Vetcetera Pet Healthcare Centre

08/14/2026

Summer has been peak season for ticks, fleas, and intestinal parasites. Before fall arrives, it's worth doing a full check.

What we look for at an end-of-summer visit:

✔ Tick attachment sites (especially ears, between toes, groin area)
✔ Flea dirt or skin irritation from flea allergy dermatitis
✔ F***l exam for intestinal parasites picked up from soil or water
✔ Heartworm test if prevention has been inconsistent

Parasites don't always announce themselves. A pet can carry a significant parasite burden with minimal visible symptoms—until it becomes a bigger problem.

Don't let summer exposure carry into fall untreated. We can run everything in a single visit.

08/11/2026

More than 50% of dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Most of their owners don't know it.

Extra weight isn't just a cosmetic issue. It contributes to:
• Arthritis and joint deterioration
• Diabetes
• Heart and respiratory disease
• Shortened lifespan—by up to 2 years in dogs

The tricky part: weight gain is gradual. A pound here, a pound there. It's easy to miss when you see your pet every day.

We track weight at every visit for exactly this reason. Trends matter more than a single number.

If your dog or cat has been gaining weight, we can help identify whether it's diet, activity, or an underlying condition like hypothyroidism driving it.

Healthy weight is one of the most impactful things you can manage for your pet's long-term health.

08/10/2026

"The staff at Vetcetera are kind and very helpful.Dr. Steve is very warm and friendly and was wonderful with my pet. I give Vetcetera 5 stars and recommend them
to anyone that wants great care for their fur babies." says linda on Google

★★★★★ The staff at Vetcetera are kind and very helpful.Dr. Steve is very warm and friendly and was wonderful with my pet. I give Vetcetera 5 stars and recommend them to anyone that wants great care for their fur babies.

08/07/2026

When we recommend bloodwork, it's not just a formality.

A complete blood panel gives us a window into organ function that a physical exam alone can't provide:

• Kidney and liver values—often the first indicators of disease
• Blood glucose levels to screen for diabetes
• Thyroid function in older pets
• Red and white blood cell counts for anemia or infection
• Protein levels that reflect nutrition and organ health

Many of the conditions we catch early through bloodwork show zero outward symptoms. By the time a pet seems "off," the disease has often been progressing for months.

Our in-house lab processes results the same day. No waiting, no referrals—answers before you leave.

If your pet hasn't had bloodwork this year, it's worth the conversation.

08/04/2026

Kids heading back to school is exciting for families—but pets notice the shift.

After months of extra company, dogs and cats can develop separation anxiety when the house suddenly goes quiet again.

Signs to watch for:
• Destructive behavior when left alone
• Excessive barking or vocalization
• House accidents from a previously trained pet
• Clinginess or following you room to room before you leave

The good news: gradual adjustment helps. Start leaving for short periods before school starts, maintain consistent feeding and walk times, and give your pet a job—a puzzle feeder or Kong can redirect anxious energy.

If the anxiety is severe, we can help. There are effective options beyond just "wait it out."

08/03/2026

"The vet and helper was so very nice. Made Abby very comfortable because she is afraid of everything. Checked her out really good and sat on floor playing with her. Price was very reasonable too. Thank you Vetcetera! Definitely will be back." says Carol on Google

★★★★★ The vet and helper was so very nice. Made Abby very comfortable because she is afraid of everything. Checked her out really good and sat on floor playing with her. Price was very reasonable too. Thank you Vetcetera! Definitely will be back.

07/31/2026

The best veterinary care isn't transactional—it's built over time.

When we know your pet across multiple visits, we notice things a first-time exam never would:

• Weight that's crept up 2 pounds over 18 months
• A heart murmur that's progressed from a 2 to a 3
• Bloodwork values that are technically normal but trending in the wrong direction
• A dog who used to bound into the clinic now hesitating at the door

Those patterns matter. They're often the earliest warning signs we have.

That's why we encourage consistent care with one practice rather than hopping between clinics or relying on urgent care for everything.

We're not just here for emergencies. We're here to know your pet well enough to catch what others might miss.

That's care with intention.

07/27/2026

"Entire staff are great. These people love animals and it shows. Been going there for over 12 years." says Tom on Google

★★★★★ Entire staff are great. These people love animals and it shows. Been going there for over 12 years.

07/27/2026

The conversation around spay and neuter timing has evolved—and we want to make sure you have accurate information.

The benefits go beyond population control:
• Spaying before the first heat cycle dramatically reduces the risk of mammary cancer
• Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and reduces prostate issues
• Spaying prevents pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection
• Both procedures reduce certain hormone-driven behaviors

Timing recommendations vary by breed and size. Large and giant breeds may benefit from waiting longer before altering. That's why we don't give one-size-fits-all advice.

Dr. Gloates will walk you through the right timing for your specific pet based on breed, size, and health history.

If you have a young pet and haven't had this conversation yet, let's schedule it.

07/23/2026

Summer means more time outside—and more exposure to intestinal parasites.

Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and Giardia are picked up through contaminated soil, water, and f***s. Many infected pets show no symptoms at all.

That's why we recommend annual f***l testing—not just for your pet's health, but for your family's. Several of these parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can transfer to humans, especially children.

Signs that warrant a f***l exam:
• Soft or mucousy stool
• Weight loss despite normal appetite
• Pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies)
• Visible worms or segments in stool

Our in-house lab processes f***l results the same day. If parasites are present, we treat immediately.

This is one of the simplest, most important things you can do for your whole household.