help you choose the safest and most effective parasite prevention based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Why Is Routine Lab Work Important for Healthy Pets?
Bloodwork and urine testing may seem unnecessary when your pet appears healthy, but routine screening allows us to establish baseline values and detect changes early, sometimes months or years before symptoms appear.
Routine lab work can help identify:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Diabetes
- Early infection or inflammation
Early detection gives us more treatment options and helps preserve your pet’s quality of life.
Dental Health for Pets: More Than Fresh Breath
Dental disease is one of the most common and overlooked health conditions in pets. Infection and inflammation in the mouth can affect the heart, kidneys, and other vital organs.
Preventive dental care includes:
- Oral exams at every wellness visit
- Guidance on at-home dental care
- Professional dental cleanings when indicated
Healthy teeth and gums aren’t cosmetic, they’re essential to your pet’s overall health.
Does Preventive Care Save Money?
Preventive veterinary care is one of the smartest investments you can make in your pet’s health. Addressing issues early often helps prevent:
- Emergency visits
- Advanced disease treatment
- Prolonged discomfort or pain
Preventive care allows for planned, predictable expenses instead of unexpected medical crises.
Our Preventive Care Philosophy at Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital
As a privately owned veterinary hospital, our recommendations are guided by medicine, compassion, and open communication - not corporate quotas.
We take the time to listen, answer questions, and partner with you in making informed decisions for your pet. Preventive care should feel empowering, not overwhelming.
Start the Year Strong With Preventive Care
January is the perfect time to schedule your pet’s wellness exam, update preventive care plans, and set them up for a healthy year ahead.
If your pet is due or if you’re not sure where to start we’re here to help.
📞 Call Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital at 503-968-2911 or schedule an appointment online to get your pet’s preventive care on track for 2026.
Your pet gives you their best every day. Preventive care is one way to give it right back.