Preventive pet care is the foundation of a long, healthy life for your dog or cat. At Bowness Animal Hospital, our pet care services in Calgary cover everything your companion needs from their earliest weeks through their senior years. From core vaccinations and parasite prevention to microchipping and nail care, our team provides thorough, compassionate preventive visits that keep your pet protected year-round. We serve dogs and cats in Bowness and across NW Calgary. Our clinic is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Vaccinations are one of the most effective tools available to protect your pet from serious, preventable diseases. At Bowness Animal Hospital, we create a vaccination schedule tailored to your dog or cat based on their age, lifestyle, health status, and risk factors. Core vaccines protect against diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus in dogs, and calicivirus, herpesvirus, and panleukopenia in cats. We also offer non-core vaccines based on your pet's individual exposure risks. Staying current on vaccinations is essential for keeping your pet healthy and for complying with regional licensing requirements in Calgary. Our team will walk you through every recommended vaccine and explain the benefits at each visit.
Fleas and ticks are more than a nuisance: they can transmit serious diseases to your pet and to your household. Bowness Animal Hospital offers both preventive products and active infestation care for dogs and cats in NW Calgary. We recommend year-round preventive programs tailored to your pet's size, weight, and lifestyle, including topical and oral options that are safe and effective. If your pet is already dealing with an active infestation, our team will assess their condition and recommend a plan to eliminate fleas or ticks and reduce the risk of reinfestation. Early and consistent prevention is far more effective than reactive care.
Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition transmitted through mosquito bites, affecting both dogs and cats. While heartworm is less common in Alberta than in other parts of Canada, pets that travel or spend time in areas with higher mosquito activity are at increased risk. Bowness Animal Hospital offers heartworm testing and preventive products for dogs and cats in Calgary. Regular testing confirms your pet is free of infection before starting or renewing a prevention plan. Prevention is straightforward, affordable, and far easier than managing an established infection. Ask our team about the right plan for your pet's lifestyle at your next visit.
Microchipping is the most reliable form of permanent identification for your dog or cat. If your pet is ever lost or stolen, a microchip significantly increases the chance of a safe reunion. Bowness Animal Hospital provides ISO-certified microchipping, ensuring your pet's chip meets international standards and is readable by shelters and veterinary clinics across North America. The procedure is quick and safe, comparable to a standard injection. Once implanted, you will need to register the chip with your contact details and keep that information current. We recommend microchipping all pets, including those kept primarily indoors.
Ticks carry diseases including Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, and they are increasingly active in parts of Alberta, particularly during spring and fall. Regular checks after outdoor activity and the use of veterinarian-recommended preventive products are the most effective way to keep your pet protected. Our team at Bowness Animal Hospital can recommend appropriate tick prevention options for your dog or cat based on their size, age, and the environments they frequent. If you find a tick on your pet, do not attempt to remove it without guidance. Contact us and we will advise on the safest approach.
Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, affect your pet's gait, and contribute to joint issues over time. Regular nail trims are a simple but important part of maintaining your pet's comfort and mobility. Our team at Bowness Animal Hospital provides professional nail trimming for dogs and cats in a calm, safe environment. If your pet is anxious about nail care, speak with our team about whether a sedated nail trim through our Medical Grooming services might be a better fit.
Most adult dogs receive core vaccines every one to three years, depending on the specific vaccine and your pet’s health status. Puppies follow a more frequent schedule during their first year. Our team will create a personalized vaccination plan at your first visit.
Yes. Fleas can enter your home on clothing, shoes, or other pets. Indoor cats are at lower risk but are not immune. Year-round flea prevention is recommended for all cats regardless of whether they go outside.
Microchipping involves a small implant placed under the skin between the shoulder blades using a needle. Most pets experience minimal discomfort, comparable to a routine injection. No sedation is required for most animals.
Heartworm is less prevalent in Alberta than in warmer regions, but it remains a risk for pets that travel or spend time in areas with high mosquito activity. We recommend testing and preventive products for all at-risk dogs and cats.
Nails should be trimmed to just before the quick, the blood vessel inside the nail. Our team is trained to trim safely without cutting into sensitive tissue. Pets with dark nails where the quick is not visible receive extra care at each nail.
Book your pet’s preventive care visit at Bowness Animal Hospital today. Our team in Bowness, NW Calgary is ready to help your dog or cat stay protected and healthy all year long. Call (587) 391-3911 or book online at bownessvet.ca/make-an-appointment/.
