YOUR GO-TO ANIMAL HOSPITAL IN WINNIPEG FOR EFFECTIVE PET CARE

If you are searching for a trusted animal hospital in Winnipeg that offers quality pet care, Rivers Animal Hospital is the place for you! Owned and operated by experienced veterinarian Dr. David Scammell, our well-equipped facility has been offering careful and compassionate pet care solutions since 2000. Our caring, skilled, and professional veterinary doctors are trained in the best wellness, medical, and surgical practices to ensure your furry companions get top-grade assistance.

At Rivers Animal Hospital, we care for your four-legged friends like ours and maintain their optimal health. Schedule a visit to our animal hospital in Winnipeg and experience high-quality diagnostics and wellness services.

WHY CHOOSE RIVERS ANIMAL HOSPITAL?

One of the reasons why our animal hospital is the top choice for veterinary services in Winnipeg is that we stay up-to-date with advances in veterinary medicine and technology. We take pride in our dedicated professionals, who are always well-prepared to care for your cats and dogs' health properly. You can place your trust in us for a wide range of pet care solutions, including:

Additionally, you can seek consultation regarding your pet’s behaviour, weight management, and nutrition. Contact us or a member of our team today to schedule an appointment. For emergencies, we suggest giving us a call so that we can provide instant assistance.

ENSURING YOUR PET'S WELL-BEING: WHY WELLNESS CARE MATTERS

Regular visits to an animal hospital in Winnipeg are crucial for maintaining your pet's health and well-being. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends annual wellness check-ups for all pets, with more frequent visits for seniors or those with chronic health issues. Despite their instinct to hide signs of pain or illness, pets can develop diseases at any age, making routine veterinary care essential.

By scheduling regular wellness visits, you not only allow your pet to develop a strong relationship with their veterinary team but also reap numerous benefits:

Establishing a baseline: Routine visits in your pet's younger years help establish their usual parameters, aiding veterinarians in detecting deviations from their baseline health.
Early disease detection: Wellness exams can uncover early signs of disease, enabling prompt intervention before conditions become severe or life-threatening.
Monitoring aging changes: As pets age, their bodies change. Regular veterinary visits allow for the detection of age-related changes, enabling recommendations for lifestyle adjustments or supportive products to enhance their quality of life.

SEASONAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS FOR PETS

Pets experience changing health needs throughout the year. As a trusted animal hospital in Winnipeg, Rivers Animal Hospital offers seasonal care designed to address the specific risks that come with each time of year. Our team provides pet owners with guidance on preventive measures to help reduce discomfort and illness linked to weather and environmental changes.

Key seasonal concerns include:

Winter: Salt-related paw irritation, dry skin from indoor heating, and joint stiffness in older pets
Spring and summer: Increased risk of ticks, fleas, heat stress, and pollen-related allergies
Autumn: Coat shedding, decreased outdoor activity, and adjustments to indoor routines

We aim to support your pet’s health with recommendations such as protective paw balms, hydration strategies, and parasite prevention. These seasonal adjustments help prevent avoidable health issues and keep your pet comfortable year-round. For tailored advice, our team is available to assist during any seasonal transition. Contact us to learn how we support pets through seasonal, lifestyle, and breed-specific care.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PET HEALTH SCREENING TESTS

During wellness visits, your veterinarian may recommend health screening tests tailored to your pet's species, age, and lifestyle. These tests provide insights into your pet's internal health status and may include:

Blood work: Comprehensive blood panels assess organ function, hydration status, blood cell counts, and immune function.
Urinalysis: Evaluates kidney function and detects urinary tract abnormalities.
Heartworm screening: Crucial for preventing heartworm disease, a potentially fatal condition transmitted by mosquitoes.
Feline viral testing: Screens for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in cats to prevent disease spread and ensure proper care.
Fecal testing: Identifies intestinal parasites and worms, protecting your pet's and your family's health.

By undergoing these screening tests regularly, you ensure early detection of health issues and proactive management of your pet's well-being.

BREED-SPECIFIC VETERINARY CONSIDERATIONS

Different breeds present unique health needs. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs, such as French Bulldogs or Pugs, may require respiratory monitoring. Large-breed dogs are more prone to joint degeneration, while certain cat breeds are predisposed to dental or urinary issues.

Our animal hospital in Winnipeg factors breed-related tendencies into care planning. During routine exams, we pay attention to inherited traits that may influence long-term care, making informed recommendations for diet, activity, and screening schedules accordingly.

PET WELLNESS EXAM BASICS

During a pet's annual wellness exam, veterinarians conduct a thorough assessment of various body systems, including:

Eyes
Ears
Mouth
Skin and coat
Heart and lungs
Abdomen
Joints
Nervous system

Through these exams, veterinarians can detect potential health concerns early on, allowing for timely intervention and ensuring your pet's continued health and happiness well into their senior years. Trusting an AAHA-accredited veterinarian ensures your pet receives the highest standard of care at every wellness visit.

HYGIENE, SKIN, AND COAT ASSESSMENTS

Routine grooming is more than a cosmetic concern. Our veterinary staff offers guidance on coat maintenance, skin assessments, and appropriate bathing intervals based on breed and coat type. We routinely evaluate:

Skin conditions such as hot spots, dryness, or flaking.
Ear cleanliness and signs of infection.
Nail length and trimming needs.
Fur matting in long-haired breeds.

By identifying hygiene-related issues early, we aim to prevent discomfort, secondary infections, and grooming-related stress, particularly in older or anxious animals. Call us to book an appointment with Rivers Animal Hospital, your local animal hospital in Winnipeg.

CONTACT US

Appointment scheduling, medication refills, and follow-up discussions are coordinated efficiently to ensure ongoing support. We encourage pet owners to share concerns during visits so that we can provide informed recommendations aligned with your pet’s current health status.

Don't hesitate to contact us at Rivers Animal Hospital for all your pet care needs. Whether scheduling an appointment or seeking advice, our team is here to assist you.

LOOKING FOR AN EMERGENCY VETERINARIAN?

Visit our animal hospital in Winnipeg for emergency pet care and other veterinary services.