Prevention is Key
At Hampton Park Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive preventive veterinary care services customized for the needs of each pet. We consider consistent preventive pet care the key to lifelong health for our furry patients. Instead of waiting until your pet is sick or injured, we work with you and your pet to identify and prevent potential or developing health issues before they become serious.
What is Veterinary Preventive Care?
Preventive veterinary care encompasses a range of treatments and procedures designed to prevent the development of disease and injury in pets. Based on the findings, your veterinarian will provide you with recommendations for your pet’s nutrition, dental care, vaccinations, and heartworm and parasite prevention, as well as recommendations specifically tailored to your pet’s health status and risk factors.
How Often Should I Visit the Vet for Preventive Care?
Our pets age much faster than us. On average, most dogs and cats reach adulthood at two years old, and by age 4, many pets are entering middle age. By age 7, most dogs, particularly larger breeds, are entering their senior years. Because of this, significant health changes can occur in a short amount of time, and the risks of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease, metabolic problems, and other severe conditions all increase with age.
Our Preventative Health Services for Dogs and Cats
A preventative care visit at Hampton Park Veterinary includes
Wellness Exams
A comprehensive exam typically includes a head-to-tail checkup, dental exam, weight measurement, observing the patient’s behavior and motion, and discussing your pet’s daily routine, diet, water consumption, weight, preexisting conditions, behavior, or any other pertinent information. We look for subtle symptoms of potential illness or injury during this process and record your pet’s information to create baselines for future diagnosis.
Vaccines
Vaccination is one of the most important preventive measures you can take for your pet’s health. We will develop a tailored plan based on your pets lifestyle and update any necessary vaccines during your appointment.
Heartworm and Parasite Preventions
Cats and dogs are vulnerable to various parasites which can infect their heart, lungs, or digestive system. Heartworms and parasites can cause weight loss, respiratory conditions, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, and dermatological irritation. We’ll perform an intestinal parasite and heartworm screening and provide treatment recommendations based on the results.
Nutrition and Weight Management
Nutrition plays a vital role in your pet’s overall health. During your visit, we’ll evaluate your pet’s current diet, discuss appropriate feeding strategies, and address any concerns related to weight gain, weight loss, or specific dietary needs based on age, breed, or medical history.
Behavioral Counseling
Changes in behavior can be early signs of underlying health issues or stress. We’ll take time to discuss any behavior concerns you’ve noticed—such as anxiety, aggression, house soiling, or changes in activity—and help you understand what’s normal, what may need medical attention, and what training or management options are available.
Routine wellness exams are one of the most effective ways to protect your pet’s long-term health.
At Hampton Park Veterinary Hospital, we use these visits to catch problems early—often before symptoms are noticeable—so treatment can be less invasive, more effective, and more affordable. Preventable conditions like obesity, dental disease, and ear infections can often be managed or avoided entirely with consistent care. We also screen for chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, arthritis, and diabetes, which are far more manageable when detected early. Every exam is an opportunity to tailor recommendations for your pet’s diet, lifestyle, and care at home—helping them live a healthier, more comfortable life at every stage.
Pet Preventive Care Costs
The cost of veterinary preventive care visits will vary, since we won’t be giving vaccines or blood tests at every visit. We will always gladly explain treatment costs before you commit to anything. You also get to save money in the long run by preventing issues or catching them early when they are easily treatable and often less costly.
