Essential Preventive Care at Your Local Veterinarian Clinic
If you're a pet owner, you already know that your dog or cat isn't just an animal—they're part of the family. At Great Southern Animal Hospital in Columbus, OH, we believe that caring for pets goes beyond treating illness. It’s about preventing problems before they ever begin. That’s why our veterinarian clinic places such a strong focus on comprehensive preventative care. From routine checkups to personalized health plans, we’re here to help your pet live a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life.
In this post, we’ll explore the comprehensive preventive care services available at our veterinarian clinic and the role they play in keeping your pet healthy and happy.
What Is Preventative Veterinary Care and Why Does It Matter?
Preventative care is a proactive approach to your pet’s health. Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear or for something to go wrong, our veterinarian clinic in Columbus provides routine services designed to monitor, maintain, and improve your pet’s well-being over time. It’s about staying one step ahead of illness and age-related conditions.
Core Services Offered as Part of Preventative Care
Preventative care isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. At Great Southern Animal Hospital, we tailor our care plans based on your pet’s age, breed, medical history, and lifestyle. Here are the main services we include during a preventative care plan:
Routine Wellness Exams
These yearly (or biannual for senior pets) physical exams give us a clear picture of your pet’s overall health. We check everything from heart and lungs to skin, eyes, joints, and weight.
Vaccinations
Vaccines protect your pets from dangerous and often contagious diseases like rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and feline leukemia. Staying current on vaccinations keeps your pet, and other pets around them, safe.
Parasite Prevention and Control
Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites can cause discomfort and serious health issues. We offer customized parasite control plans that are easy to follow and highly effective.
Dental Health Maintenance
Dental disease is common in pets and can lead to painful infections or even organ damage. Regular cleanings and home care guidance help maintain your pet’s oral health.
Nutrition and Weight Management
Our team can help you choose the best diet for your pet and set healthy goals for weight, especially important for managing conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Diagnostic Screenings and Lab Work
Blood tests, urinalysis, and other screenings help us monitor organ function and detect issues like thyroid disease, anemia, or early-stage kidney problems.
Senior Pet Care
As pets age, they need more frequent visits and targeted screenings. We help you navigate the changes that come with aging, including mobility issues, cognitive decline, and dietary needs.
How Preventative Care Saves You Time, Money, and Stress
Many pet owners wait until a problem becomes obvious before visiting a veterinarian clinic. But by that point, the condition may already be advanced—and treatment more difficult or costly. Preventative care helps catch problems in their early stages when they’re most treatable.
Benefits include:
- Lower lifetime veterinary costs: Early treatment is almost always more affordable than emergency care.
- Fewer emergencies: Regular monitoring reduces the risk of sudden health issues.
- Less stress for your pet: Familiarity with our clinic and team makes visits more comfortable.
- Longer life expectancy: Consistent care helps pets stay healthier well into their senior years.
Why Pet Owners in Columbus Trust Our Veterinarian Clinic
Since 1953, Great Southern Animal Hospital has been proud to serve the Columbus community. We’re not just another veterinarian clinic—we’re your pet’s healthcare team. Led by Dr. Dustin Sears, our experienced and caring staff takes time to get to know each pet and every owner. We believe that trust, communication, and consistency are the foundation of great care.
Our clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, a sterile surgical suite, and an in-house lab, so we can provide quick answers and take fast, effective action when needed. Most importantly, we treat your pet with the same kindness and attention we’d give our own.
Your Role in Preventative Care
Preventative care is a partnership between our veterinarian clinic and you, the pet owner. What you do at home matters just as much as what happens in our exam rooms.
How You Can Help:
- Schedule annual wellness exams.
- Keep up with vaccination schedules.
- Use monthly parasite prevention.
- Brush your pet’s teeth or use vet-approved dental products.
- Watch for behavior or appetite changes.
- Feed a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding.
- Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation.
If you ever have questions about what’s normal or what’s cause for concern, our team is just a phone call away. We love working with pet owners who want to stay informed and involved in their pet’s health journey.
Call Today to Schedule a Preventative Care Visit for Your Pet
Your pet deserves a happy, healthy life—and it all starts with preventative care. If you’re looking for a trusted veterinarian clinic in Columbus, OH, give Great Southern Animal Hospital a call at
(614) 491-5632. Whether your pet is a new puppy or a senior companion, our team is here to help you protect their health every step of the way. Let’s work together to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching for years to come.
