Preventive Care

Because our pets age at a quicker pace than we humans do, it is important that they receive appropriate preventative care, along with early detection screenings to identify any health concerns or diseases in their earliest stages.

Pets aged 7 years or older should visit their veterinarian twice a year for wellness exams. These exams are the key to detecting any health problems that could endanger your pet.... Read more

Fleas and ticks are capable of transmitting infection and disease to pets through a bite. Many pets also suffer from severe allergic reaction to the bites of fleas and ticks. It is imperative that owners prevent these parasites by using one of the many commercially available products that protect pets from fleas and ticks.... Read more

Vaccines and regular health exams are key preventive care measures and are critical to the well-being of your pets to help protect them from potentially deadly infectious diseases like Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Rabies in dogs; and Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV) and Rabies in cats.

Vaccination protects pets from disease by exposing their body's immune system to inactive or parts of a type of bacteria or virus. Our doctors will help you decide which vaccines are appropriate for your pet's risk factors.... Read more

Does your pet have a microchip?

Each year, millions of pets go missing and many don't make it back home. Microchipping your pet is a simple, effective way to prevent this sort of tragic loss.

About the size and shape of a grain of rice, identification microchips are encoded with your pet's vital information then implanted beneath your pet's skin, usually between the shoulder blades.... Read more

The decision to bring a new kitten or puppy into your life can be a momentous and life changing one.

Like any new parenting, however, it can be both joyful and stressful at times. Our aim is to educate and support new owners during this critical time.... Read more

Heartworm disease is becoming more prevalent in our area. In fact, last year at VCA Amherst Animal Hospital we diagnosed a native dog with heartworm disease. Although the threat of heartworms is more prevalent in the spring and summer here in Butte, we recommend that dogs stay on the heartworm preventative medication year around because it also prevents other intestinal parasites.... Read more

Our hospital offers and encourages Preventive Medicine Services through early disease detection and wellness programs for adult and senior dogs. Because pets are living longer, they may experience increased problems with chronic illnesses and cancer. The earlier a problem is diagnosed and a treatment plan started, the better the outcome.... Read more

Vaccinations are the most important preventive measure you can take for the health of your pet. Health threats vary from city to city and even in various sections of cities. Therefore, your veterinarian will tailor an immunization program for your pet based on local conditions.... Read more

Certain physical problems with pets can be associated with the types of food they eat. A balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining your pet’s health. Each of our veterinary technicians and assistants are certified Nutritional Consultants.... Read more

A wellness exam is an overall general health assessment that may include blood tests, urinalysis, and parasite screening. In many cases, a wellness examination can help detect the early stages of disease. Wellness exams are recommended for most pets at least annually, but often at least every 6 months for senior pets and pets with chronic health issues.... Read more

Wellness tests are important to assist the veterinarians in creating an overall portfolio of your pet's health.

By including blood tests in your pet’s routine exams, it is possible to create a wellness “baseline” against which future testing can be compared. This can help to make any potential abnormalities or concerns be more easily detected.... Read more