Preventative Care for Pets in Columbia, SC

What Services Are Included in Preventive Pet Care?

Our comprehensive preventive care includes everything your pet needs to stay protected, monitored, and on track for optimal wellness. Services include:

• Annual and semi-annual wellness exams
• Vaccinations based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk level
• Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention
• Nutritional and allergy testing
• Bloodwork, urinalysis, and diagnostic screenings
• Core vaccine titers
• Socialization classes for puppies and kittens, plus behavioral training at any age.
• Dental evaluations and nail trims
• Microchipping and non-invasive cancer screenings

Whether you’re caring for a curious kitten or an aging dog, we offer preventive treatments designed to support the full spectrum of health — all in a calm, respectful setting.

How Often Should You Schedule Preventive Vet Visits?

For adult pets,  we follow the American Veterinary Medical Association’s recommendation for wellness visits for all pets every six months. Because of their shorter lifespan, pet’s age faster than we do, so they greatly benefit from exams biannually. These visits allow us to detect early changes and adjust care before symptoms become severe enough to affect their quality of life or develop into painful conditions.

Our team will work with you to determine the best schedule for your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle. Preventive care is always more effective when it’s consistent and individualized.

What Preventive Care Do Older Pets Need?

As pets age, their needs shift. Joints may stiffen, energy levels change, and new sensitivities may appear. Older pets often require:

• More frequent physical exams
• Mobility assessments and pain management
• Nutritional adjustments
• Regular lab monitoring for organ function
• Behavioral support for changes in cognition or anxiety

ZenPets offers additional services like acupuncture, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, and herbal therapies to help aging pets feel more comfortable and supported.

Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats in Columbia, SC:

We follow national vaccination guidelines while customizing plans based on your pet’s lifestyle and exposure risks.

Core vaccines for dogs include:

• Rabies
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
• Bordetella
• Leptospirosis (for certain environments)

Core vaccines for cats include:

• Rabies
• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
• FeLV (Feline Leukemia for kittens and outdoor cats)

We also offer titer testing, which helps determine if your pet has adequate immunity — allowing us to avoid unnecessary vaccinations when possible.

Flea and Tick Protection Options:

Parasite prevention in South Carolina is essential year-round. The region’s warm climate and rising flea and tick populations increase the risk of disease and inflammation, especially for young and senior pets. At ZenPets, we provide a range of effective flea and tick prevention solutions, including:

• Topical and oral medications
• Heartworm preventives
• Flea and tick protection

We’ll help you choose the safest and most effective option based on your pet’s age, breed, and environment. Prevention not only protects your pet from infection and skin disease— it protects your home and your peace of mind.

Choosing a Preventive Care Veterinarian in Columbia:

ZenPets offers a level of care that goes far beyond the basics. Dr. Cara Gardner brings more than 20 years of experience and is certified in veterinary acupuncture and trained in chiropractic care and integrative pet medicine. Our team also includes behavioral consultants and licensed technicians who specialize in low-stress handling and personalized attention.

We’re not just checking boxes — we’re building relationships with pets and their people.

Benefits of Routine Preventive Care for Pets:

Preventive care supports every stage of your pet’s life — from their first checkup to their golden years. Benefits include:

• Early detection of health problems
• Reduced risk of costly or invasive treatments
• Longer, more comfortable life for your pet
• Strengthened trust between you, your pet, and your veterinary team

At ZenPets, we believe that the best outcomes begin with prevention. That’s why we partner closely with pet owners to guide decisions, answer questions, and build confidence in every veterinary care plan.

Compassionate Preventive Care at ZenPets

Preventive care is one of the most important investments you can make in your pet’s well-being. At ZenPets in Columbia, SC, our integrative, low-stress approach helps pets stay healthy while making every visit a positive experience. Whether your pet needs a checkup, vaccines, or personalized health planning, our team is ready to help you take the next step.

Call 803-881-0018 to schedule your pet’s next wellness visit today.

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