Veterinary Resources
Helpful Tools, Tips & Links for Pet Owners in the Heart of Texas
We created this Veterinary Resources page to make life easier for pet families in Brownwood, Early, and surrounding communities. Find quick access to after-hours help, prevention guides, post-surgical instructions, and convenient clinic links.
Emergencies & After-Hours Care
We are not a 24-hour facility. If your pet needs urgent care after hours, nights, weekends, or holidays, please contact:
Abilene Animal Emergency Clinic
Open and fully staffed every night, weekend, and holiday.
During business hours (Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM), call (325) 643-2020 and our team will guide you to the right level of care.
Flea & Tick Prevention: Essential Year-Round Protection in Central Texas
Fleas and ticks thrive all year in Central Texas and can transmit diseases to pets and people. Keep every pet in your household on continuous prevention.
Team-Trusted Options: Bravecto®, Simparica®, NexGard®
Find these and more in our Online Pet Store, or ask our team which formula is best for your pet.
Heartworm Protection for Dogs & Cats
Every dog and cat in Texas needs year-round heartworm prevention. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworms even in cooler months, and untreated infection can be life-threatening. We recommend starting prevention at 6–8 weeks of age and continuing every month for life.
Recommended for Dogs:
- ProHeart® 6 & ProHeart® 12 (injections): 6- or 12-month protection. Our favorite for busy families—no missed or spit-out doses.
- Sentinel® (oral): Heartworm prevention plus flea birth-control to stop infestations from taking hold.
- Tri-Heart® Plus (oral): Monthly, budget-friendly heartworm prevention.
- Other options: See additional topical/oral preventives in our Online Pet Store.
Recommended for Cats:
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Bravecto® Plus (topical): Protects against heartworms, fleas, ticks, ear mites, and mange. Applied monthly (some pets may extend to 2–3 months depending on tick pressure). Safe, fast-absorbing, and highly effective.
Medication & Refill Guidance
- Refills: Submit a Medication Refill Request or order through our Online Pet Store for vet-approved delivery.
- Administration Tips: Use pill pockets, flavored liquids, or compounding options if your pet is selective — ask us for recommendations.
- Missed Dose? Call our team for the safest way to get back on schedule.
Post-Surgical Home Care Guide
While we provide customized home care instructions at discharge, we’ve also prepared the summary below as a quick reference on how to care for your pet after surgery.
Feeding (Day of Surgery)
- At 6:00 PM, feed ½ of your pet’s normal meal.
- Limit excessive water intake.
- If vomiting occurs, remove food and allow only small sips of water for the evening.
- Resume the normal feeding schedule the next morning unless instructed otherwise.
Incision Care
- No licking/chewing the incision. Use an Elizabethan collar if needed.
- Keep the site clean — no dirt, mud, or bathing until cleared.
- Call us immediately if you notice swelling, missing stitches, discharge/pus, or anything unusual.
- If external sutures are present, removal is typically due 10 days post-op.
Activity
- Confine to a small indoor area for the first 7 days.
- Short, leashed potty breaks only; return to the confined area afterward.
Call Us If You Notice
- Persistent vomiting
- Lethargy (>12 hours after arriving home)
- Any incision abnormalities
- Weakness or difficulty breathing
- Any behavior that concerns you
Pet Care Tips
Here are some helpful tips from our care team on how to support your pet at home.
- Dental Care Between Cleanings: Plaque doesn’t take days off, so it’s essential that you help care for your pet’s teeth between cleanings at our clinic. We recommend daily brushing (or dental wipes), dental diets, and VOHC-accepted chews to keep plaque at bay. See options in our Online Pet Store.
- Parasite Prevention Calendar: Set monthly reminders for heartworm, flea, and tick prevention for every pet in the home. Parasites can wreak havoc on your pet’s and even your family’s health, and year-round protection is essential in Central Texas, especially, as these pests can fester here during all seasons.
- Low-Stress Visits: Struggling with stressed pets? Try bringing their favorite treats/blankets to their next visit and ask about coming in at a quieter time. We’re also happy to arrange “happy visits” to build positive associations with your pet’s vet.
New to Cornerstone?
Start here to make your first visit easy:
Have questions before you book? Call (325) 643-2020 or email cornerstonepethospital@yahoo.com —we’re happy to help.
Need Help Right Now?
During business hours: Call (325) 643-2020
After hours/holidays: Abilene Animal Emergency Clinic — (325) 691-1504
Have a question we didn’t cover?
Reach out — our friendly team loves to educate and support pet owners. Call, email, or request your appointment today so we can keep your pet healthy and happy all year long.