We wanted to let you know that our practice will be operating with limited doctor availability through Monday. Our team remains available to assist you, and the hospital will continue normal operations during this time.
As a result, some appointments and services may have adjusted scheduling. If your appointment is affected, a member of our team will contact you directly.
Thank you for your understanding and continued trust in our team. We look forward to serving you and your pets.

Our Veterinarian will be temporarily out of the office on June 2nd and 3rd for personal medical reasons. We anticipate returning to our regular schedule on June 4th, 2026.

Please note that staff members will still be present to respond to messages and general inquiries.  Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

NOW OPEN! A New Home for Your Pet’s Care Now Scheduling Appointments

6140 SOUTH GUN CLUB ROAD, UNIT I SUITE 2/3, AURORA, CO, 80016

(720)-432-4902

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Preventive &
General Health

Preventive Veterinary Care in Aurora, CO

East Plains Veterinary Care provides preventive pet care helping dogs and cats enjoy healthier years with the people who love them. Led by Dr. Drake, our privately owned veterinary practice takes an ethical, educational, and personal approach to every visit. Through routine exams, testing, parasite prevention, and customized recommendations, we help protect your pet’s quality of life while giving you clear guidance at every step.

What Is Preventive Veterinary Care?

Preventive veterinary care is routine medical care designed to help dogs and cats stay healthy, protected, and comfortable through every life stage. It may include pet wellness exams, vaccines, parasite prevention, lab work, fecal testing, heartworm testing, dental health evaluations, nutrition guidance, and personalized recommendations based on your pet’s needs.

Preventive care is not only for pets who are sick. It gives our team the chance to understand your pet’s normal health, identify small changes early, and create a plan that supports long-term comfort. A healthy-looking pet may still have hidden dental disease, early organ changes, parasite exposure, weight concerns, or signs of discomfort that are not obvious at home.

Dog wellness vet in Aurora, CO

Why Is Regular Preventive Vet Care For Pets Important?

Regular preventive vet care helps protect your pet’s health by giving our team the opportunity to identify changes before they become advanced. During routine visits, we may evaluate your pet’s weight, dental health, skin, coat, ears, eyes, mobility, heart, lungs, digestion, behavior, and parasite risk.

These visits also give you a chance to talk through concerns that may seem small at home. Changes in appetite, energy, drinking habits, bathroom patterns, breath, mobility, or behavior can all provide important clues about your pet’s health.

Early Detection Can Help Protect Long-Term Pet Health

One of the greatest benefits of pet wellness care is early detection. Routine exams and recommended testing may help identify concerns such as:

  • Dental disease
  • Weight changes
  • Skin or ear problems
  • Mobility changes
  • Digestive concerns
  • Parasite exposure
  • Heartworm risk
  • Senior pet health changes

Why Does My Pet Need A Wellness Exam If They Seem Healthy?

Your pet needs a wellness exam even if they seem healthy because many dogs and cats hide discomfort, pain, and illness. Pets cannot tell us when something feels different, and early symptoms can be easy to miss during daily life.

A wellness visit allows our team to check what you may not be able to see at home. We can evaluate your pet from nose to tail, review their lifestyle, discuss changes you have noticed, and recommend vet care based on their age, breed, habits, and health history.

Pets Often Hide Pain And Illness

A pet may appear normal while dealing with dental pain, early arthritis, skin irritation, weight changes, parasite exposure, or internal health concerns. Routine exams help us look beyond outward behavior and evaluate your pet’s overall condition.

These visits are also educational. We take time to discuss your pet’s diet, behavior, dental health, mobility, preventive medications, and home care so you feel informed and confident about their needs.

What Preventive Veterinary Services Are Available At East Plains Veterinary Care?

  • Wellness exams and checkups: Routine nose-to-tail exams help us monitor your pet’s overall health, identify early changes, and answer questions about behavior, mobility, weight, and daily care.
  • Vaccinations and boosters: Vaccines help protect dogs and cats from preventable diseases. Our team recommends vaccines based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, health history, and exposure risk.
  • Monthly parasite prevention and deworming: Flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal parasite prevention helps protect your pet from common health risks. We may also recommend fecal testing, heartworm testing, deworming, or prescription prevention when appropriate.
  • Nutritional counseling: Nutrition plays an important role in your pet’s energy, weight, digestion, skin, coat, and long-term wellness. We can help you understand feeding needs based on your pet’s age, breed, activity level, and health goals.
  • Dental exams and cleanings: Dental care supports more than fresh breath. Regular oral health evaluations and professional cleanings, when recommended, can help protect your pet from pain, infection, and dental disease.

How Often Should My Dog Or Cat See A Veterinarian For Preventive Care?

Most younger adult pets should receive a pet annual exam at least once a year. These visits help us monitor health trends, keep vaccines and parasite prevention current, and identify changes that may need attention.

Senior pets, especially those over 8 years old, may benefit from more frequent exams and routine lab work. Depending on your pet’s age, history, and health needs, Dr. Drake may recommend bi-annual exams to monitor comfort, mobility, organ function, and quality of life.

Preventive Care By Life Stage

  • Puppies and kittens need early visits to build immunity, monitor growth, screen for parasites, begin a safe vaccine schedule, and discuss nutrition, behavior, and home care.
  • Adult dogs and cats benefit from consistent routine vet checkups to monitor weight, dental health, heartworm risk, parasite exposure, vaccine needs, and overall wellness.
  • Senior pets often need closer monitoring because age-related changes can develop quietly. Regular exams and lab work help our team support comfort, daily function, and quality of life.

What Happens During A Preventive Vet Checkup?

During a preventive vet checkup at East Plains Veterinary Care, our team reviews your pet’s medical history, lifestyle, diet, behavior, vaccine needs, parasite risk, and any changes you have noticed at home. Dr. Drake performs a thoughtful exam and explains recommendations clearly so you can make informed decisions.

  • Medical history: Past concerns, current medications, previous diagnoses, and any recent changes
  • Lifestyle and behavior: Activity level, appetite, habits, mood, and home environment
  • Diet and weight: Nutrition, feeding routines, weight changes, and body condition
  • Vaccine needs: Recommended vaccines or boosters based on age, lifestyle, and risk
  • Parasite prevention: Flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal parasite protection
  • Lab work options: Testing recommendations based on your pet’s age and health status
  • Dental health: Teeth, gums, breath, and signs of oral discomfort or disease
  • Cost considerations: Clear explanations of recommendations and available options
  • Follow-up care: Next steps if additional monitoring, testing, or treatment is needed

Our approach to pet wellness exams is personal, unrushed, and educational. We explain what we see, why a recommendation may matter, and how each step supports your pet’s long-term health.

Cat health exam appointment in Aurora, CO

How Much Does Preventive Veterinary Care Cost?

The cost of preventive pet care depends on your pet’s age, health history, lifestyle, vaccine status, testing needs, and recommended preventive medications. A younger adult pet may need an exam, vaccine review, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and parasite prevention, while a senior pet may also benefit from routine lab work.

At East Plains Veterinary Care, we believe clear communication about costs is part of responsible care. Our team explains recommendations before moving forward so you understand what is being advised and why.

Why Choose East Plains Veterinary Care For Your Pet’s Preventive Care?

East Plains Veterinary Care is a privately owned veterinary practice built around integrity, personal attention, and clear communication. Dr. Drake brings experience in general practice, emergency medicine, and urgent care, which helps shape a thoughtful and practical approach to your pet’s needs.

Families choose our practice because we focus on:

  • Ethical, integrity-driven recommendations
  • Customized wellness plans
  • Personal, unrushed appointments
  • Clear explanations of diagnoses, options, and costs
  • A professional and friendly experience
  • Long-term relationships with pets and families
  • Education that helps you feel confident in your choices

Schedule a Preventive Vet Appointment in Aurora, CO

Preventive veterinary care helps protect your pet’s health, comfort, and quality of life through every stage. At East Plains Veterinary Care, Dr. Drake and our team provide customized wellness exams, preventive testing, parasite prevention guidance, and honest recommendations designed around your pet’s individual needs. 

Contact East Plains Veterinary Care in Aurora, CO, today to schedule a preventive vet checkup for your dog or cat.