Wellness and Preventive Care
A gentle, thorough approach to wellness at every age and stage.
Wellness and preventive care at Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital gives dogs and cats the routine attention that keeps small problems from becoming big ones.
Keeping your pet healthy starts with consistent preventive care. Regular wellness visits help us catch concerns early, support long-term comfort, and build a strong partnership with you through every stage of your pet’s life. Whether you share your home with a new puppy or kitten, an energetic adult, or a cherished senior, our team is here to guide you with compassionate, personalized care.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Regular wellness exams can detect up to 80% of early health issues before pets show symptoms.
Wellness care allows us to monitor your pet’s health over time and address changes before they become bigger issues. During each visit, we take the time to understand your pet’s daily routine, behavior, and any concerns you may have. Our goal is simple. Keep your dog or cat feeling their best with proactive care that supports a happy, healthy life.
Preventive care focuses on:
- Early detection of illness
- Vaccinations that protect against disease
- Parasite prevention
- Nutrition and weight management
- Dental health
- Behavior and lifestyle guidance
- Mobility and comfort as pets age
Preventive Care by Life Stage
Below is an easy-to-follow chart outlining recommended wellness services for dogs and cats at each life stage. Every pet is unique, so recommendations may vary based on health history, lifestyle, and breed.
A Team That Listens First
I often go into the appointment, sit down at eye level, and just have a conversation. I’ll say, ‘Tell me everything,’ before we even start the exam.– Dr. Griffin O’Connor, Owner.
What to Expect During a Wellness Visit
Every wellness appointment includes time for both medical evaluation and meaningful conversation. We want you to feel heard, supported, and informed.
A wellness visit may include:
- Nose-to-tail physical exam
- Review of lifestyle, habits, and changes at home
- Vaccination updates
- Parasite prevention recommendations
- Dental assessment
- Weight and nutrition counseling
- Behavior or training guidance
- Screening tests based on age and medical history
We encourage you to bring any questions or concerns. Your observations at home are an essential part of your pet’s care.
Caring for Senior and Geriatric Pets
Older pets benefit greatly from more frequent checkups and early detection screenings. Many age-related conditions develop slowly, and regular monitoring helps us manage them with comfort-focused care.
Common age-related conditions we support:
- Arthritis and mobility changes
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid and hormonal disorders
- Heart disease
- Cognitive changes
- Chronic pain
Our goal is to help your pet enjoy a comfortable and happy life at every stage of life.
A Team That Supports You Through Every Stage
As a family-owned veterinary hospital, we value long-term relationships and the trust you place in us. Your pet’s well-being is always our priority. Whether you are preparing for your first visit or supporting a senior pet through changing health needs, our team is here to guide you with empathy, clarity, and personalized care.
Wellness and Preventive Care in Glastonbury, CT: Your Questions Answered
Helpful answers for pet owners in Glastonbury, South Glastonbury, and nearby towns planning their pet’s next checkup.
How often does my pet need a wellness exam?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats should have a wellness exam once a year. Senior pets, and pets managing ongoing conditions, usually benefit from visits every six months so we can catch changes early. Puppies and kittens need a series of visits during their first months of life.
What happens during a dog or cat wellness exam?
We check your pet from nose to tail: eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, skin, joints, weight, and body condition. We also review diet, behavior, and lifestyle, and recommend any vaccines, parasite prevention, or screening tests that fit your pet’s age and risk.
Why is preventive care important if my pet seems healthy?
Dogs and cats are very good at hiding illness. Regular preventive care lets us spot early signs of dental disease, weight gain, kidney changes, or heart problems before your pet shows symptoms, when treatment is usually simpler and more affordable. The AVMA’s pet owner resources are a good place to learn more.
Do you see cats as well as dogs for wellness care?
Yes. We welcome both dogs and cats, and we take extra care to keep feline visits calm and low-stress. Many cat owners in Glastonbury, Manchester, and Wethersfield bring their cats to us for annual wellness exams.
How do I book a wellness visit?
You can book an appointment online or call us at (860) 633-3588. We are open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, at 121 Pratt Street in Glastonbury.
Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Visit
Preventive care creates a strong foundation for lifelong health. If your pet is due for a wellness exam or you have questions about their care, we are here to help.