Preventative Care

Once your pet reaches their senior years, we recommend health checks every six months. Because our pets age much faster than we do, a six-month check-up for a senior dog or cat is roughly equivalent to a person visiting their doctor only once every 3½ years. Regular examinations help us keep your pet healthier, more comfortable, and enjoying life for as long as possible.

Viruses don't politely knock on the door before they arrive. They can hitch a ride on our shoes, clothing, hands, or even visit with another pet. Even the most dedicated couch potato isn't completely protected.

Vaccinations are one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your pet healthy. At Albury Animal Hospital, we tailor every vaccination plan to your pet's age, lifestyle, and individual risk—providing the protection they need, without giving vaccines they don't.

At Albury Animal Hospital, our preferred option is the annual heartworm injection. One injection provides 12 months of reliable protection. Monthly heartworm products can certainly work—but only if every dose is given on time, every single month. Research has shown that real-world compliance with monthly preventatives is often much lower than required, meaning many dogs are unintentionally left unprotected despite their owners spending money on prevention.

If your dog is currently receiving a monthly heartworm product, talk to our team about our FREE heartworm blood test* to safely transition them to the annual injection. It's a simple way to enjoy year-round protection with no monthly reminders, no missed doses, and much greater peace of mind.

Because nobody wants to share their home—or their couch—with unwanted guests!

Fleas, ticks, intestinal worms and heartworm don't just make life miserable for your pet; they can lead to serious health problems and, in some cases, even affect people. The good news? Preventing them is far easier (and much less itchy!) than treating them.

Keeping your pet up to date with parasite prevention means more tail wags, fewer creepy crawlies, and one less thing for you to worry about. After all, the only thing your pet should be bringing home is love—not parasites.

From there, we'll recommend a personalised preventative healthcare plan tailored to your pet's age, stage of life, breed, lifestyle, and individual risk factors. This may include vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutrition and weight management advice, dental care, behavioural support, diagnostic testing, or senior health screening—ensuring your pet receives the right care at the right time throughout their life.