Vet Services in Savage, MN

At The Gentle Doctor, we believe that wellness exams are the foundation of lifelong health for your pet. Just like humans, pets benefit from regular checkups to catch problems early, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and build a trusting relationship with their veterinarian.

Whether you have a new puppy, a curious kitten, or a senior pet, our comprehensive wellness exams are tailored to your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and health history.

What Is a Pet Wellness Exam?

A pet wellness exam is a routine veterinary check-up designed to monitor your pet’s overall health and detect early signs of illness—before symptoms appear. These visits are key to preventive care and can help extend your pet’s life by keeping them healthier, longer.

We recommend scheduling a wellness exam at least once a year, and more frequently for puppies, kittens, and senior pets.

What’s Included in a Wellness Visit?

Every pet wellness exam includes a nose-to-tail evaluation and may include:

 Full Physical Exam:

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat check
• Listening to heart and lungs
• Palpating abdomen and lymph nodes
• Joint and mobility assessment
• Skin and coat condition check
• Weight and body condition scoring

Lab Testing:

• Fecal exam
• Heartworm testing
• Tick-borne disease screening
• Bloodwork and urinalysis (especially for senior pets or those on long-term medication)

Vaccinations:

We update or administer core and lifestyle-specific vaccines based on your pet’s exposure risk.

Parasite Prevention:

We’ll discuss appropriate flea, tick, and heartworm preventives to protect your pet year-round.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Counseling:

We offer personalized advice on diet, exercise, behavior, and at-home care to keep your pet feeling the best at every life stage.

At The Gentle Doctor, we know that surgery can feel overwhelming. That’s why our experienced veterinary team is committed to providing advanced surgical care paired with compassionate support—before, during, and after your pet’s procedure.

Whether it’s a routine spay or a more complex operation, our goal is the same: to ensure your pet’s safety, comfort, and long-term health.

Common Soft Tissue Surgeries We Perform

Soft tissue surgeries refer to non-orthopedic procedures that involve the internal organs, skin, muscles, and connective tissues of animals. These surgeries do not involve bones or joints (which fall under orthopedic surgery), but instead address a wide range of medical issues such as:

• Tumor or mass removals
• Abdominal procedures (e.g., foreign body removal, bladder stone removal)
• Reproductive surgeries (e.g., spays and neuters)
• Corrective surgeries for hernias or respiratory issues
• Wound or trauma repair
• Eye, ear, and oral surgeries

Anesthesia & Patient Monitoring

Your pet’s safety and comfort come first. Before any procedure, we conduct a thorough exam and pre-anesthetic blood work to ensure your pet is healthy enough for surgery.

Each pet receives a customized anesthesia plan, based on their age, breed, and medical needs.

During surgery, we have a surgical technician use advanced monitoring equipment to continuously check:

• Heart rate & rhythm
• Blood pressure
• Oxygen and CO₂ levels
• Body temperature

A dedicated technician remains with your pet during the procedure and recovery.

Pain Management: Comfort is Key

We believe in proactive pain control. Medications are given before surgery so your pet wakes up as comfortably as possible.

Depending on your pet’s condition, we use:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Local anesthetics
• Pain relievers

We also offer options for chronic pain support, ensuring your pet remains comfortable long after surgery is over.

Postoperative Care & Support

As your pet returns home, our team provides:

• Clear written and verbal aftercare instructions
• Guidance on activity restriction, feeding, medications, and monitoring
• Follow-up scheduling to ensure a smooth recovery

Our team is always just a call away if you have questions or concerns post-surgery. Your pet’s recovery is a journey we take with you.

At The Gentle Doctor, we believe that early detection saves lives. That’s why we’ve invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to get fast, accurate insights into your pet’s health.

Our advanced diagnostic capabilities support both preventive care and urgent treatment decisions, helping us provide the best possible outcomes for your pet.

In-House Laboratory Testing

Our in-house laboratory means faster answers and faster care. With same-day results on many tests, we can diagnose health concerns before they become serious problems.

Common In-House Tests Include:

• Urinalysis and Fecal Testing: Urinalysis screens for urinary tract infections, kidney issues, and more. While fecal testing Detects intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and protozoa (such as Giardia or coccidia). Many of these parasites can affect not only your pet’s health but also pose a risk to humans (zoonotic). Routine fecal exams are crucial for preventive care, especially in puppies, kittens, and pets who go outdoors or get exposure to items that go outdoors.
• Ear Cytology: Identifies infections, mites, and inflammation
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Detects anemia, infection, and immune responses
• Pre-Surgical Screenings: Ensures safe anesthesia by evaluating organ function
• Organ-Specific Chemistries: Monitors liver, kidney, and metabolic health

We also offer SNAP® Tests for early detection of serious diseases:

• SNAP 4Dx® Plus Test: Screens for heartworm, Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis in dogs
• SNAP FIV/FeLV Combo Test: Detects Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

For more specialized testing, we partner with trusted external laboratories to provide:

• Allergy panels
• Culture and sensitivity tests
• Cytology & histopathology (tumor/biopsy analysis)
• Antibody titers to monitor immunity

Digital Radiographs (X-Rays)

Our digital X-ray technology captures high-resolution images in seconds—no film, no waiting. These images provide vital insight into your pet’s bones and internal organs.

Full-Body X-Rays Help Us Detect:

• Fractures and joint problems
• Foreign object ingestion
• Heart and lung abnormalities
• Urinary or digestive issues

Fast diagnostics mean we can move quickly to treat injuries, identify concerns, and give you peace of mind.

Digital Dental X-Rays

Not all dental disease is visible to the eye. That’s why we rely on digital dental radiographs during cleanings and exams. These images reveal problems hiding beneath the gumline—such as:

• Damaged or dead teeth
• Abscesses and root infections
• Bone loss or gum disease
• Cavity-like lesions (resorptive lesions)

By identifying issues early, we can perform precise treatments or extractions to eliminate pain and preserve your pet’s oral health.

Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound gives us a real-time view inside your pet’s body—without any surgery. Using safe sound waves, our veterinarians can assess:

• Liver, spleen, kidneys, and lymph nodes
• Bladder and intestinal tract
• Tumors, cysts, stones, and internal inflammation

This gentle, non-invasive scan can require light sedation to help nervous pets relax. Whether your pet needs a focused scan or a full abdominal ultrasound, our team ensures a smooth, compassionate experience.

The Power of Diagnostics in Pet Health

Why Advanced Diagnostics Matter:

• Faster results during emergencies
• Early detection of disease for better outcomes
• Tailored treatment plans based on precise data
• Peace of mind for you and your pet

Our diagnostics are designed with your pet’s comfort in mind—because great care starts with great information.

Good oral hygiene is essential for your pet’s health. Our dental services include:

• Routine dental exams: Identify and prevent oral disease
• Professional cleanings: Remove plaque and tartar
• At-Home Dental Care Guidance: Maintain your pet’s oral health between visits

Dental Health is More Than a Fresh Smile

Did you know that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease? It’s the most common health condition in pets, and it can have a major impact on their overall well-being.

Just like humans, pets develop plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Without regular dental care, these issues can lead to:

• Pain and tooth loss
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Weight loss
• Chronic bad breath
• Serious internal health issues (affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys)

Dental disease is progressive – and preventable. Early action means a healthier, happier life for your pet.

Our Comprehensive Pet Dental Services

We provide professional veterinary dental care with a personal touch. Our team customizes your pet’s care based on age, breed, and medical history.

What to Expect From a Pet Dental Appointment:

• Full physical and oral health evaluation
• Customized anesthesia plan tailored for your pet’s safety and comfort
• Digital full-mouth X-rays to detect hidden problems below the gumline
• Ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar (above and below the gumline)
• Gum measurements and probing to detect infection and recession
• Tooth extractions (if necessary for infected or damaged teeth)
• Tooth polishing to smooth the surface and reduce future plaque buildup
• Personalized home care plan with product recommendations and brushing tips

Why Pet Dental Care Matters

Dental disease can be painful. Watch for subtle signs like:

• Excessive drooling
• Pawing at the mouth
• Reluctance to eat or chew
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath

Addressing dental issues early helps relieve pain and prevent long-term damage.

Protects Internal Organs

Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and impact the heart, kidneys, and liver. Routine dental cleanings reduce this risk and protect your pet’s vital organs.

Improves Quality of Life

When eating is pain-free, pets feel better, play more, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Fresher Breath

Bad breath isn’t just unpleasant – it’s a sign of bacteria buildup. Professional cleanings keep your pet’s mouth clean and cuddles-friendly.

Increases Longevity

Studies show that pets who receive regular dental care live longer, healthier lives.

Dental Care at The Gentle Doctor

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Every pet receives a personalized dental plan to meet their unique needs.

Our compassionate team is here to guide you with:

• Brushing techniques
• Safe dental chews and products
• Ongoing care recommendations

Whether you’re scheduling a dental cleaning or just have questions, we’re here to help.