Do I need an appointment for my pet to be seen?
Yes, patients are seen by appointment. We also offer drop-off services for those who cannot stay for an appointment. Walk-ins are often accommodated, but there may be a wait.
Can my children get parvo from my dog?
No, it is a species specific disease.
At what age can I spay or neuter my pet?
Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 6 months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough for surgery. A pre-anesthetic blood screen is required prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery and is covered in the overall cost of the procedure.
Should I cut my dog's hair in the summer time?
No, if double coated dogs get a haircut, it may not come back in the same and the insulation of the second coat helps keep them cool.
What is "pre-anesthetic" blood screening?
This is a blood test that is run here in the clinic prior to surgery. It tests the overall organ functions and blood counts. It is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.
I am not going to breed my dog, do I need to get it spayed/neutered?
It is highly recommended. Male dogs are more likely to run our of the yard because they are searching for a female. Female dogs can get a pyometra which is a uterine infection. It is life threatening, and requires emergency surgery.
How long do the sutures have to stay in after my pet's surgery?
Most skin closures are done with internal sutures that dissolve and do not need to be removed. Procedures involving external sutures require them to be removed in 7-14 days following the surgery.
Can I feed my dog bones?
Feeding bones isn't appropriate for all dogs. It can cause teeth to break and bones can splinter in the intestines and cause major problems including surgery and hospitalization.
Why should I spay or neuter my pet?
There are many advantages of spaying and neutering your pet. These include: decreasing the chances of mammary tumors later in life, decreasing the chance the cystic ovaries and uterine infections, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decrease the incidence of prostate cancer, helps to prevent spraying and marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
Does my cat need to get tested for Feline Leukemia?
It is highly recommended if your cat is going to be an outdoor cat.
Why is my discharge appointment so late?
Due to our regularly scheduled appointments, the discharge times are scheduled at the soonest availability for the doctor to go over results of your pet's day here with you.
Do you do payment plans?
No we are a pay in full clinic. We do however offer CareCredit.
Why do I have to have a Heartworm Test if my pet is on heartworm prevention?
Do you board animals and what are the requirements?
Yes we do! Your pet must be at least 6 months of age and you must provide proof of vaccinations.
Why are you looking in my puppies mouth? He's/she's just here to get neutered/spayed. He/she has no problems eating or chewing.
My dog/cat doesn't go outside very often, and doesn't eat dead things. He/She shouldn't have worms, and doesn't need to be dewormed.
Why does my dog scoot it's bottom across the floor?
It could me a multitude of things. Your dog may need their anal glans expressed, they could have worms, or they might be having some bowel movement problems.
Why would my dog constantly be shaking their head?
They could have an ear infection. Signs of an ear infection include, shaking of the head, scratching at the ears, & a head tilt. Your dog needs to come in for an exam and ear cleaning.
Why does my pet need a dental?
Animals have the same problems that we do, the exact process that results in periodontal disease in humans affects our pets.
How many "Parvo" shots should my puppy get?
We do not know what the final cost will be without a physical examination on your pet. With an exam, we can figure out what diagnostics need to be ran and from those diagnostics, we can create a treatment plan specifically for your pet. You will also receive an estimate of for the diagnostics as well as the treatment plan.
What should I do if my pet is sprayed by a skunk? How do I get rid of the smell?
Mix 1 quart of 3% Hyrdrogen Peroxide, 3/4 cup of baking soda, & 1 tsp of dawn dish soap and apply to your dog's wet skin. Let them soak in the mixture for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
How much will my bill be?
We do not know what the final cost will be without a physical examination on your pet. With an exam, we can figure out what diagnostics need to be ran and from those diagnostics, we can create a treatment plan specifically for your pet. You will also receive an estimate of for the diagnostics as well as the treatment plan.
What is laser therapy?
It is used to treat arthritis, acute, chronic pain, back injuries, strains, inflammation, swelling, and wounds. It is also used after surgical procedures to help the healing process.
How long is a dog or cat "in heat" and how long does pregnancy last?
Dogs are are in heat for about 21 days, twice a year. Their pregnancy lasts about 63 days. Cats, however, go in and out of heat all year round until they are bred or spayed. Their pregnancy lasts for about 61 days.
At what age do I start vaccinations for my kitten or puppy?
Vaccinations can be given at 8 weeks. Some vaccinations require boosters every 3-5 weeks until your puppy or kitten reaches 16 weeks. Puppies and Kittens can then get a rabies vaccination.
What is kennel cough?
Kennel Cough is a respiratory infection that is commonly associated with unvaccinated dogs (Bordetella Vaccine), and some of the symptoms include a dry hacking kind of cough, retching, and a watery nasal discharge.
Are heartworms a big problem in this area?
No, but it is becoming worse in this area. Preventative covers for heartworms and intestinal parasites which we tend to see more.