
What to Expect During a Wellness Exam
A wellness exam at Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital of Saratoga Springs is designed to keep your pet in peak condition. Our pet exams typically include:
- A thorough physical exam
- Vaccination updates
- Nutritional and dietary recommendations
- Parasite screening (blood and fecal tests)
- Urinalysis (as necessary)
- Parasite treatment and prevention plans
- Weight tracking compared to previous visits
Spaying and neutering are also considered part of pet wellness care since they help prevent various health conditions in both cats and dogs.

Comprehensive Parasite Prevention for Your Pet
Parasites can pose serious health risks for pets, making prevention a key part of their overall care. Common parasitic threats include:
Heartworm is spread through mosquito bites and can severely impact your pet’s heart health if not addressed promptly. Regular testing and prevention can help keep this condition under control.
Transmitted by ticks like the deer tick, Lyme disease can cause joint pain, fever, and a loss of appetite. It can also pose risks to humans, making prevention crucial for the entire family.
Some pets may develop severe itching and skin irritation due to an allergy to flea saliva. Preventative treatments help avoid this uncomfortable reaction and keep your pet’s skin healthy.
Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can cause digestive issues and other health problems. Routine fecal testing helps detect these parasites early, and we can recommend the most effective preventatives for your pet’s needs.
Puppy and Kitten Exams
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten? We recommend scheduling their first pet exam between 6-8 weeks of age. This initial visit allows us to evaluate their health, provide nutritional guidance, and ensure they receive their first round of vaccinations. Don’t forget to bring a stool sample (under 24 hours old) so we can check for internal parasites.
Caring for Senior Pets
As pets age, they may be more prone to developing certain health conditions. For this reason, we suggest that senior pets visit us every six months for a thorough health assessment, which may include a physical exam, blood tests, and x-rays. Regular visits allow us to monitor changes in their health, offering the best chance for early detection and treatment.