Frequently Asked Questions

Photograph of a calico cat sitting on grass with a green blurry background, labeled as "Red Deer Vet Clinic".

  • Regular wellness exams are one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy and catch potential issues early. We generally recommend annual exams for healthy adult pets and more frequent visits for puppies, kittens, senior pets, or those with ongoing health concerns. Wellness visits allow us to monitor changes in your pet's health and provide preventative care tailored to their needs.

  • We recommend scheduling your pet's first veterinary visit shortly after bringing them home. Early visits help establish a healthcare plan, discuss vaccinations, nutrition, parasite prevention, and answer any questions you may have about caring for your newest family member. Vaccination schedules typically begin around 8 weeks of age.

  • Vaccinations help protect your pet against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Every pet's lifestyle is different, so we create personalized vaccination plans based on factors like age, health, and exposure risk. Our team will help you determine which vaccines are right for your pet.

  • Absolutely. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in dogs and cats. Regular dental care can help prevent bad breath, pain, tooth loss, and infections that may affect other organs. During your pet's exam, we'll assess their oral health and recommend the best course of action.

  • Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe. Before any procedure, we perform a thorough examination and may recommend pre-anesthetic testing to ensure your pet is a good candidate. Throughout surgery, your pet is closely monitored by our trained team using advanced monitoring equipment.

  • Yes. Pets age much faster than people, and health changes can happen quickly. Regular exams become increasingly important as pets enter their senior years, helping us detect and manage age-related conditions before they impact quality of life.

  • Pets are often very good at hiding discomfort. Signs of pain can include limping, changes in behaviour, decreased activity, loss of appetite, sleeping more than usual, or withdrawing from family interactions. If you notice any changes, contact us so we can help determine the cause.

  • Yes. Saying goodbye to a beloved companion is one of the hardest decisions a pet owner will face. Our team provides compassionate guidance, palliative care, quality-of-life assessments, and peaceful euthanasia services when the time comes. We're here to support both you and your pet every step of the way.

  • Yes. Our in-house laboratory allows us to perform many diagnostic tests quickly, helping us get answers faster and begin treatment sooner when needed.

  • If your pet requires advanced diagnostics or treatment beyond what can be provided in-clinic, we'll work closely with trusted specialists and referral hospitals to ensure they receive the best possible care.

  • You're not alone! Many pets feel anxious about veterinary visits. Our team uses low-stress handling techniques and takes the time needed to help your pet feel as comfortable as possible. We want every visit to be a positive experience for both pets and their people.