What forms of payment do you accept and can I make payments?
We accept cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard and AMEX. Unfortunately, we cannot offer payment plans.
What is a physical examination and what does it involve?
The physical examination is an opportunity for your veterinarian to examine your pet and speak to you, the owner. The puppy/kitten will be examined, much like you when you are getting a physical exam from your doctor . The veterinarian will determine your pet's health through the examination, such as looking at the teeth, checking lymph nodes, listening to the heart and feeling the abdomen (stomach). He or she will also speak to you about house training, feeding habits, upcoming vaccinations, spay/neuter and answer any questions you may have. There is a lot of information to be exchanged, so come prepared with any questions you might have.
How can I get my pet's prescription refilled?
If your pet is on long-term medication, there may be a need to have the prescription refilled at regular intervals. Your pet's medical condition will require periodic monitoring and/or re-testing and we will need time to book those appointments so try not to run out of medication completely before re-ordering. Once the testing is up-to-date, you can request refills to us - but please give at least 24 hours notice (if the medication is a special order, more than 24 hours notice may be required).
Does my new puppy or kitten need special food?
When choosing a food for your pet there are many things to consider and age definitely one of them! The nutrient requirements of a young, growing animal are not the same as an older, mature animal. Small breed dogs (those that will remain under 30 lbs) have different needs than giant breed dogs (those over 100 lbs at maturity). There are many reputable pet food companies offering a wide variety of options and we would be happy to discuss the choices with you.
What is involved in de-clawing my cat?
When deciding whether or not to declaw your cat remember to take the cat's personality into account. Not all cats use their claws destructively so don't assume all need to be declawed. Once declawed, the cat should not be allowed outside as it now has limited defense against dogs and other predators.
Can I give my dog aspirin?
Although aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) can be used in dogs as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever we do not recommend it for long term use and it can be dangerous when mixed with other medications. There are much safer medications made specifically for dogs which are less likely to cause stomach ulcers and other serious side-effects. Never use aspirin without first consulting a veterinarian. Aspirin and over-the-counter pain relievers should never be used in cats.
Why is chocolate bad for dogs?
Chocolate toxicity is a well known problem with dogs and cats. The active ingredients which cause the most problems are theobromine and caffiene. As the amount of toxin varies with the type of chocolate and amount ingested, signs can be mild to lethal. The clinical signs of chocolate toxicity include (but are not limited to) vomiting, diarrhea, tremours, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and possibly death. It is important to keep candies and cookies containing chocolate away from your pets, but if they do consume some, go immediately to your veterinarian as early treatment can increase chances of a successful recovery.