Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• My pet is straining to urinate/defecate. What should I do?

• A pet that appears constipated may actually be unable to urinate.Veterinary Partner offers some advice on this subject. **A pet that cannot urinate is considered an emergency. Please contact us or an emergency center immediately.**

• Do you offer boarding?

• We provide pet boarding as a service to our clients. Please call in advance to schedule a boarding appointment. Pets may be dropped off after 7am and picked up after 8am on regular business days. We are also open Sunday evenings 7-8pm for releasing boarders. Dogs must be current on vaccinations for Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Distemper/Parvovirus (DA2PP) and Rabies; cats must be current on vaccinations for Feline Distemper (FVRCP) and Rabies.

• Do you offer grooming?

• No, at this time we do not offer any professional grooming services. We do, however, trim nails, give routine baths, and clip mats.

• Do you offer bathing?

• Routine bathing services are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays by appointment. Dogs must be current on vaccinations for Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Distemper/Parvovirus (DA2PP) and Rabies; cats must be current on vaccinations for Feline Distemper (FVRCP) and Rabies.

• Do you treat exotics or pocket pets?

• The majority of our patients are dogs and cats; however, we do see other pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, healthy birds, rats, sugar gliders, chinchillas, reptiles, and non-poisonous snakes. Please mention the species when making an appointment.

• When should I start puppy/kitten vaccinations and which ones are needed?

• Vaccinations start at 6-8 weeks and are boostered every 3-4 weeks until the Rabies vaccination is given at 12-16 weeks. Puppies need Distemper/Parvovirus (DA2PP) as well as Leptospirosis and Rabies vaccinations. Bordetella (Kennel Cough) is needed if your pet will be boarding, going to the groomer, or otherwise be associated with unknown dogs. Cats need Feline Distemper (FVRCP) and Rabies vaccinations. If he/she goes outside then he/she should also be vaccinated against Feline Leukemia.

• Why does my indoor only pet need a rabies vaccination?

• In accordance with Franklin county law, all dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against the rabies virus.

• Why does my pet need an exam just for a rabies vaccine?

• This is in accordance with a medical procedure and only healthy pets should be vaccinated. The physical examination ensures the health of your pet and, therefore, safety in receiving the vaccination.

• Why does my pet need an exam for a particular medication?

• By law a veterinarian is unable to dispense medication without a proper doctor-patient relationship. This means that the annual wellness examination must be current in order for medication to be prescribed. Certain medical conditions may require more frequent exams.

• Why does my pet need bloodwork for a particular medication?

• Most drugs are metabolized through the liver and kidneys; therefore, we want to make sure that your pet's medication is not interfering with organ functions. Drug levels in the bloodstream are also monitored, and the test results may indicate a need to adjust the current dose of medication.

• Why does my dog need a heartworm test if he/she is on heartworm prevention year-round?

• Unfortunately, no preventative is 100% effective. The most important reason for testing is because heartworm preventatives eliminate heartworm larvae, but not the adult heartworms that can cause severe disease or death. We require the heartworm test every other year if your dog is on heartworm prevention year-round.

• Why does my indoor only pet need flea or heartworm prevention?

• Humans are not a natural host for the flea, however, fleas may use you as transportation to come in contact with your pet. Also, it is possible that your dog can bring fleas in from outside and transfer them to your cats. Fleas are very small and not easily noticed, but having them is not an indicator of poor hygiene. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos which can get inside of your house and bite our pet. Remember, it is easier to prevent fleas and heartworm disease than it is to treat them.

• Why does my dog need year-round heartworm and flea prevention?

• The heartworm medication also treats for intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms; which are year-round threats. Also, fleas and mosquitos are active outside during most of the year in Ohio. We recommend year-round protection because weather in Ohio is so unpredictable. For example, there have been days in February with temperatures of 60 degrees, while the previous year produced a level 2 snow emergency.

• Why do I need to bring a fecal sample to my pet's annual? I am very careful about where he/she goes.

• No matter how careful you are it is possible that your pet may accidentally pick up parasites from the environment. For instance, someone else may clean up after his/her pet, but there is enough non-visible stool left that has parasite eggs on it. Your dog then steps in this area, cleans his foot, ingests the eggs, and becomes infected.

• What intestinal parasites can my pet be infected with and where do they come from?

• The most common intestinal parasites are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Most puppies can get roundworms from his/her mother; but adult dogs can become infected by ingesting infected soil or fecal matter (ie. grooming) or by eating infected animals such as rodents. Hookworms are also transmitted by ingesting infected soil or fecal matter, but they can also burrow through your pet's paw pads. Whipworm eggs can survive in the environment for years and most commonly infect your pet through ingestion. Tapeworms are the least harmful but are usually the most obvious. They are transmitted by ingesting an infected flea (ie. grooming) or infected rodent. Your pet cannot get tapeworms by eating a tapeworm. Roundworms and hookworms may be transmitted to people, therefore, it is important to clean up after your pet and use good hygiene practices.

• How do I give my pet a pill?

• Veterinary Partner has a good description with pictures and Cornell Feline Health Center has a video.

• What is the Feline Leukemia virus?

• Veterinary Partner has information about the disease and prevention.

• What is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)?

• Veterinary Partner has some information.

Senior Care

• When does my pet become a senior?

• Your pet is officially a senior at 8 years of age.

• Why does my senior pet need to be seen every 6 months?

• On average, each year a dog lives adds an equivalent of 7 human years to the body. When we age it is very important for us to get yearly exams in our senior years; the same goes for our pets. The only difference is that his/her body is aging much more rapidly. When he/she comes in for his/her 6 month checkup it is really more like he/she is getting an exam every 3.5 years rather than 7 years apart.

• What is included in the senior wellness visit?

• The senior wellness visit begins with the usual physical exam to assess eyes, ears, skin, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, and the presence of any lumps. The doctor then assesses the patient for age related changes which may include arthritis, behavioral differences, or changes in appetite or weight. Finally, we recommend annual screening bloodwork to check for infection, liver and kidney function, and glucose level. This bloodwork will also give us a baseline reference which we can compare to future bloodwork results. Testing also includes a thyroid level or heartworm test, depending on which test the doctor chooses. Additional testing may be advised if a problem is detected.

Dental Care

• Why does my pet need a dental cleaning?

• Our doctors recommend dental cleanings based upon the amount of dental calculus (tartar) on your pet's teeth as well as any gingivitis (inflammation of gum tissue) or periodontitis (inflammation of surrounding bone and tissues) that may be present. As dental disease progresses, the amount of bacteria and, thus, dental calculus in the mouth will increase, the gums will become red and sore, and the teeth will become loose and/or painful. When severe dental disease is present bone loss in the jaw can occur and bacteria from the mouth can also enter the bloodstream. The bacteria can cause problems in organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. A dental cleaning will maintain dental health and prevent any existing dental disease from progressing further.

• Why does a dental cleaning cost so much?

• The dental cleaning your pet receives is comparable to the one you have from your dentist. The difference in price is because we have to put your pet under general anesthesia to perform the procedure. This is because, unfortunately, your pet does not realize why he/she is at the clinic or why he/she needs clean teeth. This means he/she is not going to hold still and turn his/her head as needed for us to appropriately clean his/her teeth. General anesthesia is the best way to ensure a less stressful visit for your pet.

• What is the best way to avoid dental disease?

• The best option is to brush your pet's teeth daily, just as you do for yourself. You need to brush daily because it takes plaque 24 hours to turn into dental calculus (tartar). Once dental calculus forms it cannot be removed by brushing alone and, therefore, it is best to prevent this from happening. The second best option would be to use a product like Oravet. Oravet is a clear gel that you put on the outer surface of your pet's teeth once weekly. This gel prevents plaque and dental calculus from adhering to the teeth as easily.

• What if it is impossible to brush my pet's teeth?

• If your pet absolutely will not let you brush his/her teeth or apply Oravet, you could use dental diets, treats or chews, oral rinses, or water additives. These products are meant to be used as supplements and are nowhere near as effective as brushing; however, we do realize that some pets do not tolerate daily oral health care.

• What can I do for dental care at home?

• Veterinary Partner has a description about different options, but daily brushing is the best recommendation.

• What kind of dental care is needed for rabbits?

• Unlike dogs and cats, a rabbit's teeth continually grow throughout his/her entire life and, therefore, do not need regular cleaning to remove plaque or dental calculus (tartar). This does not mean that you can just ignore your rabbit's dental health, however. A rabbit needs to wear down his/her continually growing teeth with things such as hay or wood blocks, otherwise he/she may not be able to eat. A rabbit that cannot eat will decline in health very quickly. Veterinary Partner has some good information for rabbit owners, including why dental care in rabbits is so important.

Surgery

• Why does my pet need to be spayed or castrated (ie. neutered)?

• There are many advantages to having your pet neutered which includes decreasing the chance of breast tumors, cystic ovaries, uterine infections, or prostatic disease later in life; decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood; helping to prevent spraying and marking; and decreasing the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.

• Where can I learn more about having my pet spayed?

• Veterinary Partner offers a list of frequently asked questions regarding spaying your pet for cats, dogs, and rabbits.

• At what age can I have my pet spayed or castrated (ie. neutered)?

• Spaying or castrating can be done at approximately 6 months. Your pet receives an exam prior to surgery to determine if your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery.

• Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter of puppies/kittens?

• There is no advantage for your pet to give birth prior to being spayed.

• Should I declaw my cat?

• Veterinary Partner offers differing views to help you decide what is right for you.

• Do you declaw cats?

• We declaw the front feet of indoor only cats; however, declawing the back feet requires special circumstances and is very rarely done. We use a laser to perform our declaw surgeries which reduces pain as well as bleeding.

• Do you offer tail docking or dewclaw removal?

• Yes, it is recommended to be done when the puppies are 3-5 days old.

• Do you offer ear cropping?

• No, we no longer offer this surgical procedure.

• Is anesthesia safe?

• Today's modern anesthetic drugs and monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. We do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics. We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health and age of your pet.

• Why does my pet need pre-anesthetic blood testing?

• Pre-anesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risks of anesthesia. Older pets need blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can metabolize the anesthetic properly. Even healthy looking animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing. It is much better to find a problem before it causes anesthetic or surgical complications.

• Why does my pet need to be fasted prior to surgery?

• It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia. You will need to withhold food for at least 8 hours before surgery. Water may be left down for your pet until the morning of surgery.

• Will my pet be in pain?

• Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals even though animals do not usually whine or cry. Pets may not show the same pain symptoms as people do but you can be sure your beloved pet can feel it. The type and amount of pain medications prescribed depends upon the type of surgery performed. Major operations require more pain relief than procedures such as minor lacerations. Injectable pain medications may also be used during and after surgery on both dogs and cats. Providing pain relief is an appropriate, humane, and caring thing to do for your pet.

• Will my pet have stitches (sutures)?

• We use absorbable sutures underneath the skin for many surgeries - these sutures will dissolve and do not need to be removed. Some surgeries, especially tumor removals, do require skin sutures. With either type of suture you will need to watch the incision for swelling, discharge, and color changes. Most animals do not lick excessively or chew at the incision but this is a possible problem you need to watch for. If skin sutures are used they will usually be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time and no baths are allowed for the first 10 days after surgery.

Behavior

• My cat stopped using the litter box. What should I do?

• Veterinary Partner has some pointers on why your cat may have stopped using the litter box. An appointment with a doctor is recommended.

• What can I do about separation anxiety?

• Veterinary Partner has a brief description as well as helpful tips for separation anxiety.

• What should I do if my pet is afraid of thunderstorms or fireworks?

• Veterinary Partner has information regarding prevention, causes, and what to do for extreme cases regarding thunderstorms and fireworks.

• Where can I get advice on housetraining my puppy/dog?

• Veterinary Partner has some good starter tips.

• Should I have a bed or a crate for my puppy/dog?

• Veterinary Partner has good information about both as well as transitioning between the two.

• How do I crate train my dog?

• Veterinary Partner has information on training and when to use crates.

• How can I eliminate puppy biting?

• Veterinary Partner has some helpful information on eliminating this problem.

Finances

• When is my payment due? Do you offer billing for services?

• In order to keep the cost of veterinary care as affordable as possible, we ask that payment be made at the time services are performed.

• What forms of payment do you accept?

• For your convenience we accept cash, personal check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Care Credit. In the event of an unexpected illness, CareCredit is available to finance your pet's treatment.

• What is CareCredit?

• CareCredit is a flexible payment plan with no interest or low interest payments designed for healthcare practices. You can use the card for future visits as well other health care specialists for you and your family. We are able to apply over the phone for you and get a decision immediately. Visit the CareCredit website for more information or to apply for a CareCredit card.