We treat your pets like family
Boarding
Canine Laboratory Tests For Veterinary Care
Understanding Dog Blood Tests
A blood test or lab test allows us to learn information about your dog's health which can only be found from collecting a sample of blood and having it analyzed. This includes a CBC (complete blood count) and blood chemistries that analyze chemical components in the blood.
Canine Medical Imaging, Ultrasound, MRI, X-rays, Radiographs
What is Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging?
Canine Surgical Procedures
What To Know When Dog Surgery Has Been Recommended
Caring For Mature, Senior and Geriatric Cats
Understanding The Changing Health Needs Of Mature, Senior And Geriatric Cats
Cat Dermatology
Most cats will scratch on occasion but if you notice that the occasional scratch and regular grooming turns into a cat who appears uncomfortable, cat skin problems may be present and you should schedule an appointment with one of the veterinarians here at The Drake Center.
Excessive scratching, hair loss and a mildly frantic cat are signs that skin problems may be present and your feline friend needs medical attention. While cat skin problems are rarely an emergency, an uncomfortable cat will have trouble enjoying daily life until those symptoms are under control.
Cat Grooming, Bathing, Clipping, Brushing Services and Tips
Cat Grooming, Bathing, Clipping, Brushing Services and Tips
Cats typically take care of daily grooming by themselves. If you’ve ever seen a cat lying in the sun grooming itself, it can be quite calming to observe the meticulous routine. Cats instinctively groom themselves to banish any odors that may be noticed by other animals, especially predators. Cats are also able to maintain a healthy-looking coat by daily grooming and distributing natural oils to keep their coats clean and shiny.
Cat Medications
If you’re like a lot of cat owners, you know your cat’s daily routine. If you notice your cat is not following his usual activities, or if you see a change in behavior patterns, those could be subtle but important clues that your cat is sick. As a pet parent, it’s time for you to step in and get the vet on speed dial.
Cat Spaying & Neutering
Information And Services To Spay And Neuter Cats
Cat Vaccinations - Everything You Should Know
The importance of vaccinations to the overall health and longevity of your cat cannot be understated. Cat vaccines are medically and scientifically proven to combat the incubation and transmission of crippling and fatal feline diseases. Our veterinary staff is dedicated to educating people about the importance of cat vaccinations, including what cat vaccines are necessary, and when they should be scheduled.
Complementary Medicine
The Drake Center offers many different approaches to medical care. Complementary therapies are recommended based upon conventional diagnostic methods as well as traditional Chinese medical pattern diagnosis. They can be used as stand-alone treatments or combined with conventional Western therapies.
Our complementary services include:
Dental Care For Cats
What Every Cat Owner Should Know About Dental Care For Cats
Dentistry
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer in Cats
Diagnosing And Treating Cancer In Cats
At The Drake Center for Veterinary Care, we understand that feline cancer is a devastating diagnosis. It is natural to feel highly emotional. However, a cat cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a hopeless one. Depending upon how early it is identified and the type of cancer involved, there are certainly options that can lead to very positive outcomes.
Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic or medical imaging refers to the processes used to create images of the body. The purpose of these procedures is to aid the veterinarian in making a proper diagnosis of the disease causing illness.
Digital Radiography (X-rays)
The Drake Center is proud to use state-of-the-art digital radiography. This system is extremely safe and allows us to obtain high-quality diagnostic images much faster than traditional methods. Because the images are digital, we are able to email them for specialty evaluation as well as share the images with our clients.
Dog Acupuncture
What Is Veterinary Acupuncture For Dogs?
Dog Behavior - A Compassionate, Sensible, Effective Approach
Illness doesn't always have a physical cause, and the sad truth is that more dogs are put to sleep because of behavioral problems than because of disease or injury. Dog obedience training can ensure your canine is a safe and enjoyable member of your family. From training puppies to addressing unwanted behavior in an older dog, our veterinarians can help you achieve a better bond with your furry friend.
Dog Cancer - Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
At The Drake Center for Veterinary Care, we understand that your canine companion is not just a pet, but that he or she is a beloved, cherished family member. The mutual bond of love and loyalty between you can make a diagnosis of any form of dog cancer very difficult to hear. Our veterinarians and support staff are empathetic, compassionate and trained to focus on both the emotional and medical aspects of dog cancer.
Dog Dental Care - Bad Breath, Teeth Cleaning, Dog Dentist
It is important to realize that your dog will never tell you when it is experiencing dental pain. All dogs will endure some level of dental disease and dental pain during their lives. The best way to minimize these issues is for your dog is to start out with a great dental health routine at home. This should be supplemented with regular dental cleanings performed by veterinary professionals (a veterinarian and veterinary nurse to aid in the dental cleaning and patient care during the procedure).
Dog Endoscopy: Gastrointestinal Exams For Dogs
At The Drake Center for Veterinary Care, we utilize the most up to date equipment which allows us to offer a very high level of care to all of our patients. Canine endoscopy uses a tiny video camera at the end of a very narrow scope, called an endoscope that is inserted either into the stomach through the mouth or the colon via the rectum. This allows a veterinarian to view a dog's gastrointestinal tract, or other areas of concern throughout his or her body.
Dog Microchipping
Why Should I Microchip My Dog?
Dog Nutrition
What Is The Right Food To Feed Your Dog?
Good nutrition is feeding your dog the building blocks and energy components that allow them to grow, develop to their potential and stay active throughout their life. There are many ways to feed your dog and hundreds of diets to choose from. Most people tend to use dry and canned dog food for convenience and cost. However, for owners who are open minded about their dog's diet, there are alternatives to dry and canned dog food that may offer better nutrition for your particular dog.
Dog Vaccinations
Everything You Must Know About Vaccinating Your Dog
Dog vaccinations play a critical role in protecting your dog from many dangerous and even fatal diseases. While state law requires all dogs are vaccinated for rabies, there are a number of other vaccinations that can protect your dog from serious diseases that are easily preventable.
Emergency Dog Clinic - What To Do In A Dog Emergency
If your dog has suffered a sudden trauma or is experiencing any life threatening symptoms, please call us immediately at: (760) 456-9556
What To Do In Case Of A Dog Emergency
Everything You Should Know About Microchipping Cats
What Are Microchip IDs, And Why Does My Cat Need One?
At The Drake Center for Veterinary Care, we understand that the bond you and your beloved feline friend share is invaluable and irreplaceable. We also understand that by nature, cats are roaming creatures and therefore run the risk of wandering too far from home, or just accidentally losing their way. In fact, a staggering number of cats are lost in the shelter system each year because they lack any means to identify them with. This is why we are happy to offer cat microchip identification services.
Feline Diagnostic Imaging Ultrasound, MRI, X-Rays, Radiology
What Is Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging For Felines?
Flea and Tick For Cats - Get Information and Treatment
The Dangers Of Fleas And Ticks For Cats
Of all the pesky nuisances out there your cat might face, fleas and ticks are two of the most troublesome. For cats, fleas and ticks pose a variety of potential health issues, including:
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Rashes & Skin Infections
- Transmission of disease and illness
- Suffering
Heartworms In Dogs - Symptoms and Treatments
Since 1984 the veterinary staff at The Drake Center in Encinitas, has made heartworm prevention for dogs an important part of our approach to preventive care. A heartworm infection can lead to numerous health problems up to and including early death. Therefore, heartworm prevention cannot be ignored. Our team is here to educate you and protect your dog from this terrible disease.
Integrative Medicine
Kitten Care
Getting a new kitten is a very special experience with lots of joy, warmth and laughter. There is a reason why the internet is so full of kitten and cat pictures and videos. Kittens are super fun, loving and entertaining. Kitten care does involve some amount of hands-on attention from human family members. The focus of kitten care is on acclimating the kitten to its new family, and providing for the kitten's physical well being to support healthy development.
Kitten Wellness Package
Start your kitten off on the right paw with a Kitten Wellness Package at The Drake Center! In addition, this kitten care package entitles you to a 20% discount off of the price of your kitten’s OVH or NEUTER if done before six months of age.
Laboratory
Laser Therapy For Cats
What Is Laser Therapy For Cats?
At The Drake Center for Veterinary Care, we are always looking to new ways to care for your cat. Medicine and technology are constantly advancing and we embrace staying at the forefront of the best medical and surgical care. We are proud to offer laser therapy for cats at our veterinary clinic.
Laser Therapy For Dogs
What Is Laser Therapy For Dogs And How Does It Work?
At The Drake Center for Veterinary Care, we pride ourselves with always searching for new ways to care for your dog especially where pain is concerned. Veterinary laser therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free and drug-free treatment that is used to treat a variety of conditions, and can be performed in conjunction with existing treatments.
Medicine
At The Drake Center, we aim to provide families the ultimate in quality pet care, including the very best standards of medicine and surgery in a safe, compassionate environment. Our dedication to this level of care is called The Drake Center Difference.
Optimum Feline Nutrition - What Should You Feed Your Cat?
The Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Cat Food
Feline nutrition is very important for general health. However, the plethora of dietary options, brands and formulas available to consumers can be confusing, when deciding which kind of cat food is best for your feline friend's health and wellness.
Pain Management
Preventative Care
Preventing and Treating Fleas and Ticks For Dogs
How Does My Dog Pick Up Fleas And Ticks?
Preventing And Treating Heartworms In Cats
What Is Dirofilariasis, AKA: Cat Heartworm?
Dirofilaria immitis is a blood-borne parasitic nematode (roundworm), commonly referred to as cat heartworm. Heartworms in cats are spread through mosquitos carrying cat heartworm larvae. The severity of heartworms in cats is directly dependent upon the number of worms present a cat's body, the duration of the incubation, and the response of the infected cat.
Preventive Care That Will Ensure A Happy, Healthy Cat
Featured Quote:
Preventive Health Care For Dogs
What Goes Into A Dog Health Preventive Care Regimen
At The Drake Center, we believe that a sound preventive health care regimen is the easiest and most effective way to keep your dog healthy and happy. Many canine diseases are easily preventable and most can be effectively treated and cured if detected early enough. However, if allowed to develop and progress unchecked, many diseases can quickly become difficult and expensive to treat, and in some cases incurable. Therefore, we strongly encourage every dog owner to take a proactive approach to preventive care.
Puppy Care
How To Take Care Of A Puppy
One of the greatest joys in life is having a cuddly, cute puppy to have and hold. This is a memorable time for the entire family and everyone can participate in loving and caring for your new puppy. Our staff and veterinarians know what an exciting and special time this is for you and we want to provide you with the best information and health care to get a great start for your new puppy's life. The time you commit to this puppy in the beginning of its life will have a great impact on your relationship for the next 12-15 years.
Puppy Wellness Package
Start your new puppy off on the right paw with our Puppy Wellness Package!
This package includes all recommended standard vaccinations, a fecal test for parasites and the recommended preventative physical examinations. Each visit will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your puppy’s health care progress and will include discussions on behavior and training progress, weight management and nutrition, and general adaptation into your family environment.
Senior Dog Care
Taking The Physiological Changes Of Aging Dogs Into Consideration
At The Drake Center, we love providing senior dogs with the care and support they need to age gracefully and comfortably. We understand that the experience of caring for older dogs can be a tremendously rewarding one that enhances and enriches the lives of dogs themselves, as well as their human caretakers. We truly are dog people at heart. We love to lend insight and guidance into caring for older dogs.
Spaying or Neutering Dogs
If you have owned an animal, or if you know anyone who has, chances are you have heard of the terms spay and neuter. Spaying is a term that describes the ovariohysterectomy, or the removal of portions of the reproductive system of a female dog. Neutering is a term that describes the castration, or the removal of the testicles of a male dog. Veterinarians perform these surgical procedures, which render dogs incapable of reproducing.
Surgery
The Importance Of Cat Wellness Exams
It is very important to have a veterinarian examine your cat at least once a year. Cats age significantly faster than humans and therefore it is imperative for cat owners to stay on top of wellness exams in order to catch any potential health problems before they begin.
Veterinary Acupuncture For Cats
Cat acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment modality that allows the veterinarians here at The Drake Center to address a variety of feline health issues and reduce pain in our feline patients.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system by inserting very fine needles into very specific points on the body. From the perspective of Western medicine, feline acupuncture decreases inflammation by stimulating nerve centers;thus causing a cat’s body to release its own pain relieving substances.
Veterinary ICU - An Intensive Care Unit For Your Pet
A crucial part of our emergency hospital is our Intensive Care Unit. After your pet has been examined and a plan developed for their care, they may need constant care and monitoring for a period of time. These pets are admitted into our ICU for specialized critical care and monitoring by our emergency doctors and critical care nurses. The amount of time spent in ICU depends upon the severity of the illness and amount of care required to get them through a severe illness.
Veterinary Services
The Drake Center for Veterinary Care Offers A Full Service Veterinary Clinic
At The Drake Center, we believe that your pet is a part of the family, yours and ours. That is why we have made it our mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate veterinary care and that is in the best interests of you and your furriest family member. If you are in the Encinitas area, and are looking for a caring veterinary team to help make sure your pet remains in good health, we are nearby and ready to help.
Veterinary Services For Cats
What makes us the purr-fect practice?
Veterinary Services For Dogs
Dog Veterinarians Who Really Care
What Blood Tests Can Tell You About Your Cat's Health
When Will A Veterinarian Order Blood Tests For Cats
Sometimes in the case of an eye or ear infection, your feline friend's medical condition affords a veterinarian the opportunity for a relatively straightforward diagnosis. However, other times the results in the need for further examination. In such a case, your veterinarian will order feline blood tests to aid in his or her investigation. The following situations can result in the need for blood tests for cats:
What To Know About Your Cat's Pre and Post-Op Surgical Care
Understanding Why A Cat Surgery Has Been Recommended
At The Drake Center for Veterinary Care, our primary concern is for the health and well being of your cat. Unfortunately, there may arise a circumstance when a surgical procedure is in the best interest of your feline friend, and in these times you will need to make that decision. We understand what that feels like, and our veterinarians and staff are here for you too.
What To Know When Your Cat Needs Anesthesia
There may be a time when your cat will require a procedure or surgery for his continued health. At the time of surgery your cat will require anesthesia which will be carefully administered and monitored by our veterinary staff. Knowing the basics about how anesthesia will be used in cat surgery and the recovery basics will help to ease your mind while your kitty is under our care.