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FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions

APPOINTMENTS

  • Appointments are available Monday through Friday

  • Same day appointments can be made for sick patients and emergencies​

PRESCRIPTION REFILLS

  • To accurately refill your pet's medications, we request that you contact us at least 24 hours in advance when refills are needed

FEES

  • The fees we charge are based on what is needed to maintain the high-quality care we are proud to provide

  • Payment is required at the time service is rendered

  • We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Care Credit

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PET IS IN PAIN?

  • If you are not sure but suspect your dog or cat may be hurting, or is just not acting right, call us to set up an appointment for us to examine your pet

  • Signs of pain may include but are not limited to:

    • Limping

    • A decrease in appetite or lack of appetite

    • A change in behavior or normal habits

    • More tired, less energy

      • Please note, these symptoms can also be caused by many other problems, so early observation and action are important!

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL AT-HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR MY DOG OR CAT BEFORE UNDERGOING SURGERY?

  • No food after 8p the evening before a scheduled procedure

  • There is no restriction on drinking water

  • We will call you the day before to remind you of your pet's check-in time, which is usually between 8-9a.

    • Please allow 30 minutes for check-in procedures

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SPAY OR NEUTER MY PET?

  • Between 4-6 months of age

    • Can be done any age after that

VACCINATIONS

  • Vaccines are an important part of your dog or cat's health care

  • They keep your pet healthy and prevent serious diseases

  • Our veterinarians will discuss your pet's health, lifestyle and environment with you, so we can make the best decisions about which vaccines are right for your pet

WHEN DOES MY PET NEED BLOOD WORK?

  • Screening blood tests are recommended yearly for dogs and cats

  • Yearly blood work is roughly equivalent to performing blood work every 3-5 years for a human

  • Yearly blood work allows us to detect infections and diseases early and makes treating and controlling them more effective

  • The type of blood work is determined specifically for each pet, depending on his or her individual needs

  • It is convenient to complete annual blood tests during your pet's annual exam but can be done at any time of the year

WHY DOES MY PET NEED A DENTAL CLEANING AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD THIS BE DONE?

  • We believe an annual professional dental exam, tooth scaling and polishing are necessary to treat and maintain your dog and cat's healthy teeth and gums

  • As your pet ages or his or her health needs change, advanced dental care may be required

  • Your pet's teeth and mouth should be examined by us on a regular basis

DO I NEED TO BRUSH MY PET'S TEETH AT HOME?

  • Yes. Proper dental care at home is highly recommended to help maintain the oral health of your dog and cat

  • Home dental care for companion animals should start early, even before the adult teeth erupt

  • It is best if owners brush their dogs and cats teeth twice daily

  • Although tooth brushing is the best method of preventing plaque, calculus, and bacterial build-up, there are many options for dental home care, such as dental formulated foods, water additives, and dental treats

WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR MY PET'S HOSPITAL STAY?

  • Special food or medications your pet is currently on

  • We also recommend bringing your own food if your pet has a sensitive stomach, as change in food can upset their system

  • You may also bring a toy or special item for your pet

    • We will do our best to make sure belongings stay with your pet; however these items occasionally go missing in the laundry, so we cannot guarantee their return

Educational

Links

Helpful Links for Reference

EducationalLinks

ANY ANIMAL POISON EMERGENCY

PET CARE AND PET HEALTH

ARTICLES ON VETERINARY HEALTH AND MEDICINE

PET BEHAVIOR

PET LOSS AND GRIEVING

ANIMAL SHELTERS

TRAVELING/MOVING WITH YOUR PET

Seasonal

Information

Protect Your Pet During Flea and Tick Season

SeasonalInfomation

As the warmer months are approaching, it’s important to start protecting your pet and home from fleas and ticks. Fleas live outdoors and hitchhike their way inside on pets or people. Fleas live in moist, shady areas, including lawn thatch, mulch, leaf litter, woodpiles, crawl spaces, and under porches or decks. Fleas also thrive on common wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, and opossums that can spread fleas to your pet.

HOW DO I PREVENT FLEAS?

  • Using monthly flea and tick preventative is the easiest and most effective way to prevent fleas and ticks - NEVER use over-the-counter flea and tick preventative! 

  • Fleas thrive in warm environments and may lay dormant in your house

    • Carpeting, bedding, and furniture are common places for fleas and their eggs

  • If a flea infestation has already occurred in your house, preventatives would be needed year-round

To avoid a flea infestation, your pet must be on flea preventatives and be given the preventative consistently for six consecutive months. Many medications are in a combined form with the monthly heartworm medication. Not only is this convenient, but it reduces the cost of two medications! Although fleas are more prevalent in summer months, they can survive year round in a home.

HOW CAN I PREVENT TICKS?

  • Using monthly flea and tick preventative is the easiest and most effective way to prevent fleas and ticks - NEVER use over-the-counter flea and tick preventative!

  • Ticks can transmit serious diseases

    • Lyme Disease

    • Rocky Mountain spotted fever

    • Ehrlichiosis

    • Anaplasmosis

      • Many of these diseases have symptoms that are vague and/or mild until the disease has progressed

  • Many flea and tick preventatives start killing ticks upon contact and will kill all four North American species of ticks (Deer tick, Brown dog tick, American dog tick and the Lone Star tick).

Contact us today to learn more about monthly preventatives, and how to protect your pet from fleas and ticks.

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