Veterinarian urges pet owners to take proactive steps to protect their animals' long-term health

WOODLAND HILLS, CA / ACCESS Newswire / December 5, 2025 / Dr. Jody Downhill, longtime veterinarian and owner of Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic, is raising awareness about the critical importance of preventative medicine for pets. Drawing on almost three decades of veterinary experience, Dr. Downhill is encouraging pet owners to take a more proactive role in safeguarding their animals' well-being through regular checkups, early screenings, and lifestyle awareness.

"Preventative medicine isn't just about avoiding illness," says Dr. Downhill. "It's about helping animals live longer, healthier, and happier lives."

The Rising Need for Preventative Care

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), nearly 60% of pet illnesses could be prevented or mitigated with early detection and routine care. Yet, industry data shows that only about 35% of pet owners bring their pets in for regular wellness exams after the first year.

Dr. Jody Downhill, who has treated thousands of animals in her Woodland Hills practice since 2003, says she has seen the effects firsthand.

"We often meet pets for the first time when something has already gone wrong," she explains. "But many of those emergencies could have been avoided with simple yearly exams or vaccines. Prevention saves lives-and money."

Her clinic sees everything from dogs and cats to pocket pets, birds, reptiles, horses and farm animals. "I'll treat just about anything," she says with a smile. "Each animal deserves care before there's a crisis."

Lessons from the Field

Dr. Jody Downhill's experience as an emergency veterinarian early in her career shaped her advocacy for prevention. While working overnight shifts at VCA Berwyn Animal Hospital in Illinois, she witnessed the heartbreak that often comes with late diagnoses.

"You learn quickly that waiting too long can make the difference between a full recovery and a tragedy," she says. "That's why I talk about prevention every chance I get."

Her message extends beyond animals-it's also about education. "Owners are part of the care team," she emphasizes. "When they understand signs of illness or know when to come in for checkups, it changes everything."

The Cost of Waiting

Preventative care isn't just an ethical choice-it's a financial one. A study by the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) found that the average emergency vet visit costs between $800 and $1,500, compared to $100-$300 for an annual wellness exam.

"Many people think they're saving money by skipping regular visits," Dr. Downhill says, "but the opposite is true. Preventative care is the best investment you can make for your pet."

She notes that simple actions-such as annual blood panels, dental cleanings, parasite prevention, and early nutritional guidance-can add years to a pet's life.

A Call to Action: What Pet Owners Can Do

Dr. Downhill's message is clear: prevention starts at home. She encourages pet owners to take the following steps:

  1. Schedule annual wellness exams - even for young, seemingly healthy pets.

  2. Monitor diet and exercise - obesity is one of the leading preventable health issues in pets.

  3. Stay current on vaccines and parasite control - especially in areas with high tick or mosquito populations.

  4. Pay attention to changes - in appetite, energy, or behavior. Early signs often appear subtle.

  5. Build a relationship with your vet - regular visits create familiarity and trust that improve long-term care.

"You don't have to wait for something to go wrong," she says. "A quick checkup can make all the difference. Your pets rely on you to speak for them." A sick animal will pretend it's fine until it can't pretend anymore. Often leading to a poor outcome.

A Life Dedicated to Animals

As both a business owner and a Veterinarian, Dr. Downhill understands the challenges of balancing care with costs, but her philosophy remains simple: compassion first.

"I've been doing this long enough to see generations of families come through my doors," she reflects. "I've treated their puppies and kittens, and later helped those same animals cross the rainbow bridge. It's all part of the cycle of care-but prevention helps make that journey longer and gentler."

About Dr. Jody Downhill

Dr. Jody Downhill, DVM, is the owner and sole Veterinarian at Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic in Woodland Hills, California. She has been caring for animals professionally since 1996 and specializes in companion and farm animal medicine. A lifelong equestrian and advocate for animal wellness, Dr. Downhill's approach emphasizes preventative care, education, and empathy.

SOURCE: Jody Downhill



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