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13161-1 Black Mountain Road 858.484.5000 Mon-Fri: 8 am - 5.30 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

What does your exam ‘consist of’?

A full, head to toe, examination by the veterinarian. The veterinarian will create a treatment plan with the technician/assistant, then, together, you and the technician/assistant will come to agreements on what we can do for your pet. If you cannot do everything on the recommended treatment plan, oftentimes we can come up with a plan to meet the goals for your pet.

Do you guys offer any discounts with new client fee?

Yes! A new client exam of 50% off of the exam fee is available for clients we have never met before and for ONE PET per family.

Does the exam include any other services?

An exam only includes the nose to tail examination by the veterinarian

Does my pet need an exam for vaccines

We will do vaccines without an exam, but our experienced technician and assistants will ask you questions about your pets and address anything that may need a veterinarian’s assessment. If you approve, then your pet may be dropped off for the veterinarian to assess or we can see if we can fit your pet in for an examination at the time of the vaccine appointment.

Why does my pet need an annual exam every year?

Animals age differently than humans and annual visits can help us detect health issues early so we can help your pet live a longer and healthier life

How early can I take my puppy to the park/beach?

Your pet needs to complete a series of vaccines before going to the park/beach, so until then, enjoy your pup at home! Discuss the specifics with one of our veterinarians at your visit.

Can my puppy still contract the Parvovirus after the first set of vaccines?

Yes, your puppy’s immune system is not ready to take on viruses like Parvo after just one vaccine.

Why does my puppy/dog need the ‘flu’ vaccine now?

If you plan to socialize your puppy/dog with other dogs, you should vaccinate your pet for the flu! Canine flu is fatal and can be 100% prevented with the Canine Influenza vaccine!

What are the core vaccines?

DHPP (distemper/parvo) and Rabies, as well as bordetella which may be considered a lifestyle vaccine as your pet ages.

How old does my puppy have to be to start vaccines?

Your puppy needs to start their vaccine series at 8 weeks, then at 3-4 week intervals until the series is completed.

What does it mean when my pet has bloody stool?

It could mean several different things and we will have to do some diagnostics before arriving at an answer.

Why is my pet eating grass from outside?

Oftentimes, eating grass can mean your pet is nauseous or is lacking some nutrients. However, some pets like the taste of grass, so this behavior could also be completely normal.

Why is my pet scooting?

There is a possibility that intestinal parasites or full anal glands could cause your pet to scoot their butts on the ground, floor, or carpet.

What does it mean when my pet is vomiting worms?

Your pet’s digestive system could be affected by an overload of worms, which requires treatment.

What does it mean if my puppy’s belly is swollen?

Oftentimes, a swollen belly indicates intestinal parasites, but could also indicate bloat.

Why is my older pet coughing?

There can be several reasons why an older pet could be coughing, such as heart disease or a respiratory infection. Any development of a cough should be assessed by a veterinarian to determine the cause and necessary diagnostics/treatments.

What does it mean when my pet is shaking uncontrollably?

Uncontrollable shaking could indicate a seizure or a pet that is having difficulty regulating its temperature. Sometimes, pets will also shake when in pain.

What causes Heart failure?

Heart failure can result from age, breed, or even a poor diet

My pet seems to have difficulty breathing, could it be due to old age?

It is possible, but difficult to say without seeing your pet first.

My pet seems to be losing weight drastically, should I be concerned?

Drastic changes in weight can be problematic and should be assessed.

My dog has a real foul odor coming from their skin, what does this mean?

This could be related to allergies or a skin infection caused by excessive grooming/licking, chemical exposure, or a wound that has become infected.

What does it mean when my pet’s skin is red with bumps?

It could be that your pet has allergies or a skin issue that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian

Why is my pet so itchy?

If your pet is not on a quality flea control, this can lead to itchy skin. We often rule out fleas, environmental, and food for allergies. There are allergy panels available to see what your pet is allergic to, or food trials to determine food allergens.

My pet continues to constantly lick at their paws, what does this mean?

Something they are exposed to can be causing them to lick their paws or it can be behavioral.

Why is my pet’s skin so dry?

Dry skin could be a result of allergies (either flea, environmental, or food related) or lack of good fats like Omega 3, 6, or 9s.

What happens if I don’t do extractions recommended?

Your pet’s quality of life may be affected if there is a tooth that needs to be extracted, but isn’t.

If I decline extractions, how quick can I come back to have them removed?

We may be able to reevaluate a tooth that needs to be extracted in a few months, but the cost of the hospitalization, IV catheter and fluids, general anesthesia, and blood pressure/pulse oximeter monitoring, will be applied, unless done with another dental special.

What does your dental special include?

Our dental special includes hospitalization, the placement of an IV catheter, IV fluids, general anesthesia, blood pressure/pulse oximeter monitoring, and the dental cleaning and probing.

My pet is not eating and has a swollen cheek, what can I do?

Swelling near the mouth and not eating can be a result of a tooth abscess. Your pet will need general anesthesia and a dental prophylaxis procedure. That way your pet’s mouth can be fully examined and evaluated.

My pet’s breath is really bad, what can I do?

A foul smelling mouth can indicate infected gums/teeth, usually the only way to truly know is to perform a full oral exam. If this is not possible when your pet is awake, then your pet will need to come in for a dental prophylaxis while under general anesthesia. Dental prophylaxis is recommended yearly, unless otherwise specified by your veterinarian, for all adult dogs and cats.

What is the age limit for my pet to have surgery or is there a limit?

An animal can be placed under anesthesia at any age, however, some pet’s may not be good candidates if their health is compromised. Your veterinarian will address any concerns they may have regarding the health of your pet and anesthesia.

Why is pre-surgical bloodwork recommended?

Pre-surgical bloodwork is recommended to make sure your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia, and to better prepare for certain health conditions prior to anesthesia.

If my pet has surgery does he have to stay overnight?

We do not have round-the-clock care for our patients. If your pet requires overnight care, we will recommend a transfer of care to an overnight facility.

Do you guys offer payment plans for surgeries?

We accept CareCredit and ScratchPay to help pay for your pet’s surgeries.

What types of surgeries does your hospital do?

We do all types of soft tissue surgeries and have a surgeon who can come to us for orthopedic surgeries.

What should I expect after his/her surgery?

Your pet’s activity should be limited to promote complete healing and pain medication should be given on time to keep your pet comfortable post-surgery.

How old does my pet have to be?

Females dogs should be spayed around 6-9 months, but male dogs may be neutered any time after 6 months. Each veterinary clinic may have different age protocols, so these are general guidelines. You and your veterinarian will determine the best time to spay/neuter your pet.
Cats should be spayed by 6 months of age, in order to avoid a heat cycle.

Does he/she have to wear the cone?

Absolutely, post-operative issues may be avoided by keeping the cone on while your pet is healing.

What’s a good age to spay/neuter my pet?

Female dogs – 6-9 months
Male dogs – 6 months and later
Female or male cats – by 6 months of age

What happens if I don’t spay/neuter my pet?

Unwanted litters, increased chances of cancers, and irreversible behavioral issues can result from not spaying/neutering your pet, among others.