Wellness Care

Preventive care that keeps tails wagging and whiskers happy.

Your pet’s health deserves more than just treatment after problems appear. At Montgomery Animal Clinic, Dr. Kathy Haywood, DVM, brings over 30 years of experience to help your furry family members live healthier, happier lives through comprehensive preventive wellness care.

We believe routine wellness care is the foundation for catching health issues early, avoiding costly treatments, and giving you more quality years with your companion. Every pet is unique, that’s why we create personalized care plans based on their age, breed, lifestyle, and health history.

Understanding Wellness Care

Wellness care is a proactive approach to veterinary medicine. Instead of waiting for illness, it focuses on preventing disease and maintaining health through:

  • Physical examinations
  • Vaccinations & parasite prevention
  • Dental care & oral health checks
  • Nutritional guidance
  • Routine diagnostics & screenings

Because pets age faster than humans, regular visits are essential. Establishing baseline health records allows us to detect subtle changes early, often before symptoms are obvious, when treatments are most effective.

Benefits of Wellness Care

Improved Comfort & Mobility

Early detection of joint issues or arthritis keeps your pet active, playful, and pain-free longer.

Better Digestive Health

Nutritional counseling and early detection of GI issues help prevent stomach upset and maintain a consistent appetite.

Stronger Immune Protection

Vaccinations and parasite prevention boost your pet’s defenses, keeping illness and infections at bay.

Mental Sharpness & Behavior Support

Wellness care promotes brain health, supports learning, and helps identify neurological or behavioral changes early.

More Energy & Vitality

Addressing hidden issues before they cause fatigue means your pet stays energetic and engaged in daily life.

Our Wellness Care Process

Thorough Wellness Exam

Dr. Haywood conducts a nose-to-tail exam, checking weight, skin, coat, teeth, heart, lungs, and organ function while discussing changes you’ve noticed at home.

Customized Health Plan

We create an individualized strategy that may include vaccines, parasite prevention, diagnostics, and nutrition tailored to your pet’s stage of life.

Professional Preventive Services

Bloodwork, vaccinations, dental checks, and preventive treatments are performed with your pet’s safety and comfort in mind.

Practical Home Guidance

We provide easy-to-follow instructions on diet, exercise, grooming, and red flags to watch for at home.

Ongoing Monitoring

Pets’ needs evolve with age. We maintain a personalized wellness schedule, typically every 6–12 months so your pet receives continuous care at every life stage.

Why choose Montgomery Animal Clinic?

  • Experience you can trust: Dr. Haywood’s farm-raised background and 30+ years of veterinary expertise bring insight to every wellness visit.
  • Personalized attention: We adapt each care plan to your pet’s unique personality, lifestyle, and health.
  • Long-term relationships: We value continuity of care and detecting changes that other practices might miss.
  • Flexible wellness options: Designed to fit family budgets while maintaining high standards of preventive medicine.

Our loyal clients know we treat every pet as though it were our own.

Keep Your Pet Thriving

Preventive care is one of the most valuable investments you can make for your pet’s future health and happiness.

Call Montgomery Animal Clinic at (910) 572-3781 to book your pet’s next wellness exam. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for seasonal wellness tips and real stories from local pet families.

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Wellness Care FAQs

What happens at a veterinary wellness exam?

Your pet’s exam includes weight, temperature, heart/lung checks, dental evaluation, skin/coat assessment, and abdominal palpation. We also discuss behavior, nutrition, and update preventive care like vaccines and parasite control.

What is wellness care for dogs?

Wellness care for dogs combines regular exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental health, and nutrition counseling tailored to age, breed, and lifestyle.

How often do dogs need wellness exams?

Most adult dogs need exams every 12 months. Puppies and seniors may require more frequent visits for vaccinations, growth monitoring, or age-related screenings.

How can I tell if my cat isn’t feeling well?

Watch for subtle signs: reduced appetite, litter box changes, hiding, lethargy, decreased grooming, or unusual social behavior. Cats often hide illness, making exams crucial.

How often do cats need wellness exams?

Adult cats benefit from yearly exams, while kittens require multiple visits in their first year. Senior cats (7+) should be seen every 6 months for closer monitoring.