Cornerstone Animal Clinic, Randy Benham DVM

12/21/2025

Happy 1st day of Winter! Today is also the Winter Solstice- we will see the shortest amount of daylight today. Whether you are dreaming of a white Christmas or not, you can be sure that the weather is going to get a little colder for the next few months. Make sure to limit outdoor time for primarily indoor animals, and provide insulated shelters and fresh water for outdoor animals. If the temperature drops below freezing, it is recommended to bring outdoor animals inside (if possible) to protect them from the affects of cold temperatures on their bodies.

12/20/2025

Make sure that you get any medication and prescription food refills before we are closed for the holidays. You can call them in ahead of time so that we have it pulled and ready for you to try to save yourself some time.

12/17/2025

We will be closed on Wednesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve), Thursday, December 25th (Christmas Day), Wednesday, December 31st (New Year's Eve), and Thursday, January 1st (New Year's Day). We will be open our regular business hours otherwise. Make sure that you get any needed refills picked up so that you don't run out, and refer to our mail page or website for a list of emergency/urgent care clinics if your pet needs care and we aren't available.

12/15/2025

Happy Cat Herder's Day! If you want to be technical, a group of cats is most commonly called a clowder, but can also be called a cluster, clutter, glaring, or pounce.

There's only one way to silence the herd.After plenty of awesome comments, I want to clarify a few things:These are my farm cats, not stray in any way. They ...

12/13/2025

As we get into colder weather and the busy holiday season, don't forget that your pets still need mental and physical stimulation to keep them healthy and out of trouble! Based on energy levels, different animals have different activity level needs, with brain exercises being just as helpful in some ways to help tire out your pet. Interactive toys and sniffing are some ways to help with mental enrichment. Under-stimulated pets tend to have more issues with destructive behaviors and anxiety.

12/11/2025

The average December temperature in this area is a high of 45-46 degrees F, but has historically been as high as 70 degrees. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and mosquitoes are most active in temperatures over 50 degrees. Heartworm prevention is recommended year round, and for many people who monthly options aren't feasible, we do have options for injections that last either 6 or 12 months. Cats can be affected by heartworms as well, so it is also recommended for them to be on year round prevention.

12/09/2025

December 9th every year is International Day of Veterinary Medicine. This day was established to recognize the hard work of veterinary professionals in working to protect animal and public health around the world. Veterinary medicine isn't just about people's pets- many of the issues that we see can also directly affect human and wildlife populations as well. Veterinary professionals have the highest su***de rate across the categories of medical professionals. Veterinarians frequently get burned out and verbally abused, being told they are at fault for a pet not doing well, that we are just in this job for the money, and that we just don't care enough. We get blamed when we can't see every emergency or if we can't give answers without doing diagnostic tests, or if we can't get a pet seen right then for an issue that has been going on for several days to weeks. Veterinary professionals have a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders- even when you are stressed and upset about your pet, be kind.

12/07/2025

It is fairly common for people to gift pets to a loved one for Christmas. Make sure that you consider all of the angles of this beforehand. Sometimes adult children will gift a puppy to an older parent to try to provide companionship without considering the parent's finances or activity level. Parents might gift their children pets but don't have the time or energy themselves to properly train, groom, and socialize the pets, and it isn't fair to expect a young child to be able to responsibly handle all those aspects themselves. Even a free pet isn't really free- they do need at the very least minimal vet care of a yearly rabies vaccine, but more is actually recommended. You should also consider where you might get funds if there were to ever be an illness or emergency that requires extensive vet care.

12/06/2025

Christmas Song: Cornerstone Animal Clinic Style (to the tune of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)

You know Benham and Martha, Shannon and Kimmy,
Rollyn, Andrea, Katie and Shyann.
But do you recall, the
Neediest employee of all?

Hootie the black-nosed tortie
had a very slappy paw!
If you don't give her Churu
She will snag you with her claw!

All of the other patients
used to run and hide in fear!
They never see her coming
As she's lurking far and near!

Then one quiet weekend day,
Doc Benham came to say
"Hootie with your nose so black
Here's a Churu for a snack!"

Then how the clinic loved her
As they shouted out with glee,
"Hootie the black nosed tortie
"You don't have to be Hangry!"

Hootie the black nosed tortie
had a very slappy paw
If you don't give a Churu
she will snag you with her claw!

12/05/2025

12/04/2025

With more travelling or guests visiting for the holidays, pet anxiety can skyrocket. Signs of anxiety to watch for can include changes in behavior and vocalization, inappropriate elimination (in cats especially), becoming destructive. If your pet already has an issue with daily anxiety, this can increase with additional stressors. While there are non-medication things that can be done, those aren't quick fixes and getting your pet on a daily or as needed anxiety medication can make the holidays a little less stressful for you and your pet.

12/02/2025

BEWARE OF SCAMS!!! We have been told that our clinic name is being used to help scam people from multiple states into paying to adopt pets sight unseen, with the promise of the pet getting transported to them through a 3rd party. If there are any questions on the legitimacy of these adoptions, do NOT proceed with the process!

Buy from reputable animal shelters or rescue organizations
Beware of “transport fees”
Ignore deeply discounted fees
Do NOT pay with gift cards, cash app, or wire money
Do reverse image searches of the pet’s photo
Meet the pet in person before spending money
Check the seller’s profile for age of account and reviews
Video call the seller to “see” the pet
Call the clinic listed on medical paperwork to verify records
Reputable sellers will be willing for you to meet the mother/both parents and see the environment the pet is being kept in
Breeders should only have 1-2 breeds they deal with, and should be knowledgeable about both