Veterinary Services
Preventative Care
Keep your pet healthy at every life stage with personalized wellness plans, thorough nose‑to‑tail exams, and up‑to‑date vaccinations. We focus on prevention so your pet can feel their best year‑round.
What to Expect:
- Nose‑to‑tail physical exam and vital checks
- Customized vaccine schedules based on lifestyle
- Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention plans
- Nutrition and weight management guidance
- Dental health screening and home‑care tips
- Baseline lab work to catch issues early
Frequently Asked Questions:
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
Most dogs and cats benefit from an annual exam. Puppies, kittens, seniors, and pets with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits.
Does my indoor cat need vaccines?
Yes. Core vaccines protect against serious diseases and are recommended even for indoor cats.
What preventatives does my pet need?
Based on lifestyle, we recommend heartworm, flea, and tick prevention to protect your pet year‑round.
Vaccinations
Protect your pet from serious, preventable diseases with a safe, personalized vaccination plan. At Baker Bristol Pet Hospital, we tailor vaccine schedules to your pet’s species, age, lifestyle, and health history—so they get exactly what they need and nothing they don’t. We’ll review risks, benefits, and timing at each visit and answer all your questions.
What we vaccinate against (by species)
- Dogs
- Core: Rabies, Distemper/Parvo (DA2PP)
- Lifestyle-based: Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza (CIV), Lyme (as indicated by travel/tick exposure)
- Cats
- Core: Rabies, FVRCP (panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus)
- Lifestyle-based: FeLV (feline leukemia) for kittens and at-risk adults
- Select Exotics
- Ferrets: Distemper, Rabies (where appropriate and available)
- We’ll discuss current guidelines for other species and when vaccines are not recommended or applicable
What to Expect:
- Lifestyle and risk assessment at each wellness exam
- A clear, written plan for initial series and boosters
- Gentle handling, low-stress techniques, and treat rewards
- Transparent guidance on which vaccines are “core” vs. optional
- Monitoring for rare reactions and what to watch for at home
- Convenient reminders for upcoming boosters via PetDesk
Puppies and kittens: getting started right
- Puppies: Begin the DA2PP (distemper/parvo) series at 6–8 weeks, then every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks; Bordetella and Lepto based on risk; Rabies by state/local law (typically 12–16 weeks).
- Kittens: Begin FVRCP at 6–8 weeks, then every 3–4 weeks until ~16 weeks; FeLV for all kittens; Rabies by state/local law (typically 12–16 weeks).
Adult pets: staying protected
- Most core vaccines are boosted 1 year after the initial series, then every 1–3 years depending on vaccine type and your pet’s risk.
- Lifestyle vaccines (Bordetella, Lepto, CIV, FeLV for at-risk cats) are typically given yearly or as recommended based on exposure.
Vaccine safety and comfort
Your pet’s comfort and safety come first. We use high-quality vaccines, gentle handling, and positive reinforcement. Most pets experience little to no side effects; mild sleepiness or tenderness at the injection site can occur and usually resolves within 24–48 hours. We’ll guide you on what to watch for and when to call.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does my indoor-only pet need vaccines?
Yes, core vaccines protect against severe, sometimes fatal diseases and are recommended even for indoor pets. We’ll tailor the plan to your pet’s actual risk.
How often will my pet need boosters?
After the initial series and a 1-year booster, many core vaccines are given every 1–3 years. Lifestyle vaccines are usually yearly. We’ll review this at each visit.
Are vaccine reactions common?
Significant reactions are uncommon. Mild sleepiness or a small, tender bump at the injection site can happen. Contact us if you notice vomiting, facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or if your pet seems very unwell.
Can you combine vaccines in one visit?
Yes, we plan safe, efficient visits. For sensitive pets, we can split vaccines across visits to minimize discomfort.
Does my dog need Bordetella or Influenza for boarding or daycare?
Most facilities require Bordetella; many also require Canine Influenza. Bring your facility’s requirements and we’ll make sure your dog is covered.
Urgent & Emergency Care
When something feels off, we’re here to help. We offer same‑day urgent care for many issues and will guide you if a 24/7 ER is the safest option.
What to Expect:
- Same‑day urgent appointments when available
- On‑site diagnostics to assess your pet quickly
- Clear guidance on when to go directly to a 24/7 ER
- Compassionate communication every step of the way
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is considered urgent?
Vomiting/diarrhea, limping, ear/skin infections, minor wounds, eye squinting, decreased appetite, or sudden behavior changes.
Are you open 24/7?
No. See our ER referral information for after‑hours or life‑threatening emergencies.
How do I book urgent care?
Call us at (714) 546‑0010. If we are full, we’ll advise the nearest ER.
Dentistry
Healthy teeth and gums are essential for a long, happy life. Our dental care includes full oral exams, digital dental X‑rays, professional cleanings, and treatment of periodontal disease.
What to Expect:
- Pre‑anesthetic exam and tailored anesthesia plan
- Professional scaling and polishing above and below the gumline
- Digital dental X‑rays for accurate diagnosis
- Treatment plans for extractions and advanced disease
- Home‑care coaching (brushing, rinses, diets, chews)
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know if my pet needs a dental?
Bad breath, tartar, red gums, pawing at the mouth, or trouble chewing are common signs. A dental exam can tell us more.
Is anesthesia safe?
We assess each pet and use modern monitoring to maximize safety. Most pets recover the same day with home care instructions.
Will you take dental X‑rays?
Yes. Dental radiographs are standard of care to find hidden problems below the gumline.
Diagnostic Imaging & Testing
Fast, accurate answers help your pet feel better sooner. We offer in‑house lab testing, digital X‑rays, and ultrasound to diagnose conditions quickly and start treatment right away.
What to Expect:
- In‑house bloodwork and urinalysis for rapid results
- Digital X‑rays to assess bones, chest, and abdomen
- Ultrasound imaging for soft tissues and organs
- Cytology and other tests when needed
Frequently Asked Questions:
When will we get results?
Many tests are same‑day. Some specialized tests are sent to a reference lab and may take a few days.
Do X‑rays or ultrasound hurt?
No. Most imaging is quick and non‑invasive. Some pets may need mild sedation to keep them comfortable and still.
Why do we need imaging?
Imaging shows us what we can’t see in an exam—helping us diagnose correctly and treat effectively.
Exotic Pet Care
We care for birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, gerbils, hamsters, and other small mammals. Our team provides gentle, species‑specific exams, husbandry guidance, and treatment for common conditions.
What to Expect:
- Species‑specific wellness exams and nutrition advice
- Beak, nail, and wing care for birds
- Husbandry troubleshooting (lighting, temperature, habitat)
- Diagnosis and treatment of common exotic illnesses
- Coordination for advanced imaging or procedures as needed
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which exotic species do you see?
Parrots and other birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and more—call to confirm.
What should I bring to the visit?
Photos of the habitat, diet details, supplements, and any recent changes help us assess care.
Do exotics need annual exams?
Yes. Preventive care and husbandry reviews help catch issues early and extend lifespan.
Prescription Diets
Therapeutic diets can support kidney health, weight loss, allergies, urinary health, and more. We’ll recommend the right diet and help you transition safely.
What to Expect:
- Diet recommendations tailored to your pet’s diagnosis and goals
- Safe transition plans and feeding amounts
- Options for treats and toppers that fit the diet
- Guidance on rechecks to track progress
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does my pet really need a prescription diet?
For some conditions, diet is a key part of treatment. We’ll explain the why and the expected benefits.
How long before we see results?
Many pets show improvements within weeks; some conditions take longer. We’ll monitor and adjust as needed.
Can I buy it online?
Yes, through approved partners. Ask us about convenient home delivery options. We stock prescription diets from Purina. We are happy to place a custom order for you for any prescription. We offer convenient online ordering via Purina Vet Direct:
Orthopedic & Soft Tissue Surgery
From spays and neuters to advanced orthopedic procedures, your pet receives careful anesthesia protocols, monitoring, and detailed after‑care instructions.
What to Expect:
- Pre‑surgical exam and tailored anesthesia plan
- Modern monitoring and pain control throughout surgery
- Common procedures: spay/neuter, mass removals, laceration repair
- Orthopedic options discussed with your veterinarian
- Clear discharge instructions and follow‑up
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is my pet too old for anesthesia?
Age alone isn’t a disease. We assess overall health and tailor anesthesia to reduce risk.
How do I prepare my pet for surgery?
We’ll provide specific fasting and medication instructions before the procedure.
What is recovery like?
Most pets go home the same day with pain control and activity restrictions for 10–14 days.
Parasite Prevention
Protect your pet and family from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. We’ll recommend safe, effective preventatives based on lifestyle and local risks.
What to Expect:
- Year‑round flea and tick protection
- Heartworm prevention for dogs (and cats where appropriate)
- Deworming and fecal testing schedules
- Prevention plans tailored to travel and outdoor exposure
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does my pet need preventatives all year?
Yes. Parasites can be active year‑round in Southern California.
Are preventatives safe?
We recommend products with strong safety profiles and will match to your pet’s needs.
Can people catch parasites from pets?
Some parasites are zoonotic. Prevention protects the whole household.
Medical Bathing
Medicated baths can soothe skin conditions and support treatment plans for allergies, infections, and parasites. We select the right formula and frequency for your pet. We are able to provide veterinary supervised sedated bathing for stressed or aggressive pets.
What to Expect:
- Skin and coat assessment by our team
- Medicated shampoos tailored to condition
- Gentle handling for anxious pets
- Home care instructions between baths
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many baths will my pet need?
It depends on the condition. Many protocols start weekly, then taper as skin improves.
Will my pet need other treatments?
Often yes. We may recommend oral/topical medications and diet changes to address the root cause.
Can I do this at home?
We’ll show you how, or we can continue in‑clinic bathing if preferred.
End of Life & Hospice Care
We’re here to support comfort, dignity, and love. We’ll discuss quality of life, pain control, hospice options, and when euthanasia may be the kindest choice.
What to Expect:
- Gentle quality‑of‑life consultations
- Pain and anxiety management plans
- Peaceful euthanasia when appropriate
- Aftercare coordination and memorial options
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know when it’s time?
We’ll help you assess daily joy versus discomfort and make a plan that honors your bond.
Can we be with our pet?
Yes. We encourage you to be present if you wish.
What happens afterward?
We’ll review aftercare options and memorials based on your preferences.
