Dog Care

Dog Preventive Care: The Key to a Healthy Life

Preventive care is the foundation of good health for your dog. By taking a proactive approach—through vaccinations, regular exams, and dental care—you can help your dog avoid serious health issues and lead a longer, happier life. At Ralston Vet, we are committed to providing the best preventive care for dogs of all ages.

Preventive Exams for Dogs:
Detecting Health Issues Early

Annual or semi-annual wellness exams are crucial for detecting health issues in their early stages. Even if your dog appears healthy, regular check-ups give our care teams the opportunity to understand your dog’s unique needs and make the best recommendations for your family. Our veterinarians perform a physical nose-to-tail exam to assess their overall health and catch any potential concerns before they escalate or affect your dog’s quality of life.

Dog Vaccinations: Shielding Your Dog from Harm

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventive care, protecting your dog from highly contagious and dangerous diseases. Diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus are preventable – our goal is to keep your dog protected from harmful illness. Regular vet visits keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date, and our veterinarians will tailor the schedule based on their lifestyle and risk factors. Vaccines not only keep your dog safe but also protect your family from zoonotic diseases that can spread to humans such as Leptospirosis.

Parasite Prevention & Fecal Exams for Dogs

Parasite control is an essential aspect of your dog’s health, year-round prevention is the best care to keep your dog safe. Common parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms can lead to severe health complications, ranging from skin infections to organ damage.

Year-round flea and tick prevention is crucial, as these parasites can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. Flea infestations can also cause intense itching and skin infections.

Spread by mosquito bites, heartworm infections can be fatal if not treated. Preventative medications are the most effective way to protect your dog.

Dogs are also at risk of intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. These parasites are often picked up through contaminated water, soil, or by ingesting infected animals. Regular fecal exams are a vital component of preventive care to identify and treat these parasites before they cause serious health issues like diarrhea, weight loss, or even anemia. Routine deworming is recommended, especially for puppies, and should be part of your dog’s
annual wellness exam. Early detection through fecal tests is important, as many intestinal parasites can
also pose a risk to human health.

Protecting your dog from parasites not only keeps them healthy but also minimizes risks for the entire household.

Dog Dental Care: Why It Matters

Good oral hygiene is vital to your dog’s overall health. Without preventive dental care, your dog could develop gum disease, infections, and other conditions that may affect major organs like the heart and kidneys. We recommend regular dental exams and cleanings, along with at- home care, to keep your dog’s teeth and gums in excellent condition.

Learn More

Dog Essentials Plan 2026 

The Dog Essentials Plan Includes: 

  • Preventive Care Exam with Essential Vaccines
  • Unlimited Regularly Scheduled Additional Exams
  • Heartworm & Tick Disease Screening
  • 1 Stool Sample Screening
  • Health Screening Bloodwork Panel
  • 2 Pedicures (Nail Trim and Dremel)
  • Heartworm Disease Prevention For 12 Months

$64.00 Monthly Payment
$760.00 Total Paid Over 12 Months

*Total Retail Value: $1,275

Enroll See Full Details

Customizable Services

Diagnostics

  • Health Screening Bloodwork Panel
  • Diagnostic Screening Bloodwork Panel
  • Cancer Dx Blood Screening
  • Diagnostic Digital Radiographs/X-Rays
  • Diagnostic Abdominal or Echocardiogram Ultrasound

Procedures

  • Preventive Dentistry Procedure
  • Spay OR Neuter Surgical Procedure

Plan Add-Ons

  • Microchip and Registration
  • Pedicures (Nail Trim and Dremel)
  • Flea/Tick Prevention