FAQ

General Care & Wellness

  • Most pets benefit from annual wellness exams. Senior pets or those with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits to monitor their health and adjust care as needed. Regular check-ups help us catch issues early and keep your pet feeling their best.

  • Vaccine recommendations depend on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors.

    • Core vaccines (like rabies and distemper) are essential for all pets, while others (like Bordetella, Leptospirosis, or feline leukemia) may be recommended based on exposure risk.

    • Most adult pets need boosters annually or every three years.

    • We’ll tailor a plan during your visit to keep your pet protected and compliant with local regulations.

  • Pets are masters at hiding illness. Just like us, routine bloodwork helps catch early changes in organ function, detect underlying conditions, and establish a baseline for your pet’s health. It’s a proactive way to keep your pet feeling their best and avoid surprises down the road.

  • Timing depends on your pet’s breed, age, and overall health. For most dogs and cats, spaying or neutering is recommended between 5–12 months of age.

Medications & Treatments

  • Yes! You can request a refill by phone or on our website here. You can also request a refill on our pet portal app, powered by Vello.

  • Most of the time, no - particularly when it comes to over-the-counter pain medications. Many human medications are toxic to animals, even in small doses. Always check with us before giving anything not prescribed specifically for your pet.

  • If it’s close to the scheduled time, give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one - never double up. Call us if you’re unsure and we’ll guide you based on the specific medication.

  • We can show you techniques in person - either when your pet is first prescribed the medication or later if you have trouble at home. Many medications can be hidden in treats or soft food, but if your pet is picky, we can explore flavored options or alternative forms. Let us help troubleshoot if it’s a struggle.

  • Yes! Depending on the medication, we may be able to prescribe a liquid, injectable, or topical version. Just let us know if pills are a challenge - we’ll work with you to find the best fit for you and your pet.

  • In many cases, yes. Chronic conditions like arthritis, thyroid disease, or heart issues often require ongoing treatment. We monitor your pet’s health through regular exams and lab work to ensure safety and adjust as needed.

Diagnostics & Testing

  • Diagnostics help us understand what’s happening beneath the surface. Whether it’s bloodwork, x-rays, or urinalysis, these tests guide accurate diagnoses, monitor chronic conditions, and ensure treatments are working. They’re essential for personalized, proactive care.

  • Since we offer in-house diagnostics, most routine lab results are available immediately - this means you’ll know the results before you complete your visit with us.

    Specialized lab results are usually ready within 1–2 days, except for tests like cultures, which take longer to grow and analyze.

    We’ll contact you by phone to review findings, explain what they mean, and discuss next steps. For urgent results, we’ll reach out as soon as they’re available.

  • Absolutely!

    • Simply call our office or send us an email and we’ll be happy to provide them to you.

    • Planning a stay at a boarding facility or doggie daycare? If they need your pet’s fecal results, we can send them directly - just tell us where.

  • Yes - our sister hospital, Canyon Hills Animal Hospital & Internal Medicine, offers advanced imaging (like CT/MRI), endoscopy, and other diagnostics for more complex cases. If your pet needs specialized care, we’ll coordinate everything and stay involved throughout.

Behavior & Diet

  • Weight alone doesn’t tell the full story - body condition score (BCS) matters more. You can do a quick check at home:

    • Ribs: You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily without pressing hard, but they shouldn’t be visibly sticking out.

    • Waist: Viewed from above, your pet should have a noticeable waistline behind the ribs.

    • Tummy tuck: From the side, there should be an upward slope from the chest to the belly.

    If these features are hard to see or feel, your pet may be carrying extra weight. Overweight pets are at higher risk for arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, so it’s worth checking in with us. We can assess your pet’s BCS, discuss diet and activity, and help create a plan if needed.

  • Any sudden or persistent change - like hiding, aggression, vocalizing, pacing, or changes in appetite or bathroom habits - could signal discomfort or illness. Trust your instincts. If something feels “off,” we’re here to help figure out why.

  • Some changes are expected with age, but shifts in sleep, appetite, or behavior can also signal underlying issues. If you notice anything unusual or persistent, it’s worth checking in. We’re here to help your senior pet stay comfortable and thrive.

  • Nutrition needs vary by life stage, breed, and health status. We’ll help you choose a balanced diet that supports your pet’s energy, digestion, and long-term wellness.

    If your pet has medical needs, we may recommend a prescription diet tailored to their condition.

Emergencies & Urgent Care

  • Seek emergency care right away if your pet is:

    • Having trouble breathing

    • Collapsing

    • Bleeding heavily

    • Vomiting repeatedly

    • Showing signs of extreme pain

    • Unable to pass urine or stool

    If you’re unsure, call us - we’ll help you decide whether urgent care is needed. Click here for after hours emergency information.

  • Absolutely! We reserve slots each day for urgent concerns. If your pet needs prompt attention, call early and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

    For true emergencies - especially later in the day - we may refer you to a 24-hour facility. But call us first, and we’ll do our best to help you.

End of Life Care

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Client Communication

  • Of course!

    For non-urgent concerns, feel free to leave a voicemail or send a text - you can text our main number or our dedicated messaging account at (657) 282-5647.

    For emergencies, we recommend contacting a local 24-hour veterinary emergency facility such as:

  • Absolutely! Visuals can help us assess your pet’s condition and guide next steps.

    Email our general inbox by clicking here.

    Please include a brief description and any relevant history. We’ll review and follow up as soon as possible.

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