Veterinary care
Pet Care Services for Dogs and Cats in Port Coquitlam
Pet care services for dogs and cats in Port Coquitlam start with a strong foundation of preventive care. At Tricity Animal Hospital, our approach focuses on catching health issues early, building immunity through core vaccinations, and helping your pet live a long, comfortable life. Dr. Dhot and our team serve Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, and the surrounding Tri-Cities area, providing thorough, personalized care for every pet that walks through our door. Open Monday through Sunday, we make it easy to stay on top of your pet’s routine health needs.
Vaccinations
Core vaccinations protect your dog or cat from a range of preventable diseases, including distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Rabies vaccination is legally required in British Columbia for dogs, and our team ensures your pet's vaccination schedule stays current. We recommend a personalized vaccination plan based on your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Whether you have a new puppy, an adult dog, or a senior cat, keeping vaccinations up to date is one of the most effective things you can do for your pet's long-term health.
Wellness Exams
A wellness exam gives our veterinary team the opportunity to assess your pet's overall health from nose to tail, often identifying concerns before they become more serious. During a wellness visit, Dr. Dhot will evaluate your pet's weight, coat, eyes, ears, teeth, heart, and joints. Bloodwork or other assessments may be recommended depending on your pet's age and health history. For most dogs and cats, an annual wellness exam is the minimum we recommend, with more frequent visits advised for senior pets or those with ongoing health concerns.
Flea Prevention and Control
Fleas are one of the most common parasites affecting dogs and cats in the Lower Mainland, and infestations can escalate quickly once established in your home. Year-round preventive care is the most reliable strategy. We offer a range of preventive options tailored to your pet's size, species, and lifestyle, and we can help you choose the right approach. If your pet already has fleas, we will work with you to manage the infestation and relieve your pet's discomfort as quickly as possible.
Tick Prevention
Ticks are increasingly common throughout British Columbia, including in parks, trails, and wooded areas around Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities. Some tick species in BC can transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses, making prevention especially important for dogs that spend time outdoors. We recommend a tick prevention plan suited to your pet's activity level and the areas they explore. Regular tick checks after outdoor time, combined with a preventive product, offer the best protection for your dog or cat.
Microchipping
Microchipping is a simple, permanent way to ensure your pet can be identified if they are ever lost. A small chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades. The procedure takes only moments and requires no anesthetic. In Port Coquitlam and across Canada, shelters and veterinary clinics routinely scan found pets for microchips, significantly increasing the chances of reunion. We use ISO-certified microchips that meet international travel and identification standards.
Deworming
Intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and giardia are common in dogs and cats of all ages, and many pets show no obvious symptoms despite carrying a parasite burden. Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable and typically require deworming at multiple points during their early months. We recommend routine fecal testing alongside your pet's wellness visits to catch parasites early. Our team will recommend an appropriate deworming schedule based on your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk of exposure.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause serious, life-threatening damage to your pet's heart and lungs. While heartworm is more prevalent in certain parts of Canada and the United States, cases are documented in British Columbia, and the risk of travel exposure makes prevention a sensible precaution. We recommend annual heartworm testing for dogs and can discuss the most appropriate preventive options for your pet's specific situation. Early detection through annual testing is the key.
Ear Cleaning
Healthy ears require regular maintenance, especially for dogs with floppy ears or pets that swim frequently. Our professional ear cleaning service removes debris and excess wax buildup safely, without damaging the sensitive ear canal. Regular ear cleanings help reduce the risk of ear infections and allow our team to catch early signs of infection, mites, or foreign objects. If your pet shakes their head often or scratches at their ears, a cleaning and examination is a good starting point.
Anal Gland Expression
Anal glands are small scent glands located on either side of your pet's rectum. When they fail to express naturally during bowel movements, they can become impacted or infected, causing significant discomfort. Signs include scooting, licking at the area, or a strong, fishy odor. Our team can safely express your pet's anal glands as part of a routine visit. Pets that require frequent expression, or those prone to impaction, may benefit from regular maintenance appointments to stay comfortable.
Nail Trim
Overgrown nails can cause pain, affect your pet's gait, and increase the risk of injury. Regular nail trims are an important part of basic pet care. Our team offers safe, stress-minimized nail trimming for dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments. If your pet is anxious about nail trims, we can discuss ways to make the experience more comfortable. For pets that strongly resist standard trims, sedated nail trimming is available through our Additional Services.
Explore More Services
Core vaccines, including rabies, are recommended annually or every three years depending on the vaccine type. Rabies vaccination is legally required for dogs in British Columbia. We will create a vaccination schedule tailored to your dog’s age, health, and lifestyle during their wellness exam.
Healthy adult cats benefit from an annual wellness exam. Kittens and senior cats generally benefit from more frequent visits. Wellness exams allow us to catch health changes early, when they are often easier and less costly to address.
Puppies typically receive a series of combination vaccines starting at six to eight weeks of age, along with a rabies vaccine. The schedule is designed to build protection as your puppy’s immune system matures. We will walk you through the full first-year vaccination plan at your puppy’s first visit.
Microchipping is not currently mandatory in Port Coquitlam, but it is strongly recommended. Many pets that arrive at shelters without identification are never reunited with their owners. The procedure is fast, affordable, and permanent.
Signs include excessive scratching, biting at the skin, hair loss, red or irritated skin, and visible dark debris in your pet’s coat. If you suspect fleas, bring your pet in for an examination. We can confirm the presence of fleas and recommend the appropriate control approach.
Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and is present in BC, though risk levels vary by region. Dogs that travel to higher-risk areas of Canada or the United States face greater exposure. Annual testing and preventive care are the best ways to protect your dog regardless of where you live.
Book a pet care appointment at Tricity Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam. Call us at (604) 942-2225 or book online to schedule vaccinations, a wellness exam, or any of our preventive care services for your dog or cat.