Why Does My Pet Need Preventive Health Care?

The veterinarians and staff at Cornerstone Animal Hospital place great importance on preventive care. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preventing disease or detecting it early is far better than treating it once it has progressed.

Regular preventive health care from your North Richland Hills veterinarian helps protect your pet from unnecessary suffering and reduces financial burdens. Just as annual physical exams are recommended for people, routine physical examinations are highly recommended for pets as well.

Why Does My Pet Need a Physical Examination?

  1. Our pets cannot speak and don’t tell us when they feel unwell or show signs of internal illness. Regular examinations every six months, along with routine screening tests, help detect hidden diseases before symptoms appear.
  2. Pets, especially cats, often hide signs of illness until late in the disease progression, an instinct rooted in survival behavior within their pack or colony.
  3. Subtle signs like loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or weight changes might be overlooked or mistaken for minor behavior changes but can indicate serious health issues. Older pets or those with medical conditions may require more frequent check-ups. At Cornerstone Animal Hospital, we strive to help your pet live a healthy life by identifying, treating, and preventing many health problems through regular exams.
  4. Examinations also provide an opportunity for our veterinarian and staff to discuss your pet’s lifestyle and design a health plan tailored to their needs. Vaccination requirements and options will be reviewed to decide the best care for your pet. Our pet care team will also guide you on diet, dental care, exercise, diagnostics, and vaccinations, adapting as your pet’s needs evolve. Below is an approximate pet age comparison to human years, which can vary by species, breed, and gender.

For more information on preventive care, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (817) 514-8387.