Wellness & Preventive Care in Houston, TX
Wellness and preventive care at Lakewood Forest Veterinary Hospital focuses on keeping dogs and cats healthy through every life stage. From routine exams and vaccinations to parasite prevention and screening tests, our veterinarians help identify concerns early and support long-term comfort, mobility, and overall well-being.
What Wellness & Preventive Care Includes
Preventive veterinary care is designed to catch health changes early—often before symptoms are noticeable at home. At Lakewood Forest Veterinary Hospital, wellness visits are tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and medical history, helping guide care decisions as needs evolve over time.
Our wellness and preventive services for dogs and cats include routine physical exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention for fleas, ticks, and heartworms, routine bloodwork, fecal testing, urinalysis, microchipping, nutrition counseling, and weight management support. These services work together to create a clear picture of your pet’s health and help reduce the risk of more serious illness.
Routine Exams
Comprehensive exams for puppies, kittens, adults, and senior pets help monitor growth, aging changes, and overall health from nose to tail.
Vaccinations
Core and lifestyle-based vaccines help protect dogs and cats from preventable infectious diseases and support long-term immune health.
Parasite Prevention
Ongoing prevention for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites helps reduce health risks and supports year-round protection.
Health Screening Tests
Routine bloodwork, fecal testing, and urinalysis provide insight into internal health and establish helpful baselines for future comparison.
Nutrition & Weight Management
Guidance on diet choices, portion control, and weight management helps support energy levels, joint health, and overall wellness.
Microchipping
Permanent identification through microchipping increases the chance of pets being reunited with their families if they become lost.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Routine wellness care plays a critical role in protecting your pet’s quality of life. Regular exams allow veterinarians to monitor trends in weight, mobility, dental health, and internal organ function, making it easier to address issues early when treatment is often simpler and more effective.
Preventive care also supports safer long-term planning. By maintaining consistent vaccine schedules, parasite prevention, and baseline lab results, our team can better tailor recommendations as pets move from puppy or kittenhood into adulthood and senior years.
What to Expect During a Wellness Visit
During a wellness appointment, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and discuss any concerns you may have noticed at home. Based on your pet’s age and health history, recommendations may include vaccines, parasite prevention, screening tests, or nutrition adjustments.
Our team takes time to explain findings and next steps clearly, helping you understand which preventive services are recommended now and which may be planned for future visits.
Wellness & Preventive Care FAQs
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
Most adult dogs and cats benefit from biannual wellness exams, while puppies, kittens, and senior pets may need visits more frequently. Regular exams allow veterinarians to monitor changes over time and adjust preventive care as your pet ages.
Why does my pet need routine bloodwork if they seem healthy?
Routine bloodwork can detect early changes in organ function that aren’t visible during a physical exam. Establishing baseline results also makes it easier to spot trends or concerns in future testing.
Is parasite prevention really necessary year-round?
Yes. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms can pose health risks throughout the year in many areas. Consistent prevention helps protect your pet and reduces the risk of serious illness.
When should senior pets start wellness screening?
Many pets are considered senior around age seven, though this can vary by breed and size. Senior wellness visits often include more frequent exams and screening tests to monitor age-related changes.
Can wellness visits include nutrition and weight discussions?
Absolutely. Nutrition and weight management are important parts of preventive care, and your veterinarian can offer guidance based on your pet’s age, activity level, and health status.