Preventive Care in North Richland Hills
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.
Request an AppointmentRegular 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?
- 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 through our laboratory services, help detect hidden diseases before symptoms appear.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Preventive visits are also a good time to stay current on parasite control and heartworm prevention, and to consider a wellness plan to help manage the cost of routine care throughout the year.
For more information on preventive care, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (817) 514-8387.
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
Most pets benefit from an exam every six months, though senior pets or those with medical conditions may need more frequent visits.
Why do cats hide signs of illness?
Cats often hide illness as a survival instinct, which is why regular screening exams are especially important for catching hidden health issues.
What happens during a preventive care exam?
We perform a physical exam, review vaccination needs, discuss diet and dental care, and may recommend screening tests based on your pet’s age and history.
Can preventive care save money in the long run?
Yes, catching and managing health issues early is often less costly and less stressful for your pet than treating advanced disease.
What subtle signs of illness should I watch for at home?
Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weight changes can all be early signs of a health issue worth discussing with your veterinarian.
Do senior pets need different preventive care?
Yes, senior pets often benefit from more frequent exams and additional screening tests to catch age-related conditions early.
Is a wellness plan a good option for preventive care?
Yes, a wellness plan can help make routine preventive services more predictable and affordable throughout the year.