Wellness & Vaccinations

At Parkland Veterinary Hospital, we believe that lifelong health starts with consistent, proactive wellness care. Pets in Sylvan Lake, Red Deer, Blackfalds, Lacombe, and surrounding Central Alberta communities benefit greatly from routine exams that protect them from preventable illnesses and help us identify concerns early. Preventive care creates a strong foundation for long, healthy lives — and our team is dedicated to supporting your pet every step of the way.

Even when your pet seems perfectly healthy, wellness visits allow us to track trends, monitor changes, and catch problems before they become serious. This approach is more comfortable for pets, more affordable for families, and far better for long-term wellbeing. By partnering with our veterinary team, you gain peace of mind knowing that your pet’s health is always being monitored with thorough, compassionate attention.

What to Expect During Your Pet’s Wellness Exam

During a wellness visit, we will assess your pet from nose to tail. 

Exams typically include:

• Listening to the heart and lungs
• Examining the eyes, ears, skin, and coat
• Checking teeth, gums, and oral health
• Evaluating joints and mobility
• Weighing your pet and assessing body condition
• Reviewing lifestyle, environment, and nutrition
• Discussing behaviour, routine, and home habits
• Recommending parasite prevention
• Updating vaccinations based on age and risk
  

These visits help us identify subtle changes early — long before they become painful or expensive to treat. They also give you a chance to ask questions, review concerns, and get guidance tailored to your pet’s unique needs.

Vaccines for Your Pet’s Lifestyle

Vaccines protect pets from serious, contagious illnesses such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia. Our team will create a personalised vaccination plan based on your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and risk factors for essential protection without unnecessary stress.

Do indoor pets need vaccination? Yes. Even if your pet stays indoors, routine vaccinations are still essential. Many contagious diseases can be brought into the home on clothing, shoes, or through open windows and shared air. Some viruses spread without direct outdoor exposure, so indoor pets remain at risk without proper protection.

Local or regional regulations may also require certain vaccinations — such as rabies — regardless of whether a pet goes outdoors. 

Keeping your pet up to date not only protects them, but also protects you, your family, and anyone who interacts with your pet. Vaccinations also help ensure that in the event your pet accidentally escapes, becomes lost, or bites/scratches someone out of fear or stress, they are protected — and so are you from potential legal or medical complications.

Why Preventive Care Matters

Wellness care extends beyond physical exams — it helps us build a strong, trusting relationship with your pet so they feel comfortable during visits. Regular exams also allow pets to become familiar with our environment, reducing fear or anxiety and making future treatments easier.

As pets age, we may recommend diagnostic screening such as bloodwork, urinalysis, or senior panels to detect diseases early, when treatment is most effective.

Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Visit

Give your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life with proactive care from your trusted Sylvan Lake veterinary team. 

Call Parkland Veterinary Hospital today to schedule your wellness and vaccination appointment.