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Routine lab tests catch hidden health issues early, helping your pet live a longer, healthier life. Schedule preventive screenings today for peace of mind and personalized care.


Beyond Vaccines: Why Routine Lab Testing Is Essential for Your Pet

As summer heats up, so does the risk of dehydration in pets. Dogs and cats, just like humans, need proper hydration to stay healthy, especially in the scorching days of July. Whether heading out for a beach day or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, keeping your furry friends cool, hydrated, and safe is crucial. In this post, we'll explore the signs of dehydration, tips for keeping your pets hydrated, and how your veterinary clinic can help.

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

Whether you're a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to help your cat thrive all month.



Ultimate Guide to Cat Care: Keep Your Feline Happy and Healthy

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month - learn how to protect your pets from hidden household dangers like toxic foods, plants, and chemicals. This guide covers key risks, emergency tips, and prevention strategies to keep your furry friends safe.



Toxic to Pets: Household Dangers Every Owner Should Know

As our beloved pets age, their healthcare needs evolve significantly. While regular veterinary care is essential for pets of all ages, senior pets require a more tailored approach to ensure they enjoy a healthy, active life in their golden years. Explore the differences between senior pet wellness and regular veterinary care, highlighting the importance of specialized attention for aging pets.

Understanding Senior Pet Wellness Care: A Guide for Pet Owners

Gardner Animal Care Center

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Proudly serving the citizens of Gardner and it's surrounding areas.


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Since 1988, the goal of the veterinarians and staff at Gardner Animal Care Center has been to assemble and maintain a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. The Gardner Animal Care Center displays an unrivaled commitment to our clients through continuing education, technological advances in veterinary medicine and service, and, most importantly, providing compassionate care to all pets entrusted to us. We care for pets throughout central Massachusetts and serve the areas of Gardner, Fitchburg, Worcester, Leominster, Athol, Rindge, and Keene, NH.

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Nutrition &amp; Diet Counseling: Fueling Your Pet’s Health the Right Way Just like humans, nutrition plays a vital role in your pet’s health. The right food can boost energy, support healthy weight, improve skin and coat, strengthen the immune system, and even help manage chronic conditions. But with so many options out there—kibble, raw, grain-free, prescription diets—it’s not always easy to know what’s best.That’s where veterinary-guided nutrition and diet counseling comes in.Why Nutrition Matters at Every Life StageYour pet’s dietary needs evolve over time. A growing puppy or kitten requires different nutrients than a senior pet or one with food sensitivity. Breed, size, activity level, medical history, and even dental health can influence what kind of diet works best.Through routine wellness exams and tailored counseling, we help pet parents make informed decisions that align with long-term health goals.Common Reasons to Seek Nutrition Guidance<ul><li>Weight gain or obesity</li><li>Food allergies or sensitivities</li><li>Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, or gas)</li><li>Kidney disease, diabetes, or pancreatitis</li><li>Poor coat condition or skin problems</li><li>Age-based dietary transitions</li><li>Switching food brands or formats</li></ul>If your pet has special medical needs, we may recommend a prescription diet to support their treatment plan.What to Expect from a Nutrition Consultation<ul><li>Thorough health review including lifestyle, age, and current diet</li><li>Body condition scoring (BCS) to assess ideal weight and energy needs</li><li>Customized feeding plan including brand, portion size, and schedule</li><li>Supplement recommendations when appropriate (e.g., joint, skin, digestive health)</li><li>Ongoing support for dietary changes, food transitions, or weight monitoring</li></ul>We work with you to create a plan that’s realistic, balanced, and easy to maintain at home.Should You Consider Prescription Pet Food?Some pets benefit from therapeutic diets that are scientifically formulated to support specific health conditions. These are typically available only through your veterinarian and are often part of a broader treatment plan for conditions like:<ul><li>Kidney disease</li><li>Urinary tract issues</li><li>Allergies</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Gastrointestinal disorders</li></ul>We’ll let you know if this is a good option for your pet—and if not, we’ll recommend the best alternatives from trusted, high-quality sources.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div>Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools you have to keep your pet thriving. Whether you’re starting fresh with a new puppy or adjusting for age or health concerns, we’re here to guide every bite along the way.🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

Get expert guidance on your pet's nutrition, weight, and feeding to support lifelong wellness.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

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We love educating our clients, that's why we have curated and shared posts filled with helpful information regarding pet care.

Gardner Animal Care Center accepts Cash, Checks and Credit/Debit cards along with other financing options mentioned bellow.

We are pleased to offer access to several financing options.

Receive Automatic Reminders, Request Appointments 24/7,Your Pet's Organizer App and Save Notes, Pics & Much More!

Download our app and connect with us on PetDesk. Maintaining your pet's health from your mobile device has never been easier.

Here are our videos to help you understand more topics in depth.

Please complete these forms online, or fill them out and bring them with you to the hospital at the time of your appointment.

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Gardner Animal Care Center has been a trusted source of comprehensive veterinary care since 1988.

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Extra availability when it matters most - your pet's health can't always wait until Monday.

Weekend Care

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Get your pet's medications, food, and preventatives delivered straight to your door - fast and easy.


Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

Safe, supervised care for your pet while you're away - with plenty of attention, play, and comfort.


Boarding & Daycare

A quick microchip gives your pet a permanent ID and increases their chance of being reunited if lost.


Microchipping

Treat and prevent internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavior challenges.


Spay & Neuter

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Vaccinations

Keep your pet healthy with routine wellness exams, early detection, and personalized care plans.

Wellness & Exams

We care for exotic pets with species-specific expertise and heart.


Exotic Pet Care

Non-invasive laser therapy helps reduce pain, speed healing, and improve mobility for pets of all ages.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

Latest Blog

Beyond Vaccines: Why Routine Lab Testing Is Essential for Your Pet

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

Ultimate Guide to Cat Care: Keep Your Feline Happy and Healthy

Frequently Asked Questions