Pet care services at PoCo West Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam are built around one principle: preventive care is the most effective care. From your puppy’s first vaccines to your senior cat’s annual checkup, our team in Port Coquitlam provides personalized attention for every stage of your companion’s life. We see dogs and cats seven days a week, including evenings on weekdays, so that staying current on routine care fits your schedule. We serve Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, and the surrounding Tri-Cities area.
Keeping your pet's vaccines current is one of the most effective ways to protect their health and the health of pets around them. At PoCo West Animal Hospital, we follow current AVMA and CVMA guidelines and build vaccine schedules tailored to your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Core vaccines for dogs include DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza) and rabies. Core vaccines for cats include FVRCP (feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) and rabies. We also offer lifestyle-specific vaccines including Bordetella, leptospirosis, and Feline Leukemia Virus for pets with outdoor exposure, boarding attendance, or travel history. Our vaccine consultations are personalized, not prescriptive, and we take the time to explain every recommendation before proceeding.
A microchip provides permanent, reliable identification for your dog or cat. Smaller than a grain of rice, it is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades during a quick in-clinic procedure. Once registered, your contact information is linked to a unique ID number that shelters and veterinary clinics across North America can scan. Microchipping is recommended for all pets, and we can perform the procedure at any routine visit or alongside other services such as spay, neuter, or wellness exams. If your pet already has a microchip, we can scan it and verify that the registration is current.
Fleas do more than cause itching. They carry tapeworm larvae, can trigger flea allergy dermatitis, and build rapidly in the home environment. In Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities area, flea exposure is a year-round consideration, especially for pets that spend time outdoors or in contact with other animals. We recommend consistent, vet-approved preventive products selected for your pet's age, weight, and species. If your pet already has fleas, we will help you address both your companion and the home environment. Our team will guide you through the right product choice and prevention schedule.
Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. Adult worms damage the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, and the disease progresses silently before signs appear. While heartworm prevalence in Port Coquitlam is lower than in endemic regions of Canada and the United States, travel to higher-risk areas creates real exposure risk. We recommend heartworm prevention for dogs who travel to or from endemic areas, and testing before starting a preventive program for dogs with unknown exposure history. Our team will discuss your pet's travel history and help you make the right decision.
Ticks in the Port Coquitlam area are most active in spring and fall, but year-round prevention is recommended for dogs and cats that spend time outdoors. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and other tick-borne pathogens that affect both pets and humans. Modern preventive products protect against both fleas and ticks in a single formulation. After outdoor time on local trails, check your pet around the ears, between the toes, and under the collar. If you find a tick, remove it carefully and monitor for signs of illness. Our team can recommend the most appropriate preventive product for your pet's lifestyle.
Regular nail trims are essential for your pet's comfort and long-term joint health. Overgrown nails force your dog or cat to shift their posture to avoid pressure on the nail bed, leading to joint stress and gait changes over time. Many pets find nail trims stressful, and our team uses low-stress handling techniques to make each visit as calm as possible. We recommend trims every 4 to 6 weeks for most dogs and cats. For pets who find nail trims particularly difficult, we offer sedated nail trims through our Medical Grooming service, where safety and comfort are the priority.
Ear infections are among the most common reasons dogs and cats visit the veterinarian. Regular ear cleaning as part of routine preventive care helps prevent the buildup of wax, debris, and moisture that creates the conditions for infection. Our team inspects the ears at every wellness visit and can demonstrate safe home-cleaning techniques. If we detect early signs of inflammation or infection during a routine check, we address it before it progresses. We use vet-approved ear cleaning products and never recommend over-the-counter alternatives without evaluation.
Dogs and cats have two small anal glands that normally empty naturally during bowel movements. When the glands do not express on their own, they can become impacted or infected, causing scooting, licking, and discomfort. Some pets require regular manual expression to stay comfortable, particularly small breeds and overweight pets. We check anal gland health at wellness visits and can add manual expression to any appointment when needed. If your pet is scooting, licking frequently at the tail base, or showing signs of discomfort, a prompt checkup is recommended.
We carry a curated selection of veterinary-grade products, supplements, and dental treats for dogs and cats. Our recommendations are based on your pet's individual health profile, not general retail trends. When your pet needs joint support, a skin supplement, or a dental hygiene product, we guide you toward options with proven efficacy. We also offer product reorders and carry therapeutic diet ranges for pets with specific health needs. Between appointments, you can browse and order from our online store at myvetstore.ca/PocoWestAnimalHospital.
Giant and large breed dogs have specific preventive care needs that differ significantly from smaller breeds throughout their lives. Nutritional management during puppyhood is critical for proper bone and joint development, and inappropriate feeding can increase the risk of developmental orthopedic conditions. As they mature, giant breeds are at elevated risk for joint conditions and gastric dilatation-volvulus. Our team tailors spay and neuter timing, nutritional guidance, and preventive care specifically for large and giant breeds. Whether you have a Great Dane, a Newfoundland, or a Saint Bernard, we are experienced in supporting their specific needs.
Puppies and kittens typically receive their first vaccines at 8 weeks of age. The core series continues at 12 weeks and 16 weeks, with a booster around one year. Starting on time provides the strongest protection during the most vulnerable period. If your pet is older and starting late, we will design a catch-up schedule at your first visit.
Indoor cats have lower exposure risk, but fleas can enter the home on clothing, shoes, or other pets. In households with a dog who goes outdoors, year-round prevention for all pets is the most effective approach. We can recommend the safest product for your cat based on their specific situation.
A microchip is a permanent radio-frequency identification device embedded under the skin. It cannot be lost or run out of battery, and it links your pet to your contact information when scanned at a shelter or clinic. A GPS tracker clips to the collar and provides real-time location but requires battery power and can be lost. Many pet owners choose to use both.
Most healthy adult dogs and cats benefit from an annual wellness visit that includes a full physical exam, vaccine review, and parasite screening. Senior pets generally benefit from biannual visits to monitor age-related changes. We will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s age, breed, and health history.
Book your pet’s next preventive care visit at PoCo West Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam. Call us at (604) 554-1255 or book online at pocowestvets.ca/make-an-appointment/. We are open seven days a week, including evenings Monday through Friday.
