Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
My animal is having surgery tomorrow. Can it have food and water?
Please take their food away by 10pm the night before surgery. There is no need to limit their access to water at any time.
When can I pick my pet up following their surgery?
We almost always send your pet home the day of the surgery. Typical pick-up time is between 3:30-5pm. We will call you once the procedure is complete to update you and confirm the pick-up time.
What are the benefits of having my pet spayed or neutered?
Spaying or neutering your pets can greatly reduce their risk of developing many types of cancer later in life. Spaying your animals will also reduce/eliminate the chances of your pets developing a uterine infection called a pyometra which can be a life threatening condition. It may also decrease or even eliminate unwanted behaviors such as aggression or running off. Spaying or neutering your pets is also the only way to do away with unwanted litters of puppies or kittens without placing an extra burden on animal shelters.
How old does my puppy or kitten have to be to have them spayed or neutered?
We recommend spaying or neutering cats at 5-6 months of age. For dogs, there are two schools of thoughts, both of which have benefits. One recommendation is at the age of 5-6 months before they are sexually mature to avoid unwanted pregnancies, illnesses such as mammary cancer, and behavior issues such as aggression or marking in the house. The other recommendation is to wait until a pet is sexually mature, 1 to 1½ years of age, in order to prevent health issues thought to be associated with spaying and neutering before a year of age. The best recommendation is to speak with your veterinarian to find out what age is the best for your pet.
How do I know when my pet needs a dental performed?
Bad breath, inflamed gums, plaque and tartar buildup, and loose teeth are all of great concern when it comes to the health of your animal’s mouth. If you notice any of these signs, please bring your pet in for a dental checkup or schedule a dental cleaning. If your pet’s teeth are not in need of a cleaning at the time of the checkup, we can give you recommendations to help maintain your pet’s overall mouth health such as helpful treats/toys, teeth brushing, and other pet safe dental products. If your animal is at greater risk of complications during anesthesia, we have products that can help improve mouth health and remove plaque and tartar buildup without performing a dental cleaning.
Should my dog be on heartworm medication?
Yes. Heartworm disease is very easy to prevent but very difficult and even life threatening to treat. We recommend a monthly heartworm preventative be given for the entire year, throughout the course of your dog’s life.
How often should my pet see the vet?
We recommend yearly exams, and sometimes more frequent visits depending on the health of your pet. In an annual Wellness Exam, we will discuss the changing needs of your pet and make recommendations based on their current age and lifestyle.