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Did you know that pets can suffer from allergies just like humans? However, unlike humans who show symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, pets usually exhibit allergic reactions through their skin. This can lead to allergies in pets often being overlooked or misdiagnosed as other illnesses.

Do Pets Get Allergies? True or False?

Critter Care Veterinary Clinic

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Critter Care Veterinary Clinic has long served the Laredo community, known for compassionate care, loyal clients, and an uplifting environment. We value respect, communication, and doing what's right for every patient and family. 

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Critter Care Veterinary Clinic is proud to serve Laredo, TX, and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary care, along with friendly and compassionate service.
We believe in treating every patient as if they were our pet, and giving them the same loving attention and care. We are a group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers who are devoted to giving our patients the best care possible.

If you have any questions about how we can care for your pet, please don't hesitate to call us at (956) 253-2015. Thank you!

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We proudly serve the pets of Laredo, TX, and the surrounding areas. We look forward to helping you and your pet and will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Please book an appointment today!



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Preventive Care &amp; Wellness: Your Pet's Foundation for Lifelong HealthJust like regular check-ups keep you healthy, preventive care visits are essential for your pet's well-being. These comprehensive wellness examinations do more than just confirm your pet's health—they establish baselines, detect subtle changes, and prevent diseases before they start. By investing in regular preventive care, you're not just treating problems; you're preventing them entirely, adding years to your pet's life and life to their years.Every pet is unique, with individual risk factors based on breed, age, lifestyle, and genetics. Our preventive care programs adapt to these differences, creating personalized health strategies that evolve as your pet grows from playful youngster to cherished senior. This tailored approach ensures your four-legged family member receives exactly the right care at the right time, maximizing both health outcomes and your peace of mind.Why Are Wellness Exams Important?Pets are masters at hiding illness—a survival instinct from their wild ancestors. By the time you notice symptoms, disease may be advanced. Regular wellness exams allow our trained team to detect problems you can't see:<ul><li>Physical changes too subtle for untrained eyes</li><li>Internal issues before external symptoms appear</li><li>Baseline values that make abnormalities obvious</li><li>Risk factors requiring preventive intervention</li></ul>The statistics are compelling: pets receiving annual wellness care live an average of 2.5 years longer than those seeing veterinarians only when sick. Early detection through routine exams can identify 95% of common diseases while they're still highly treatable, often with simple interventions rather than complex procedures.What's Included in a Wellness Visit?Our comprehensive wellness examinations go far beyond a quick look:<ul><li>Nose-to-tail physical examination evaluating every body system</li><li>Weight and body condition scoring to prevent obesity-related diseases</li><li>Dental health assessment checking for painful periodontal disease</li><li>Eye and ear examination for infections or abnormalities</li><li>Heart and lung auscultation detecting murmurs or respiratory issues</li><li>Abdominal palpation feeling for masses or organ changes</li><li>Joint and mobility evaluation identifying early arthritis</li><li>Skin and coat assessment for parasites, allergies, or tumors</li><li>Behavioral discussion addressing changes before they become problems</li></ul>Age-Appropriate Diagnostic ScreeningBased on your pet's life stage, we recommend specific tests:Young Adults (1-6 years):<ul><li>Baseline blood work establishing normal values</li><li>Urinalysis screening for kidney/bladder health</li><li>Fecal testing for intestinal parasites</li><li>Heartworm and tick disease screening</li></ul>Mature Pets (7+ years):<ul><li>Comprehensive blood chemistry panels</li><li>Complete blood count (CBC)</li><li>Thyroid hormone testing</li><li>Blood pressure monitoring</li><li>Chest X-rays for heart/lung evaluation</li></ul>Essential Components of Preventive CareVaccination Programs Tailored protocols protecting against:<ul><li>Life-threatening diseases like rabies and parvovirus</li><li>Respiratory infections causing serious illness</li><li>Lifestyle-specific risks based on your pet's activities</li></ul>We follow current guidelines, avoiding over-vaccination while ensuring complete protection.Parasite Prevention Year-round protection against:<ul><li>Heartworms transmitted by mosquitoes</li><li>Intestinal parasites affecting pets and people</li><li>Fleas causing discomfort and disease</li><li>Ticks spreading serious infections</li></ul>Monthly preventatives cost pennies per day but prevent conditions costing thousands to treat.Dental Health Management Periodontal disease affects 80% of pets over age 3, causing:<ul><li>Chronic pain pets hide well</li><li>Tooth loss and difficulty eating</li><li>Bacteria entering bloodstream</li><li>Damage to heart, liver, and kidneys</li></ul>Regular dental assessments and cleanings prevent these complications entirely.Nutritional Counseling Proper nutrition prevents numerous health issues:<ul><li>Obesity (affecting 56% of dogs and 60% of cats)</li><li>Diabetes and joint problems</li><li>Urinary and kidney diseases</li><li>Allergies and skin conditions</li></ul>We provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your pet's specific needs.When Should Preventive Care Begin?Puppies and Kittens: Start at 6-8 weeks with visits every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. This critical period establishes immunity and healthy habits.Adult Pets: Annual comprehensive examinations maintain health and catch developing issues early.Senior Pets: Bi-annual visits monitor age-related changes more closely, adjusting care as needed.All Pets: Any time you notice changes in appetite, energy, bathroom habits, or behavior.What Happens During Your Visit?<ul><li>Welcome and History - Discussion of any concerns or changes you've noticed</li><li>Comprehensive Examination - Systematic evaluation of all body systems</li><li>Diagnostic Testing - Collection of recommended samples</li><li>Results Review - Clear explanation of findings</li><li>Prevention Planning - Customized recommendations for your pet</li><li>Treatment Demonstration - Showing you how to give medications or care</li><li>Follow-up Scheduling - Planning next steps for optimal health</li></ul>The Power of Prevention: Real ResultsPreventive care dramatically improves outcomes:<ul><li>Dental cleanings prevent painful extractions and systemic infections</li><li>Weight management adds 2+ years to overweight pets' lives</li><li>Parasite prevention stops suffering before it starts</li><li>Early kidney disease detection can slow progression by 75%</li><li>Vaccine programs have nearly eliminated fatal diseases</li></ul>Common Conditions Prevented or Detected EarlyThrough regular wellness visits, we can prevent or manage:<ul><li>Heart disease before symptoms appear</li><li>Diabetes while still diet-manageable</li><li>Arthritis before mobility is compromised</li><li>Cancer when surgical cure is possible</li><li>Kidney disease while function remains</li><li>Thyroid imbalances easily corrected</li><li>Dental disease before tooth loss</li></ul>Making Preventive Care Part of Your Routine<ul><li>Success comes from consistency:</li><li>Schedule appointments at memorable times (birthday months)</li><li>Keep a health journal noting changes</li><li>Follow through with all recommendations</li><li>Maintain year-round parasite prevention</li><li>Address concerns promptly between visits</li></ul>Special Programs for Every Life StageNew Pet Wellness: Comprehensive initial assessments establishing baselines and addressing early needs.Adult Wellness: Annual evaluations maintaining peak health through prime years.Senior Wellness: Enhanced monitoring addressing age-related changes proactively.Chronic Care Management: Increased monitoring for pets with ongoing conditions.The Investment That Pays DividendsPreventive care typically costs $200-400 annually but prevents:<ul><li>Emergency visits averaging $800-1,500</li><li>Dental procedures costing $700-1,500</li><li>Chronic disease management at $200-500 monthly</li><li>Advanced illness treatment exceeding $3,000-5,000</li></ul>More importantly, prevention spares your pet from pain and suffering while maximizing quality time together.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div>Wellness care is the greatest gift you can give your pet—the gift of health, comfort, and longevity. By partnering with our veterinary team for regular preventive care, you're ensuring your beloved companion enjoys every possible healthy, happy day by your side.💙 Whether it’s a checkup, questions, or care needs, visit us—we’re here to be your partner in your pet’s health.

Regular wellness exams and preventive treatments detect problems early, prevent disease, and help your pet live their most extended, healthiest life possible.


Preventive Care & Wellness

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The team at Critter Care Veterinary Clinic has written blogs for you to view, learn some new tips and information to improve your pet's quality of life!

Critter Care Veterinary Clinic accepts Cash and Credit/Debit cards along with other financing options mentioned bellow.

We are pleased to offer access to several financing options.

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Laredo, Critter Care Veterinary Clinic has proudly served pets and families since 2004.



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Provides emergency care during business hours, ensuring prompt attention when your pet needs it most.



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Laredo, Critter Care Veterinary Clinic has proudly served pets and families since 2004.

Provides emergency care during business hours, ensuring prompt attention when your pet needs it most.

Save time during your next appointment! Complete your required form online from any device at any time before your visit.

Convenient on-site pharmacy with quality medications, preventatives, and prescription diets, plus expert guidance to ensure your pet gets the right treatment quickly.


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Safe, supervised care for your pet while you're away - with plenty of attention, play, and comfort.


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Struggling with behavior issues? We help you understand and improve your pet's habits and routines.


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A quick microchip gives your pet a permanent ID and increases their chance of being reunited if lost.


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Treat and prevent internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


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Safe, carefully monitored anesthesia keeps your pet comfortable during surgeries and procedures.

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From routine to advanced procedures, your pet is in skilled, compassionate hands every step of the way.


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Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavior challenges.


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Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


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Get expert guidance on your pet's nutrition, weight, and feeding to support lifelong wellness.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

Advanced diagnostics like bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound help us catch issues early and treat fast.

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Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

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Keep your pet healthy with routine wellness exams, early detection, and personalized care plans.

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We offer advanced surgical care using skilled techniques, modern equipment, and compassionate support.


Preventive Care & Wellness

Latest Blogs

Do Pets Get Allergies? True or False?

Frequently Asked Questions

Preventive Care & Wellness

Latest Blogs

Do Pets Get Allergies? True or False?

Frequently Asked Questions

What payment options do you accept at Critter Care Veterinary Clinic?

Can I get a diagnosis or prescription over the phone?

Why are annual wellness exams so important?

Do I need to make an appointment?

What services do you offer?