Dogs and cats can develop a wide range of medical conditions throughout their lives, and recognising the early signs often makes a meaningful difference in how well they respond to care. North Delta Animal Hospital provides medical services for dogs and cats in Delta and Surrey, open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Our veterinary team approaches each patient as an individual, taking the time to understand your pet's history and presenting concerns before recommending a course of action.
Skin issues are among the most common reasons pet owners bring their dogs and cats in for a medical visit. Persistent itching, skin redness, recurring hot spots, flaky patches, or hair loss can all be signs of an underlying allergy or dermatological condition. Environmental allergens, food sensitivities, and parasites can each contribute to skin discomfort in different ways. Our team evaluates your pet's skin, coat, and overall history to determine the most likely contributing factors. Skin scraping, cytology, and other on-site assessments may be used to gather more information before a care plan is developed. Referral to a veterinary dermatologist is available for cases that require specialist-level evaluation.
Ear infections are particularly common in dogs with floppy ears and in pets that are prone to allergies. Signs that may indicate an ear infection include head shaking, scratching at the ears, odour, discharge, or visible redness inside the ear canal. Eye infections and other eye concerns, including discharge, cloudiness, swelling, or excessive tearing, also benefit from prompt veterinary assessment. Our team can evaluate both ear and eye concerns during your visit and recommend an appropriate course of care based on findings.
Gastrointestinal issues range from mild and short-lived to signs of something more serious that warrants a closer look. Vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in appetite, weight loss, and abdominal discomfort are all reasons to bring your pet in for evaluation. Our team can perform a physical assessment and order bloodwork, urinalysis, or imaging where needed to help identify what is contributing to your pet's GI symptoms. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel concerns, dietary sensitivities, and intestinal parasites are among the issues we commonly see and manage in practice.
Endocrine diseases affect the body's hormone-producing glands and can have wide-ranging effects on your pet's weight, energy, water intake, coat quality, and overall wellbeing. Diabetes, hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, and Cushing's disease are among the endocrine conditions we see regularly in veterinary practice. These conditions are often manageable once identified, and many pets maintain a good quality of life with appropriate monitoring and veterinary oversight. Bloodwork and additional on-site testing are typically used to gather the information needed to confirm what is happening and guide ongoing care.
Heart disease is not uncommon in dogs and cats, particularly in older pets or certain breeds. A heart murmur or irregular rhythm detected during a routine wellness exam may be the first sign of a developing cardiac concern. Our veterinary team can perform cardiac assessments and recommend further evaluation, including referral to a veterinary cardiologist, when indicated. Early awareness of a cardiac concern allows for monitoring and proactive management that can support your pet's quality of life over the long term.
Recognising pain in dogs and cats can be challenging, as many animals instinctively conceal discomfort. Changes in activity level, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, altered posture, changes in grooming habits, or withdrawal from social interaction can all be signs that a pet is experiencing pain. Our team takes a thorough approach to assessing and managing pain, whether it is related to arthritis and joint changes, post-surgical recovery, injury, or an underlying medical condition. A pain management care plan is developed based on your pet's specific situation and health status.
Itching can stem from a number of causes, including environmental allergens, food sensitivities, parasites, skin infections, or a combination of factors. A veterinary assessment is the most reliable way to understand what is behind your pet’s symptoms. Our team can perform a physical exam and, where appropriate, on-site skin assessments or bloodwork to help identify contributing causes.
Common signs include frequent head shaking, pawing or scratching at the ears, a noticeable odour from the ear, discharge, or visible redness and swelling inside the ear canal. Some pets with ear infections also tilt their head to one side. If you notice any of these signs, a veterinary visit is recommended. Ear infections are generally straightforward to manage when addressed early but can worsen if left without care.
Increased water intake in cats can sometimes be associated with conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney changes, or other medical concerns. It is worth bringing your cat in for a veterinary assessment if you notice a significant or sustained change in their drinking habits. Bloodwork and urinalysis can provide useful information and help our team determine whether further evaluation is needed.
Dogs often conceal pain, but there are changes to watch for. These include reluctance to use stairs or jump, altered posture, changes in appetite, reduced activity, excessive licking of a specific area, or changes in how your dog interacts with family members. If you suspect your dog may be experiencing discomfort, a veterinary visit is the right next step. Our team can assess your dog’s comfort level and discuss appropriate options based on what is found.
Yes. When a condition requires specialist-level evaluation beyond what we can provide in general practice, we refer to trusted veterinary specialists and referral centres in the region. Our team will discuss the referral process with you and ensure your pet’s records are transferred so the specialist has the full context they need before your appointment.
If your dog or cat is showing signs of a medical concern, do not wait to have it assessed. North Delta Animal Hospital provides medical services for pets in Delta and Surrey, seven days a week. Call our team at (604) 596-8252 to arrange a visit.
