Primary & Preventive Care
Keeping Your Pet Healthy for the Long Run
At Trailhead Veterinary Services in Billings, Montana, we believe lifelong health starts with regular, proactive veterinary care. From wellness exams to parasite prevention, our primary and preventative care services are all about helping your dog or cat live a longer, happier life.
Routine checkups and year-round protection from parasites like heartworms, ticks, and fleas play a major role in preventing serious illnesses—and keeping your pet feeling their best.
Our Services
Comprehensive Primary Care
We tailor each visit to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle. During your appointment, we’ll discuss any concerns you have and make personalized recommendations for vaccines, preventatives, and at-home care.
Parasite prevention and treatment, including heartworm prevention, flea & tick control, and deworming
Annual wellness exams for dogs and cats
Puppy and kitten checkups and care plans
Senior pet wellness screenings
Vaccinations and boosters
Nutritional and weight management support
Behavioral consultations
Routine lab work to monitor health over time
What to Know
Why Preventative Care—and Parasite Prevention—Matters
Preventative care helps us catch health issues early and stop them before they become serious. But one of the most critical areas we focus on is parasite prevention—especially in Montana, where ticks and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes are a real risk during the warmer months.
Heartworm Disease
A life-threatening disease and often shows no symptoms until it’s advanced. Monthly preventatives are simple, affordable, and highly effective.
Ticks
Can carry dangerous diseases like Lyme and ehrlichiosis, which can cause long-term illness in pets. Tick prevention keeps your pet (and your household) protected.
Deworming
An essential part of preventive care, deworming protects pets from internal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms.
Your Questions, Our Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my pet have a checkup?
We recommend annual wellness visits for most pets. Seniors or pets with ongoing conditions may need to be seen more frequently.
What’s included in a wellness exam?
A full physical exam, weight check, oral health assessment, discussion of behavior, and a review of your pet’s vaccine and parasite prevention needs.
How do I protect my pet from heartworm?
We prescribe safe, vet-approved heartworm prevention that’s given monthly. It’s one of the most important steps you can take for your pet’s health.
Do I really need to worry about ticks in Billings?
Yes. Ticks are common in Montana’s outdoor spaces and can transmit diseases to both pets and people. Preventative medication is the best defense.
When should I bring in my new puppy or kitten?
As early as 6–8 weeks old. We’ll start their vaccine schedule, deworming, and set you up with a plan for their first year of life.
What if I forget to give a heartworm dose on time?
Let us know right away. In some cases, a heartworm test may be needed before continuing prevention safely.
My pet stays indoors—do they still need parasite prevention?
Yes. Mosquitoes (which spread heartworm) and ticks can still enter your home. Prevention keeps your pet safe even with limited outdoor exposure.
How much does a wellness visit cost?
Costs vary depending on your pet’s needs, but we’re always upfront with pricing. We’ll talk through everything before starting any tests or treatments.
Ready to Give Your Pet the Best Care?
We’re dedicated to providing personalized veterinary care to keep your pets healthy, happy, and thriving. Contact us today or explore our services to learn more.
