Dog Health Care and the Importance of Regular Check-ups
As our loyal companions, our dogs hold a special place in our hearts. Ensuring yours dog’s well-being is our top priority. Dr. Jim Snyder and the team at Small Creatures Pet Clinic offer a wide range of veterinary services. From essential vaccinations to comprehensive dentistry, we are committed to prolonging your dog’s comfort, overall well-being, and longevity. Our mission is, of course, to provide care for your furry friend, but we also want to make your life as a pet owner a little easier. You can trust us to provide the best care for your canine companion.
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Langley
Connect with us today and let our dedicated team at Small Creatures Pet Clinic provide the exceptional care your furry family members deserve. Reach out to schedule an appointment or inquire about our services—we’re here to help your pets thrive!
Our Services
Table of Contents
Wellness & Preventive Care
Overview
We’re a great believer in annual physical exams. They are usually done in conjunction with provision of appropriate vaccinations.
Perhaps surprisingly, Dr. Snyder and the entire ‘Small Creatures’ staff believe that, if done properly, the patients’ history, exam and ‘plan’ between owner and staff become even more important than the vaccines themselves!
We observe your dog through all stages of his/her life. We want to prevent and diagnose problems before they occur. We provide individualized and preventive treatment with routine health exams. As pet owners ourselves, we know how important your dog is to you.
All appointments at Small Creatures, including the annual wellness exam, are booked for 30 minutes, and may extend beyond. We ALWAYS do a FULL physical exam on the pet. We then discuss significant findings, and come up with ‘the plan’. All of us at ‘Small Creatures’ firmly believe that the best results/outcomes are achieved when both client and staff agree on ‘the plan’ and then work together to provide such. Clients seem to really appreciate this ‘inclusive’ approach.
Parasite Control
We understand the importance of protecting your pets from unwanted parasites, which is why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive range of medications. Our selection includes (but not limited to):
- Simparica Trio
- Revolution
- Advantage Multi
- Bravecto
Overview
Some common canine internal parasites include hookworms, tapeworms and roundworms. Common external parasites are fleas and ticks. To live a healthy life, your pet should be free from both internal and external parasites. The options of parasiticide medications available through your veterinarian today offer a clean slate of safety, effectiveness and ease of delivery.
Microchipping and Tattoos
Overview
Microchips and tattoos are a dependable method of reuniting pets with their owners, and ensuring pet safety. They are risk-free, simple, low cost and provide owners with invaluable peace of mind.
33% of all pets become lost at least once in their lifetime.
Canadian Veterinary Journal Volume 40, July 1999
Spay & Neuter
Spaying and neutering dogs can extend their life term, mitigate behaviour issues, and reduce the number of unwanted dogs on the streets.
Overview
These surgeries are a routinely accepted practice in North America. Further discussion is probably best held with an attending staff member, one on one.
Dentistry
Overview
Small Creatures provides routine dental cleaning services, under the direct veterinary supervision of Dr. Snyder. The routine cleaning procedure parallels that in humans, with the obvious exception that pets require a general anesthetic. The ‘routine prophy’ (scale, polish and fluoride), usually takes about 30 – 45 minutes.
Vaccinations
Vaccines are an essential part of protecting animals from fatal, contagious disease.
Diseases that dogs can be vaccinated for include:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Kennel Cough
- Lyme Disease
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
Our staff can also attend to your 4-legged friend’s well-being by providing advice on the following:
- Insurance
- Health Testing and Laboratory Work
- Weight Control Programs
- Flea Prevention and Treatment
- X-rays
- Access to Specialists
- Nutrition Advice and Prescription Diet Sales
- After-hour Housecalls for Humane Euthanasia (see section entitled 'Compassionate Animal Euthanasia')
- And much more...
If we don’t immediately know the answer to a client’s questions, we are all committed to ‘following up’. At Small Creatures Pet Clinic, there’s no such answer as ‘I don’t know’.
A Note on Sedation
Veterinary sedation is a valuable method for easing anxiety in pets during stressful veterinary visits and medical procedures. It ensures a calmer, ‘fear-free’ experience for both pets and their owners. At Small Creatures Pet Clinic, we emphasize minimal stress for optimal treatment outcomes. Sedation is always carefully overseen by a veterinarian. This approach helps anxious or aggressive pets arrive relaxed, benefiting both the animal and their owner. We understand the emotional strain veterinary clinic visits can place on you and your pet. Our team is committed to supporting you through challenging situations, working together to manage your pet’s fear and ensure a positive experience. We’re good at it!
Most of these meds can also be used for pet phobias such as: travel, wind, firecrackers, thunder, lightning, intruders (including people and animals).
Pre-euthanasia sedation may also aid in creation of a ‘fear-free’ environment. (See notes on humane euthanasia and cremation).