Frequently Asked Questions:
How safe is my pet's procedure?
Just as in human medicine, the overall safety of any procedure is based on the type of treatment your pet
needs. For example, a spay or neuter for a young animal is generally
safer than a cancer treatment for a senior animal. Regardless of the
type of your pet’s medical needs Animal Care Hospital takes the greatest possible care of your furry family member! Our
hospital has the latest technology including digital x-rays, blood work
diagnostics, anesthesia, and monitoring before, during and after your
pet’s medical event. We also recommend the latest in pain control for
the comfort of your pet after any surgical procedure. Contact us today
to learn more on how we can take care of your pet’s surgical needs.
How often should my pet have an exam and blood work?
Did you know that each year for the life of an animal is approximately 7 years for humans?
Imagine a 7 year-old dog that doesn’t go to the vet for 3 years. This
would be the same as a 49 year-old person not going to the doctor for 21
years! At Animal Care Hospital, we recommend yearly exams
and blood work as necessary. Taking proper care of your pet during
their younger years can mean fewer medications as they age, and may
extend the life of your pet. Call one of our veterinary professionals
to set up your pet’s yearly appointment today!
Does my pet truly need a dental procedure?
Just like people, our furry family members need dental
care for their overall health. Left unchecked, bacteria can grow on our
pet’s teeth, causing the teeth to decay prematurely. Some bacteria that
grow on the teeth of animals can actually cause damage to their organs
including the heart and kidneys. If your pet has bad breath, displays
difficulty in eating hard foods, and has browning teeth and reddish
gums, it is likely periodontal disease has already started.
Animal Care Hospital understands that maintaining your
pet’s dental health early can result in better overall health and result
in long-term savings by avoiding corrective dental procedures in the
future. Contact one of our friendly staff professionals today to set up
your pet’s dental appointment!
What should I do if I notice visible parasites on my pet?
Contact Animal Care Hospital right
away if you notice visible parasites including fleas, ticks, lice and
ear mites on your pet. Our clinic maintains the latest and most
effective products for treatment and prevention of parasites that can
infect your pet. However, you must remember that you may still need to
treat your furry friend’s environment using either a professional pest
control agency or an acceptable at-home treatment. Without
environmental control, you may continue to see certain parasites until
the entire area is treated. Schedule an appointment today for one of
our doctors to determine which preventative is right for your pet.
What if my pet has an after-hours problem?
Animal Care Hospital understands
that pets don’t always get sick during working hours. To take even
greater care of your pet, Dr. Stubbs is on call until 10 p.m. every
evening. If your pet needs medical attention after Dr. Butler’s hours,
we encourage you to contact the Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital
at 228-392-7474. No matter when your pet may become ill, they can be
seen and cared for day or night!
At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
Our hospital recommends spaying or neutering all dogs and cats between 4
and 6 months of age. While these procedures are considered routine,
remember that a spay for our dog or cat is the equivalent of an ovarian
hysterectomy in a human. A neuter for our male dogs and cats is a
complete removal of the testis. Therefore, our doctors recommend blood
work prior to these procedures to minimize the risk that your pet may
have an underlying condition. During the surgery, your pet’s blood
pressure and heart rate is constantly monitored by one of our veterinary
professionals. Pain medications are also a must to keep your pet as
comfortable as possible after surgery. Call Animal Care Hospital to schedule your pet’s spay or neuter today!
What are heartworms and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?
Heartworms are extremely common in our area and can infect both our dogs AND our
cats. Heartworms are transmitted from mosquitoes as a juvenile worm
known as microfilaria. Unless your pet is on a heartworm preventative,
the juvenile worm can mature into an adult which can cause serious
damage to the animal’s heart, and may even cause death. Remember that a
monthly preventative not only keeps your dog or cat healthy, but is less
expensive than having to treat adult heartworms. Our doctors can
determine which preventative is right for your pet, based on their needs
and circumstances. Schedule an appointment for your dog or cat and get
them on a heartworm preventative today!