Pet Care Services in Nanaimo for Dogs and Cats
Keeping your dog or cat healthy starts with consistent, preventive care. At Coastal City Animal Hospital in Nanaimo, our pet care services are designed for every stage of life, from your puppy or kitten’s first visit through their senior years. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, so convenient care is always close by. Whether your pet is due for vaccines, needs parasite protection, or is ready for microchipping, our team is here to help.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations protect your dog or cat from some of the most serious and contagious diseases affecting pets in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island. We follow core vaccine protocols recommended for British Columbia, including distemper, parvovirus, rabies, and leptospirosis for dogs, and feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, rabies, and feline leukemia for cats. Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines spaced several weeks apart. A single vaccine at an early age is not sufficient to build full immunity. We assess lifestyle factors at each visit to determine whether additional vaccines, such as Bordetella for dogs with social exposure, are appropriate for your pet.
Wellness Exams
Annual wellness exams are one of the most valuable services we offer. During each visit, we perform a thorough physical exam covering your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, weight, heart, lungs, and abdomen. These exams allow us to monitor changes over time and identify early signs of conditions that respond better to early care. We recommend at least one wellness exam per year for healthy adults and twice-yearly visits for senior pets aged seven and older. Puppies and kittens need several visits in their first year as part of their vaccination and developmental schedule. No appointment is too routine when it comes to your pet’s long-term health.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas are active year-round in the Nanaimo area, and the western black-legged tick is now well established across Vancouver Island. This tick species can carry Lyme disease, making preventive care especially important for dogs and cats who spend time outdoors. We recommend starting puppies and kittens on veterinary-approved flea and tick protection as early as their first visit. We carry a range of preventive options and will help you choose the right one based on your pet’s age, weight, species, and lifestyle. Important note: never apply dog flea products to cats, as certain active ingredients are highly toxic to them.
Microchipping
A microchip is the most reliable form of permanent identification available for pets. The chip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, is inserted just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades during a quick, low-stress procedure. Once implanted, your pet’s unique identification number is linked to your contact information in a national database. If your pet is ever lost and brought to a shelter or veterinary clinic, a simple scan reunites you. We recommend microchipping at any wellness visit or at the time of spay or neuter surgery. Keep your registration details current if you move or change your contact information.
Deworming
Most puppies and kittens carry intestinal parasites acquired from their mother before or shortly after birth. This is normal and does not reflect on the breeder or rescue. Common intestinal parasites in Nanaimo pets include roundworms, hookworms, and giardia. We recommend deworming puppies at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, and then monthly until six months of age. Kittens follow a similar schedule. Adult dogs and cats benefit from routine fecal testing to screen for parasites not covered by standard deworming. Some intestinal parasites can be passed to humans, so consistent parasite control protects everyone in the household.
Nail Trim
Regular nail trims are a straightforward but important part of keeping your pet comfortable. Overgrown nails can cause pain when walking, alter your pet’s posture, and increase the risk of nails breaking or growing into the paw pads. We perform nail trims as part of routine wellness visits or as standalone appointments. For pets who find nail trims stressful, we use calm, low-stress handling techniques. A sedated nail trim option is also available for pets who are highly anxious.
Ear Cleaning
Ear infections are among the most common conditions we see in dogs and cats. Many infections can be prevented with routine ear maintenance and regular exams. We check ear canals at every wellness visit and can teach you safe at-home cleaning techniques if your dog is prone to buildup. Common signs that your pet’s ears need attention sooner include head shaking, scratching at the ears, visible discharge, or an unusual odor. Contact us if you notice any of these signs between scheduled visits.
Anal Gland Expression
Anal glands are small scent glands located on either side of your pet’s rectum. In many dogs and some cats, these glands do not empty naturally and require manual expression to prevent discomfort and infection. Signs that your pet’s anal glands may need attention include scooting along the floor, licking at the rear end, or a persistent fishy odor. We provide anal gland expression during wellness visits or as a standalone appointment. Left unattended, impacted anal glands can become infected and require more involved care.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm is a serious, potentially life-threatening parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. While the risk on Vancouver Island is lower than in other parts of Canada, cases do occur, and the risk increases if your pet travels to other provinces or spends time in areas with high mosquito activity. Prevention is simple, typically a monthly chewable or a topical product, and far less costly than managing an active heartworm case. Ask us at your next visit whether a heartworm preventive is appropriate for your dog or cat.
Explore More Services
We recommend annual wellness exams for healthy adult dogs and cats. Senior pets aged 7 and older benefit from twice-yearly exams to monitor for age-related changes. Puppies and kittens require multiple visits in their first year as part of their vaccination schedule. Early and consistent exams help us catch changes before they become more serious conditions.
We recommend starting as early as your puppy’s first visit at 8 weeks of age, using a product approved for their age and weight. Fleas are active in Nanaimo year-round, and ticks capable of carrying Lyme disease are common on Vancouver Island. Year-round prevention is more effective than starting only when you notice a problem.
Yes. We recommend core vaccines for all cats regardless of lifestyle. Cats can be exposed to airborne pathogens, escape and encounter other animals, or have contact with items brought in from outside. We review your cat’s lifestyle at each visit to determine which vaccines are appropriate and at what interval.
Yes. Many intestinal parasites cause no visible symptoms, especially in adult dogs with established immune systems. Routine fecal testing is the most reliable way to check for parasites including giardia, which is common in the Nanaimo area given the prevalence of outdoor water sources. We recommend annual fecal testing as part of every wellness visit.
Yes. We are open Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and accept nail trim appointments throughout the week. Call us at (778) 441-3989 or submit an appointment request online. Walk-in nail trims are accepted based on availability.
Your pet’s best health starts with consistent care. Book a wellness visit or vaccine appointment at Coastal City Animal Hospital in Nanaimo. Call (778) 441-3989 or request an appointment online. We are open 7 days a week for dogs and cats.