Pet Care Services in NW Calgary
At NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary, our pet care services give dogs and cats the preventive foundation they need for a long, healthy life. From first vaccinations to annual wellness exams and parasite prevention, our team partners with you at every stage of your pet’s health journey. We are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Call (403) 930-3500 to book your visit.
Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats
Vaccinations are the most effective way to protect your pet from serious and preventable diseases. At NorthWest Animal Hospital, we follow a vaccine schedule tailored to your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Core vaccines for dogs include DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme, and Rabies. Core vaccines for cats include FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Feline Leukemia, and Rabies. Puppy and kitten vaccine series begin at 8 weeks and are completed at 16 weeks. Adult pets receive annual boosters based on current ABVMA guidelines. Our team reviews your pet's history at every visit to ensure their vaccine program is up to date and appropriate for their lifestyle in NW Calgary.
Puppy and Kitten Wellness Visits
A puppy or kitten's first year sets the foundation for a lifetime of good health. Our wellness visits during this critical period include a full physical exam, vaccine administration, parasite screening, a stool sample analysis, and nutritional guidance tailored to your new pet's breed and size. We also take time to answer your questions about feeding schedules, house training, socialization, and what to expect at each stage. If you have a new puppy or kitten in Calgary, schedule their first visit within the first week of bringing them home.
Adult and Senior Pet Wellness
Annual wellness exams for adult pets and twice-yearly visits for senior dogs and cats allow our team to detect changes before they become serious health concerns. During each exam, we evaluate your pet's weight, dental health, joint function, organ health, and overall condition. Senior wellness panels include bloodwork and urinalysis to monitor kidney, liver, and thyroid function. Catching changes early means more options and better outcomes. We provide consistent, relationship-based care for every patient at every life stage.
Microchipping
Microchipping is a safe, permanent form of identification that gives lost pets the best chance of returning home. The procedure takes seconds, uses a small chip no larger than a grain of rice, and requires no anesthesia. Once registered in a national database, your contact information is linked to your pet's unique chip number. In Calgary, microchipping is strongly recommended for all dogs and cats, including indoor-only cats who may escape unexpectedly. We register your pet's chip at the time of implantation.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks are active across Alberta from spring through late fall. Fleas cause intense itching, skin reactions, and can transmit tapeworms. Ticks in the Calgary area can carry pathogens that affect both pets and people. We offer preventive products suited to your pet's weight, lifestyle, and seasonal risk. Starting prevention in the spring before peak flea and tick activity provides the most consistent protection. Ask our team which product is the right fit for your dog or cat at their next visit.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. While Alberta's climate historically presented lower risk than some regions, mosquito exposure during warmer months remains a real concern for dogs in Carrington, NW Calgary and the surrounding area. Monthly preventive products given from April through November are strongly recommended. Annual heartworm testing confirms your dog is protected before the next season begins. Early detection and preventive care together offer the most reliable protection against this serious condition.
Deworming and Parasite Control
Intestinal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and Giardia, are common in both puppies and adult pets. Many parasites show no visible symptoms until the infestation is significant. Deworming follows a structured schedule starting at 8 weeks of age and continuing through adulthood with regular stool sample testing. Keeping your pet free of intestinal parasites also protects your family, as many parasites are zoonotic and can affect people. We recommend annual stool testing for all adult patients.
Nail Trim, Ear Cleaning, and Anal Gland Expression
Routine grooming maintenance visits are an important part of keeping your pet comfortable and preventing common health issues. Overgrown nails can alter your pet's gait and lead to joint strain. Dirty ears create conditions for infection, especially in breeds with floppy or narrow ear canals. Full anal glands cause discomfort and can become impacted if not regularly expressed. Our team performs these services with care and can show you how to maintain them at home between visits.
Explore More Services
Puppies begin their vaccine series at 8 weeks of age. The series continues with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks to build full immunity. Call (403) 930-3500 to schedule your puppy’s first visit at NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary.
Adult dogs and cats benefit from an annual wellness exam. Senior pets, generally those over 7 years old, benefit from twice-yearly visits to monitor organ function, weight, and mobility more closely.
Yes. Core vaccines including FVRCP and Rabies are recommended for all cats regardless of indoor or outdoor status. Some diseases can be carried into the home on clothing and shoes, and Rabies vaccination is required by Alberta law.
The best product depends on your pet’s species, weight, and lifestyle. We carry a range of options and will recommend the most suitable choice at your visit. Spring is the best time to start prevention before flea and tick season peaks.
Yes, though lower than in some regions. Dogs in Calgary can be exposed to mosquitoes during warmer months, and preventive products are strongly recommended from April through November. Annual heartworm testing is also recommended.
Signs include scooting on the floor, licking around the tail, or a fishy odor. Some pets need regular expression at every visit; others rarely need it. Our team will assess your pet’s anal glands at each wellness exam.
Book your pet’s wellness visit at NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary. Call (403) 930-3500 or book online at nwvet.ca/book-an-appointment/. We are open seven days a week for dogs and cats in NW Calgary.