WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept cash, credit card, Cherry, Care Credit, and All Pet Card.

WHAT TYPE OF ANIMALS DO YOU TREAT?

We treat dogs, cats, small mammals (rodents, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, and so on), birds (including chickens and ducks), and reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, and so on). If you have a different kind of pet, just call and ask – we’ve even treated kangaroos!

WHAT TO DO FOR AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES?

Unfortunately, we do not take after-hours emergencies. We recognize the difficulty of travel during an emergency, but we simply are not equipped to take after-hour emergencies.
We recommend calling:

• Thrive Mansfield: 817-473-7838

WHAT DO I DO IF I CAN’T AFFORD TO PAY FOR VET CARE? DO YOU DO PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS?

We recommend Cherry, CareCredit, or All Pet Card.

WHY CAN’T YOU GIVE ME A PRESCRIPTION WITHOUT AN EXAM?

It is the law. The FDA “requires animal examination and /or medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) are kept” and “cannot be met solely through telemedicine.”

CAN I PICK UP MY PET ON THE WEEKEND/HOLIDAY/AFTER HOURS?

No. You can pay over the phone or we can text a payment link and then have a relative or friend pick up your pet if you can’t make it on time.

DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?

Yes, we are appointment based only. With our busy schedule we cannot treat walk-ins and still provide high quality care that we strive for.

CAN I GET A COPY OF MY PET’S MEDICAL RECORDS?

Yes. We can easily email records to your personal email or to another veterinary clinic. If the veterinary clinic calls for records we will give you (the owner) a call for permission to send those records to them.

CAN I GET MY PRESCRIPTIONS THROUGH CHEWY.COM / ANY ONLINE PHARMACY?

We actually have an online pharmacy through our hospital (Vetcove), where prices are very comparable to Chewy prices! If you would still like to get the medication from a different pharmacy, we are able to give you a paper prescription which you can pick up from here and take to the pharmacy of your choosing. We are not able to fax paper prescriptions or call in prescriptions as we have taken ourselves out as the middle man. We do not recommend other pharmacies because human pharmacies sometimes misinterpret our notations, thinking that the strength or dose should be like a human’s instead of an animal’s; and many online pharmacies don’t get their products directly from the manufacturer or don’t guarantee that it was stored in proper conditions throughout its life. In fact, manufacturers frequently won’t guarantee product that was purchased through many online pharmacies. Keep in mind that many of our preventative manufacturers provide rebates for us to offer when you purchase through us (whether in person or through our online pharmacy).

DO YOU MAKE HOUSE CALLS?

No.

DO YOU DO ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION FOR DOGS/CATS?

No, we do not do this service. We also do not recommend it if a dog is not healthy enough to breed on its own, it isn’t a responsible decision to pass on those genetics.

DO YOU REMOVE DEWCLAWS?

We will remove dewclaws on puppies less than 3 days old that we have had a prenatal relationship with. After 3 days of age, it has to be done under general anesthesia. We can do it at the time of a spay/neuter. Hind dewclaws, except for certain breeds, are generally problematic (get snagged on carpet, etc), so we recommend removing them. Front dewclaws are usually more fully formed and less dangly, so they can usually be left in place.

DO YOU DOCK TAILS ON DOGS?

Only for medical reasons, like trauma or cancer. In certain breeds we will dock tails on puppies less than 3 days old that we have had a prenatal relationship with.

DO YOU CROP EARS?

No.

DO YOU DECLAW CATS?

Yes, a detailed conversation about the pros and cons can be discussed with our medical staff. Alternate options are regular nail trims, scratch posts in multiple locations, soft paws, and Feliway.

DO YOU DEBARK DOGS?

No. We recommend kennel training so they don’t bark while you are away. Separation anxiety requires training and sometimes medication.

DO YOU BOARD ANIMALS?

No.

WHAT ANIMALS DO YOU SEE?

We can treat dogs, cats, birds, non-venomous reptiles, and pocket pets (small mammals).

CAN YOU PROVIDE ME WITH A LETTER FOR MY LANDLORD STATING THAT MY DOG ISN’T AGGRESSIVE?

No. We are only able to evaluate animals in the clinic environment, which is very different from how a dog acts when it is left at home or defending its territory.

DO YOU ISSUE HEALTH CERTIFICATES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL?

Every country has its own rules and guidelines for accepting animals. We will refer you to an expert in our area so you have the most up-to-date guidance.

HOW MUCH IS AN ANNUAL VISIT?

First of all, once a pet reaches 3 years of age, it is best for the “annual” visit to happen every 6 months. At this point the pet is equivalent in age to 20-26 human years, so visiting once every calendar year is like a human going 6 or 7 years between doctor visits. That’s why we prefer to call these “wellness visits.” We can’t put a cost on a wellness visit, however, because a wellness visit for one pet may be very different from that of another pet. Our doctors and technicians will discuss your and your pet’s lifestyles to determine which vaccines and blood tests are appropriate. We will also ensure your pet receives parasite prevention that best fits your lifestyles.

WHAT DAYS DO YOU PERFORM SURGERY?

At this time, surgeries are performed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

MY PET IS HAVING SURGERY TOMORROW. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

We will have already made sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and will have performed a full physical to be sure your pet can handle the surgery. Your pet should be fasting for at least 8 hours before your check-in appointment. The pet should not have water after midnight. A responsible adult over the age of 18 must bring the pet for check-in. Once the procedure is completed, a technician will call you to let you know your pet’s status. Some procedures are day surgeries, while others require an overnight stay so we can continue to monitor the pet’s recovery. We will send you detailed instructions to ensure your pet has the safest experience. We also offer check-in the afternoon before the surgery at no additional cost. Your pet will stay overnight with us and be ready for surgery in the morning without you having to worry about proper feeding and watering.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO PUT MY PET TO SLEEP?

It’s a very hard decision! There are a few ways to look at it, depending on which apply and we have a few resources:

• ovillavet.com -> End of Life
• When the bad days outnumber the good days.
• When a pet can no longer do the things it normally enjoys (walks, fetch, playing)
• When pain medication isn’t enough to keep the animal comfortable
• When you can no longer keep an animal clean due to incontinence
• When an older animal bites due to uncontrolled pain or dementia
• When an animal can’t have surgery for a painful condition and we can’t manage the pain any other way
• Aggressive animals that have injured people or other animals

DO I HAVE TO BE IN THE ROOM WHILE MY PET IS PUT TO SLEEP?

No. Being put to sleep is no more stressful to your pet than getting a vaccine. A staff member will be petting and talking to your animal while it passes, so it won’t be alone. You should only be present if it will help you mourn.

SHOULD MY CHILDREN BE PRESENT WHEN MY PET IS EUTHANIZED?

Every child is different. For some kids, being present helps them get closure. Other kids may find it disturbing to watch their pet pass away. If children are present, the vet will explain the process in simple terms to help them understand what is happening.

CAN YOU EUTHANIZE MY DOG OUTSIDE IN MY VEHICLE?

No. But we can bring the dog in on a stretcher. You can also come in and out of the side door or we can schedule it in the morning so you have more privacy. The medication that is used to euthanize animals is also deadly to humans, so we want to give the injection in the most controlled environment possible to reduce risk for our staff. If the dog is aggressive, we can prescribe medication to sedate him before you bring him in. In special circumstances other options can be discussed.

CAN YOU EUTHANIZE MY DOG/CAT AT HOME?

No. We recommend Lap of Love or Sunset Vets for that service.

IS THERE A MEDICATION TO GIVE PETS TO PASS AWAY AT HOME?

No. The medication is given by IV injection and is illegal to prescribe.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE ASHES I GET BACK ARE REALLY FROM MY PET?

Before your pet’s body leaves the clinic, we attach a metal ID tag linked to a barcode. The cremation/aquamation company scans this barcode before every step of the process to make sure that the right ashes get back to you. We’ve worked extensively with this company and have always been impressed by their attention to detail and organization.

CAN I HAVE MY PET TAXIDERMIED?

Sure, but it isn’t easy to find a taxidermist willing to preserve pets.

CAN I BURY MY PET IN MY YARD?

Some cities have specific requirements. Many people choose that option for their deceased pet. Pets should be buried very deep so that wildlife don’t dig them up. This can also cause poisoning due to the medication used to euthanize pets. If this is what you decide to do, we will place your pet in a bag that decomposes, that is specially designed for home burial use.

WHY SHOULD I GET MY DOG NEUTERED?

– To reduce the risk of cancer
– To reduce aggression
– To improve focus during training
– To reduce escaping and roaming
– To prevent unwanted litters (*dogs that are kept intact for breeding should be fixed as soon as they are done being bred)

WHY SHOULD I GET MY DOG SPAYED?

– To reduce the risk of cancer
– To eliminate the risk of pyometra (a common, deadly uterus infection)
– To reduce dog fights
– So you don’t have to deal with a dog in heat
– To reduce escaping and roaming
– To prevent unwanted litters (*dogs that are kept intact for breeding should be fixed as soon as they are done being bred)

WHY SHOULD I GET MY CAT NEUTERED?

– To reduce unwanted behaviors like spraying urine
– To reduce escaping and roaming
– To reduce cat fights
– To reduce unwanted litters
– To reduce the smell!

WHY SHOULD I GET MY CAT SPAYED?

– To prevent unwanted litters
– To reduce escaping and roaming
– To reduce the risk of cancer
– So you don’t have to deal with a cat in heat and the behavior changes that go along with that
– To reduce cat fights

HOW MUCH DOES A SPAY/NEUTER COST?

A spay (ovariohysterectomy) or neuter is as invasive and potentially serious for an animal as it is for a human. This procedure is not something that is the same for every pet. Factors include the pet’s age and weight at time of surgery, as well as other health conditions of the pet. For these reasons, we must examine the pet before providing a treatment plan with estimated cost. If you are calling around for quotes, please keep in mind that our protocols provide the best medical care for your pet. We recommend pre-anesthetic blood testing to be sure your pet can handle the procedure. We include medication to calm the pet and ease her into anesthesia; patient monitoring of blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature, carbon dioxide, EKG, and respiration during the entire procedure; pain medication before and after the procedure; a heated surgical table to maintain the pet’s temperature; antibiotics; cold laser therapy to promote healing at the incision site; and an overnight stay so we can continue monitoring and administration of pain medication.

ISN’T IT BEST TO LET A DOG/CAT HAVE ONE LITTER SO SHE’LL CALM DOWN?

No. That’s an old-wives tale. Dogs calm down after having a litter just because they are older, not because of the litter.

WHEN SHOULD I GET MY DOG/CAT SPAYED/NEUTERED?

We recommend spaying and neutering puppies and kittens at six months of age. Research shows there are proven medical benefits to spaying and neutering at this age including reduced incidence of some types of cancer and infection. There has been some discussion about waiting until large-breed dogs are more mature for a variety of reasons, but at this time there are no definitive scientific studies demonstrating a medical benefit to waiting longer for these procedures. If you have one of these breeds, please discuss with our medical staff.

HOW LONG AFTER A DOG/CAT HAS BABIES SHOULD IT BE SPAYED?

Once the babies are weaned and the milk has dried up.

CAN A CAT OR DOG BE SPAYED WHILE SHE IS IN HEAT?

Yes, we can perform a spay procedure on your dog or cat while they are in-heat, but we do recommend speaking with the medical staff prior to scheduling. Spaying while in-heat does carry a slightly higher risk and it may take a bit longer to recover as well. If you and the medical team do decide to move forward, please note there is an additional fee.

IS THERE A “PLAN B” MEDICATION FOR DOGS AFTER AN ACCIDENTAL BREEDING?

No. The only options are to 1) let the pregnancy proceed and have the puppies, or to 2) spay the dog while pregnant and abort the puppies. In the cases of inbreeding, females under a year old, or mismatched breeding, the latter should be chosen.

ARE THERE NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR NEUTERING/SPAYING?

No.

CAN CATS GET COVID-19?

Yes, but that is very rare and we haven’t seen a single case. If they do get Covid, there would be a low risk of them transmitting it back to their owner (because that’s probably the person they caught it from). Dogs do not get Covid.

SHOULD I LET MY CAT GO OUTSIDE?

Cats live longer, healthier, happier lives if they are kept indoors 100% of the time. It is irresponsible to allow cats to roam. Our area has an extremely high number of free-roaming cats; many of them carry fatal diseases that cannot be prevented by vaccines, so the only way to prevent them is to keep your cat inside. Our area also has a population of animals (such as coyotes) that prey on small animals like cats. Also remember that cats are solitary creatures, so they are healthiest living alone or in groups of up to three cats. Feed pet cats indoors so the food doesn’t attract ferals.

SHOULD I FEED FERAL CATS?

Do NOT feed feral cats! It may seem cruel, but never feed feral cats. Here’s why: feeding feral cats attracts more cats to the area, this increases disease spread, fighting, mating, and creates public health and nuisance issues. Many people think that people are abandoning cats at their home, when in reality the issue is that they are simply attracting more and more cats by putting out food! If you have been feeding feral cats, we recommend gradually decreasing the amount of food you put out over 3 weeks before stopping completely. This is a case of tough love!

HOW DO I FEED ONE CAT A SPECIAL DIET?

You will have to feed your cats separately. Put the cat that needs a special diet in a closed room with its food for 5 minutes while you feed the other cats. Once they have finished, put away all the food for all the cats.

WHY SHOULD MY CAT BE TESTED FOR FIV/FELV IF IT ALREADY GOT THE VACCINE?

The vaccine only protects against FeLV. There is no vaccine for FIV. The test checks for both diseases. Also, a vaccine is never a 100% guarantee of protection.

SHOULD MY CAT WEAR A COLLAR?

Yes. Cats are more likely to get lost than dogs. Choose a snug fitting (2 fingers fit underneath) collar that a breakaway collar, that way in case the cat does get caught somewhere they can get out of that situation without being stuck. You can order a “dog tag” on Amazon with your phone number or we can make you one here!

HOW DO I BRING AN AGGRESSIVE DOG TO THE VET?

There are several steps we can take to keep everyone safe and get your dog the care that it needs. The vet can prescribe a sedative to give the dog at home before bringing him in. Call from the parking lot and we’ll have you wait until we have an exam room available and the lobby is clear. We’ll also have you put on one of our muzzles before he comes inside. During the exam, the vet will spend most of the time talking with you and visually examining the dog rather than doing a hands-on exam that will stress out the dog. If a thorough exam is necessary, we may give the dog a stronger sedative so he falls asleep.

IS THERE MEDICATION TO STOP MY DOG’S HYPERACTIVITY?

No. Many dog breeds are very active, especially until they are a few years old (labs, huskies, doodles, heelers, just to name a few). There is not a safe medication that will calm them down. Please consider this when choosing a dog for your family. For these breeds, strenuous exercise several times each day is essential!

WHAT DO I DO WITH A WILD ANIMAL THAT IS INJURED/SICK?

Please call these rescue/rehabilitation places:

• DFW Wildlife Coalition…………………………972-234-9453
• Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center ……….972-225-4000
  • BIRDS ONLY
• Wild Rescue …………………………………… 972-891-9286
  • RABBITS ONLY

I FOUND A BABY BIRD…

Put it back where you found it. Mothers bring food to their chicks on the ground for a few days after they leave the nest but can’t fly well.

I FOUND A FAWN…

Leave it where it is! The mother has not abandoned it. Keep your own animals away from it so it won’t be disturbed. Deer will hide their babies then move them to a new location in a few days. The mothers will only briefly return to feed the baby and won’t come back if they see people watching.

CAN YOU SEE A PET SKUNK/FOX/RACCOON OR OTHER WILD ANIMAL?

No. Please call these rescue/rehabilitation places:

• DFW Wildlife Coalition…………………………972-234-9453
• Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center ……….972-225-4000
  • BIRDS ONLY
• Wild Rescue …………………………………… 972-891-9286
  • RABBITS ONLY

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG/CAT ATE A BIRD OR RABBIT?

There isn’t a medication to prevent them from catching a parasite so the best thing to do is run a fecal test in a month and then again a month later. Unless there are other symptoms after eating the animal, that’s all that we need to do.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG/CAT GOT INTO A FIGHT WITH OR GOT ATTACKED BY A WILD ANIMAL?

We’ll need to treat your pet’s wounds, and we’ll also need to assess the risk of rabies and other diseases. Sometimes a pet needs to be quarantined after a wildlife exposure.

DO YOU TRIM NAILS?

Yes. The pet must have had an exam within 1 year and must have received a Rabies & DHPP vaccine within 1 year.

CAN YOU SEDATE MY PET TO TAKE TO A GROOMER?

No, sedation is only safe if the patient is being continuously monitored by medical staff.

DO YOU GROOM ANIMALS?

No. When the doctor deems it necessary we can do medical grooms, but we are not professional groomers and it won’t look as nice as a groomer.

SHOULD THE GROOMER PLUCK THE HAIR FROM MY DOG’S EARS?

Yes. Some breeds (especially poodles), get very hairy ear canals that trap moisture which can lead to ear infections.

SHOULD I BRUSH MY DOG’S TEETH?

You can try brushing their teeth if they tolerate it, but it is much more important for dogs to chew to keep teeth clean. We recommend VeggieDents or Oravet Chews given daily to help keep teeth clean.

DOES MY PET NEED REGULAR EXAMS?

Yes, we recommend having a wellness visit every 6 months since pets age much faster than humans.

WHEN WILL MY NEW PUPPY/KITTEN NEED TO BE VACCINATED?

Pets should start vaccinations at 6 weeks of age. They will need to return at 9, 12, and 16 weeks of age for boosters. This may vary somewhat depending on your and your pet’s lifestyles. We also follow CDC guidelines for deworming pets to prevent transmission of parasites to the humans in your family. We also believe that heartworm preventative should be started at 6 weeks of age, whether the pet is a puppy or kitten. As important as the vaccines themselves is the social interaction your pet receives while at our clinic. We work hard to establish a comfortable environment and relationship with your pet so they learn that the vet’s office isn’t a scary place.

DO OLDER DOGS/CATS STILL NEED TO BE VACCINATED?

Yes. They are still legally required to have the rabies vaccine up-to-date. They can still get the other diseases as well. At the time of your appointment you can discuss with the medical staff of possibly moving some annual vaccines to be given less frequently.

CAN I HAVE MY PET’S VACCINE TITERS CHECKED INSTEAD OF GETTING BOOSTER VACCINES?

We do not offer those tests. We don’t recommend them because results can vary depending on which lab is used, and there is no agreed-upon level that is “protective.” Studies have shown that the amount of antibody seen on titering does not always match whether or not a particular pet can get the disease.

WHY DO SMALL DOGS GET THE SAME AMOUNT OF VACCINE AS BIG DOGS?

Their bodies are different sizes, but their immune systems both can respond to small amounts of vaccines. This is why large dogs (and even cows and horses) don’t need larger doses of vaccines.

IF MY PET HAD A BAD REACTION TO A VACCINE, SHOULD I NOT GET HIM/HER VACCINATED IN THE FUTURE?

No. Vaccines are still essential! If we know what vaccine caused the reaction, we’ll give a dose of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and possibly a steroid before the next dose. If we aren’t certain which vaccine caused the problem (for example, if multiple vaccines were given), we’ll just give one vaccine at a time in the future and monitor your pet afterwards for any reaction.

DOES MY DOG NEED TO BE ON HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE?

Yes. Heartworm is a deadly disease that is far easier to prevent than to cure. Dogs should be kept on heartworm medication year-round and have a yearly heartworm test. We have seen heartworm regularly in our area, especially with pets that are not on heartworm prevention.

DOES MY CAT NEED TO BE ON HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE?

Yes. Although fewer cats get heartworm than dogs, it is much more deadly in cats as there is no treatment. Because of this, we recommend keeping cats on heartworm preventative year round.

DOES MY DOG/CAT NEED A HEARTWORM TEST IF IT IS KEPT ON HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE ALL OF THE TIME?

Yes, pets still need to have yearly heartworm testing because there is a lot of potential for error. A dose might be missed; the pet might spit out a pill when you aren’t looking; topical products might not be applied properly, therefore not absorbed into the skin; and heartworm resistance, while not common, is a real thing.

DOES MY DOG/CAT NEED TO BE ON FLEA/TICK MEDICATION?

Yes, we recommend flea prevention for all dogs and cats year-round—regardless of lifestyle. You may not have seen a flea, but they’re very good at hiding. Fleas aren’t just a nuisance; they can carry tapeworms, a parasite that poses risks to both pets and people. They’re also a leading cause of flea allergy dermatitis, which results in persistent itching and skin irritation for your pet.

SHOULD I GET MY PET MICROCHIPPED?

Yes! If a collar comes off your pet, a microchip is the only way for Animal Control or a vet clinic to identify it. Microchips also help get your pet back if it is stolen. Microchips are harmless and only hurt for a moment. Microchips cannot be tracked by the government. They are identification chips, not tracking chips.

DOES MY PET NEED TO GET BLOOD WORK EVERY YEAR?

Since pets can’t tell us how they’re feeling, blood work is essential for letting us see what’s going on inside your pet. For dogs and cats, we recommend yearly lab work when they are young to establish a baseline, then annually so we can watch for changes.

WHY CAN’T I GET A DEWORMER WITHOUT A FECAL TEST?

There are many types of parasites. We have to know what parasites are there to prescribe the right medication. Even in cases when you find a worm in your pet’s feces and we can identify it, we still should perform a fecal test to ensure there aren’t other types of parasites as well. Most of them are microscopic and can only be found by testing.

DOES MY PET NEED TO BE LICENSED?

Call the city that you live in. The requirements vary from city to city.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG ATE CHOCOLATE?

That depends on a few things. When did he/she eat the chocolate? How much? What kind of chocolate? How big is the dog? Is it having any symptoms? Call us!

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY PET EATS HUMAN MEDICATION, TOO MUCH OF ITS MEDICATION, OR ANOTHER ANIMAL’S MEDICATION?

Find out what medication it was, how much it ate, when it ate it, about how much it weighs, and if it is having any symptoms already, and then call us (or an emergency clinic, if after hours). Every medication is different, so we need to evaluate each case individually.

WHAT FOOD IS BEST FOR MY DOG?

– We recommend Hill’s Science Diet, Purina ProPlan, or Royal Canin. We generally recommend dry food (kibble) rather than canned food because it helps keep the teeth and gums healthy.
– Puppies should be on puppy food for the first year of their life. Large breed puppies should be on puppy food specifically for large breeds.
– Find a good diet and stick with that same product; do not switch brands for variety.
– We DO NOT recommend grain-free, raw, vegetarian, homemade, freeze-dried, store brands, or boutique brands. These usually don’t provide balanced nutrition.

WHAT FOOD IS BEST FOR MY CAT?

– We recommend Hill’s Science Diet, Purina ProPlan, or Royal Canin. We generally recommend dry food (kibble) for most cats opposed to canned food because it helps keep the teeth and gums healthy. Canned food has added water, which is helpful for cats with kidney disease.
– Kittens should be on kitten food for the first year of their life.
– Find a good diet and stick with that same product; do not switch brands for variety.
– We DO NOT recommend grain-free, raw, vegetarian, homemade, freeze-dried, store brands, or boutique brands. These usually don’t provide balanced nutrition.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG IS OVERWEIGHT?

You should be able to easily feel a dog’s individual ribs, but not be able to see them. When viewed from above, you should be able to see a slight narrowing at the waist.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAT IS OVERWEIGHT?

The circumference of the abdomen should only be slightly larger than that of the chest. You should be able to easily feel a cat’s individual ribs, but not be able to see them. Most domestic cats have an ideal weight of 8-10lbs. Some cats with very large frames may be healthy at a higher weight, but this is pretty rare.

HOW DO I GET MY DOG/CAT TO LOSE WEIGHT?

1. Eliminate all treats, table scraps, and human food. Treats can be substituted with a few pieces of their kibble.
2. If you are free-feeding (leaving food out), you will need to switch to feeding measured meals twice daily.
3. Increase exercise.
4. Dogs should be tested for hypothyroidism, which could be a contributing cause to obesity. While cats technically can be hypothyroid, it is uncommon which is why we typically will not test cats.

IS IT SAFE TO GIVE MY PET HUMAN PAIN MEDICATION?

No! Many common human medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, aspirin) are deadly to pets. We have seen unfortunate cases where well-meaning owners fatally poisoned their own pets! On rare occasions we will instruct an owner to give their pet a specific medication and dose of an over-the-counter product.

HOW DO I TELL IF MY DOG IS IN PAIN?

Animals are very good at hiding pain. It’s easy to tell that a dog is in pain when they are crying out, but subtle pain can be very difficult to notice. Some signs include, but are not limited to:

• Limping (limps are almost always due to pain)
• Not eating as much
• Being reluctant to get up, or slow to get up and down
• Not playing as much
• Whimpering, crying, etc.
• Grumpiness, especially not wanting to be petted or picked up
• Difficulty going up stairs, jumping onto the bed, etc
• Shaking, trembling
• Licking at particular spots excessively
• Excessive panting

HOW DO I TELL IF MY CAT IS IN PAIN?

Cats in particular are very good at hiding pain. It’s easy to tell that a dog is in pain when they are crying out, but subtle pain can be very difficult to notice. Some signs include, but are not limited to:

• Limping (limps are almost always due to pain)
• Not eating as much
• Being reluctant to stand up, or slow to get up and down
• Not playing as much
• Vocalizing more than usual
• Grumpiness, especially not wanting to be petted or picked up
• Difficulty going up stairs, jumping onto the bed, etc
• Trembling
• Licking at particular spots excessively
• ***Remember that cats in pain often purr to comfort themselves, so don’t assume that a cat that is purring isn’t hurting!

WHAT DO I DO IF MY NEIGHBOR IS LEAVING DOGS OUTSIDE AND ISN’T TAKING CARE OF THEM OR THEY BARK CONSTANTLY?

Call Animal Control and discuss the situation.

HOW DO I GET MY DOG LICENSED AS A SERVICE DOG?

The dog must be specifically trained to complete a task, like pulling a wheelchair. The certification comes through your human doctor.

HOW DO I GET MY DOG LICENSED AS AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG?

You just need a letter from your human doctor. Please note that emotional support dogs are NOT service dogs, and are not allowed in restaurants or grocery stores. Some airlines allow emotional support dogs to travel with the owner, but not all.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WAS BITTEN BY A DOG?

Call your doctor immediately, even if the wound seems minor. Report the bite to Animal Control.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG BITES SOMEONE?

The person who was bitten needs to see their doctor immediately, even if the wound seems minor. Report the bite to Animal Control. Discuss the incident with your veterinarian and come up with a plan to avoid it happening again.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WAS BITTEN BY A WILD ANIMAL?

Call your doctor immediately, even if the wound only seems minor. If that’s not possible, then go to the nearest ER. The rabies virus is fatal and treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of the person catching the disease. If you were able to capture the animal (dead or alive), contact animal control for next steps. We are able to test animals for rabies, but there are costs to you.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREVENT TOXOPLASMOSIS WHILE I AM PREGNANT?

Talk with your obstetrician (OB) about the risk. Have someone else clean the litterbox, and be sure it is cleaned every single day (the parasite isn’t infectious for the first 24 hours). We can test your cat to see if it is shedding the parasite.

HOW DO I PROTECT MY CHILDREN FROM GETTING PARASITES FROM ANIMALS?

Teach children to wash hands after petting animals. Clean up animal feces immediately. Clean the litterbox daily, and have it in a location where small children can’t access it. Bring in a fecal sample from each pet every year for parasite testing. Do not use sand around playground equipment, and sandboxes should be secured with a lid when not in use to prevent feral cats from defecating in the sand. Do NOT feed outdoor cats!

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD PASSES A WORM?

Call your child’s pediatrician. Save the worm or take a picture to help identify the type. Bring in a separate fecal sample from all of your pets so we can find out from which (if any) of the animals your child contracted the parasite.

I ACCIDENTALLY TOOK MY PET’S MEDICATION. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Call Poison Control for free help. 1-800-222-1222