Preventive & Wellness Care

Year-round preventative care, vaccines, and wellness exams for pets in Summerton. Keep your dog or cat healthy at Lake Marion Animal Hospital .

Lake Marion Animal Hospital for Dogs and Cats in Summerton, SC

Preventative care is one of the most important ways to keep your dog or cat healthy for years to come. From early vaccinations to regular wellness exams and senior screenings, consistent veterinary care can catch issues before they become serious. Our team at Lake Marion Animal Hospital provides thoughtful, lifelong support for pets across Summerton, Sumter, Santee, Manning, Charleston County, and Turbeville. Whether you’re caring for a playful new puppy or helping a senior pet stay comfortable, we’re here to help at every stage with personalized care and practical guidance.

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Preventive & Wellness-Care

Annual Wellness Exams: The Heart of Lifelong Health

Regular wellness visits are the foundation of good veterinary care. For most adult dogs and cats, we recommend a full check-up once a year. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets often need more frequent visits to monitor development or age-related changes.

During a typical wellness exam, we:

Record your pet’s weight and temperature

Perform a full physical exam

Ask about eating habits, behavior, and lifestyle

Check for signs of parasites, dental disease, or early illness

Review vaccination status

Discuss diet and nutrition

Create a plan for any follow-up care or testing

Because we have in-house diagnostics including digital x-rays, ultrasound, and lab services, we can get answers quickly when needed. Whether your pet is here for routine care or we spot something unexpected, our team is prepared to act.

Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious diseases in pets. At Lake Marion Animal Hospital, we offer both core and optional vaccines for dogs and cats, and we tailor recommendations to your pet’s age, environment, and risk factors.

Vaccines for Dogs:

Core Vaccines: Rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza

Optional Vaccines: Bordetella (kennel cough), leptospirosis, Lyme disease (based on exposure)

Vaccines for Cats:

Core Vaccines: Rabies, feline distemper (panleukopenia), feline herpesvirus, calicivirus

Optional Vaccines: Feline leukemia (FeLV), especially for outdoor cats or those in multi-cat households

Puppies and kittens should start their vaccinations at about eight weeks, followed by boosters every few weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. Our veterinary team will work with you to create a personalized schedule and send reminders to help you stay on track.

Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

Parasite Prevention: Year-Round Protection

South Carolina’s climate means that parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms are a year-round concern. Our team will help you choose the right prevention plan based on your pet’s habits, lifestyle, and risk level. We offer:

Heartworm prevention

Flea and tick control

Deworming treatments

Fecal testing to check for intestinal parasites

Preventing parasites not only protects your pet, it also helps safeguard your family and your home.

Senior Pet Wellness

Pets age faster than we do, and health needs change as they grow older. For dogs and cats over seven years of age, we recommend exams every six months. These visits allow us to spot age-related concerns early and support your pet’s comfort and mobility as they age.

Our senior wellness care:

Bloodwork to monitor organ function

Urinalysis for kidney health

Pain and mobility evaluations

Screening for common conditions such as arthritis, dental disease, thyroid problems, and cognitive decline

If your older pet is showing changes in behavior, appetite, or energy, don’t wait. Early detection can often make a big difference in quality of life.

Nutrition & Weight Management

Nutrition & Weight Management

What your pet eats plays a big role in their overall health. Our veterinary team provides nutrition counseling for all life stages, breeds, and conditions. Whether you’re choosing food for a new puppy, managing a chronic condition, or helping a senior pet stay active, we can help you understand labels, avoid common pitfalls, and choose balanced options.

We also offer:

Weight checks and body condition assessments

Tailored diet plans for weight loss or maintenance

Prescription diets for specific medical conditions

Advice on feeding schedules, treats, and supplements

Obesity can lead to joint problems, diabetes, and shortened lifespans. With the right plan, your pet can reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Why Preventative Care Matters

Prevention is always easier, more affordable, and less stressful than treating illness later. Regular check-ups allow us to:

Detect issues early, when they are easier to treat

Build a consistent health history

Help you make informed decisions about your pet’s care

Catch subtle signs of disease that may go unnoticed at home

Plus, preventative visits give us the chance to know you and your pet better. We’re not just your local veterinarian; we’re your partner in keeping your pet well for life.

What Sets Lake Marion Animal Hospital Apart

Lake Marion Animal Hospital blends small-town friendliness with modern tools. We’re proud to be locally owned and deeply connected to the community. Many of our clients have been with us for years, and we love serving multiple generations of pet families.

What you’ll find here:

Fear Free Certified staff to reduce stress for pets and owners

In-house diagnostics including endoscopy, ultrasound, and digital dental radiography

USDA certification for both domestic and international health certificates

Communication options including phone, walk-in, and convenient texting

Recognition as Best Veterinary Hospital of Clarendon County since 2020

Whether you live nearby in Summerton or drive in from Charleston County, Sumpter, Manning, or Santee, we’re honored to be part of your pet’s wellness journey.

Ready to Book Your Pet’s Wellness Visit?

We make it easy to stay on top of your pet’s health. Use our Otto widget to schedule an appointment or call our team directly at 803-488-8800. If you have questions about what your dog or cat needs, we’re happy to help.

 

Your pet deserves consistent care from a team that sees them as family. Lake Marion Animal Hospital is here for you every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive & Wellness Care

For adult pets in good health, we recommend an annual exam. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets may need more frequent visits depending on their age and health needs.

Core vaccines are recommended for all pets. Optional vaccines depend on your pet’s lifestyle, exposure risks, and travel plans. We’ll guide you on what’s best for your dog or cat.

Yes. In South Carolina, fleas and ticks can be active even during cooler months. Year-round prevention is the safest option.

We can customize a care plan to fit your pet’s specific needs, including exam schedules, vaccines, testing, and more. Call us to learn what might be right for your pet.

Absolutely. Dogs and cats often hide signs of illness. Regular checkups allow us to catch subtle changes early and help your pet stay comfortable and active longer.