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FAQs


Below are answers to common veterinary questions and services.
Dental:
click to expand for more Why does my pet need their teeth cleaned?
click to collapse this section
85% of all pets have dental disease by the age of 3. Not only does dental disease cause bad breath but also results in pain and loss of teeth. Dental disease is caused by bacteria forming plaque and tartar on the teeth. The bacteria irritate the gum line, the gums become inflamed in the early stages of dental disease causing gingivitis. Left untreated, this leads to periodontal disease which causes the loss of the bone and gingival support structure of the tooth and subsequent tooth loss. In addition, the bacteria from dental disease is released into the blood stream which can result in damage and infection of the internal organs, such as the kidneys, liver and heart.

A professional dental cleaning is required to remove plaque and tartar from the pet's teeth and assess the health of the mouth.
click to expand for more How often should my pet have their teeth cleaned?
click to collapse this section
Most pets need their teeth cleaned yearly to prevent tooth loss. This varies dependent upon the breed and the habits of your pet. For instance, small dogs usually need their teeth cleaned annually whereas large breed dogs often require less frequent cleanings. A veterinarian can perform an oral examination on your pet to determine if your pet needs their teeth cleaned.
click to expand for more Do I need to brush my pet's teeth at home?
click to collapse this section
Yes. Proper dental care at home is highly recommended to help maintain the oral health of your dog and cat between cleanings. Other oral home care options such as dental formulated foods, water additives, and dental treats can also be part of a complete dental care plan.
click to expand for more What happens when my pet's teeth are cleaned?
click to collapse this section
Typically, a veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and complete bloodwork to determine if it is safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. An intravenous catheter should be placed for safety. Next the pet is given medication for sedation and then anesthetized. The pet should then be monitored closely and receive intravenous fluids to support the pets blood pressure and organ health. The veterinarian will perform a through oral exam. The teeth are cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler, a tool that vibrates at a high speed, to remove large pieces of plaque and tartar. A hand scaler is used to clean under the gums of every tooth and on all sides of the tooth. Dental probes are used to measure the depth of the pockets found between tooth and gum - abnormally deep pockets indicate periodontal disease. Radiographs of the teeth are generally recommended, and may be necessary to evaluate the underlying bone structure. Once all the plaque and tartar are removed, all tooth surfaces are polished, and a fluoride treatment may be applied. Your pet will then be carefully monitored during the recovery process.

Diet and Nutrition:

click to expand for more What kind of diet should my pet have?
click to collapse this section
Our pets are designed to eat meat based diets, therefore we recommend you feed all-natural, meat based or grain free diets that are also free of all dyes, artificial flavoring, additives, low-quality grain fillers, by-products, chemical preservatives and potential allergens. Avoid regular feeding of low-quality grain based foods. Discuss your pet's diet and their treats with your veterinarian during your regular exam. CityVet only stocks all-natural food that we believe in and that our vets feed their own pets.

Fleas/Ticks:

click to expand for more How can I prevent fleas and ticks?
click to collapse this section
Fleas and ticks can be prevented by giving an appropriate flea and tick preventative. Typically, year-round administration is recommended to prevent flea infestations. Flea and tick control is important both for your pet's health but also your families. Both fleas and ticks carry disease that can be transmitted to humans.

There are many products available that prevent fleas and ticks. It is important to choose a product that works and is safe for your pet.
click to expand for more Can I get diseases from my pets?
click to collapse this section
Yes, there are many diseases that can be transmitted from pets to humans. These diseases are called zoonotic diseases. Here is a list of common zoonotic diseases in pets:

  • Campylobacter infection
  • Cryptosporidium infection
  • Giardia infection
  • Hookworms
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rabies
  • Ringworm
  • Roundworms
  • Salmonellosis
  • Rabies
  • Toxoplasmosis

Grooming:

click to expand for more How often should I groom my pet?
click to collapse this section
Keeping your pet clean and well-groomed is important for good health. The frequency of grooming depends on the type of coat, hair length, breed, and owner's preference. Most dogs should be groomed every 6 - 12 weeks. Long haired dogs should be brushed at least weekly while short coated dogs may not need to be brushed. Brushing short haired dogs will help remove loose hair and decrease shedding. Cats are very good at keeping themselves groomed but medium and long hair cats may need to be brushed weekly. Overweight, ill, and arthritic cats may need more frequent brushing.
click to expand for more How often should I bathe my pet?
click to collapse this section
Most pets should be bathed every 1 to 3 weeks or when dirty, however the frequency of bathing depends on the type of coat, hair length, breed, and any skin conditions.

Heartworm Preventative:

click to expand for more What is heartworm protection and how many months should my pet be on heartworm prevention medication?
click to collapse this section
Heartworm disease is a serious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Heartworm prevention is administered once a month either by pill or topical application, or a long-acting injectable heartworm prevention can be administered every 6 months in dogs. Depending on the specific product you and your veterinarian choose for your pet, heartworm prevention may also prevent intestinal parasite infestations such as roundworms and hookworms and external parasites such as fleas and ticks. In accordance with the guidelines of the American Heartworm Society, we recommend all dogs and cats be given year-round (12 months) heartworm prevention regardless of lifestyle beginning at 8 weeks.
click to expand for more Why does my dog need a heartworm blood test?
click to collapse this section
We recommend testing annually to ensure the prevention program is working (I would use the words "fully effective" instead of "working". Testing for heartworms is a simple blood test. Pets can get sick (vomiting, diarrhea, and/or death) if placed on heartworm prevention if they have heartworm disease. Even with prevention year-round there is a chance the product could fail (your pet spits out the pill, did not absorb the pill appropriately, topical medicine was not applied properly, did not give on time, etc.).
click to expand for more My pet never goes outside so does it really need heartworm prevention?
click to collapse this section
Yes. Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito and mosquitoes are often found inside houses. The American Heartworm Society studies show the incidence of heartworm disease is just as high in indoor pets as outdoor pets.
click to expand for more Doesn.t the fecal sample test for heartworms?
click to collapse this section
No. Heartworm disease is a blood-borne disease that is transmitted through mosquitoes. A simple blood test will confirm whether your dog has heartworm disease.
click to expand for more Does my cat need heartworm prevention?
click to collapse this section
Yes. While heartworm disease is more common in dogs it is far more serious in cats. Cats can have serious, often fatal, disease from the development of even one heartworm. Additionally, there is no treatment for cats. The incidence of heartworm disease is just as high in indoor cats as outdoor cats. Therefore, it is recommended all cats be on heartworm prevention.

Rabies /Vaccines:

Vaccines: Vaccines are an important part of your pet's health care. Vaccines keep your pet healthy by preventing serious diseases. We will develop a vaccination schedule for your pet based on your pet's lifestyle, health, and individual circumstances.

click to expand for more How often does my pet need a Rabies vaccination?
click to collapse this section
Dogs - The first Rabies vaccine your pet receives is good for 1 year. A booster should be given 1 year after completing the initial puppy vaccine and every 3 years after, unless state, provincial, or local requirements state otherwise.

Cats - Rabies is given yearly with a non-adjuvanted vaccine in order to avoid some of the potential side effects of the 3 year vaccination.

Spay/Neutering My Pet:

click to expand for more When is the best time to spay or neuter my pet?
click to collapse this section
We recommend spaying or neutering every pet, and we recommend spaying or neutering your pet around 6 months. This recommendation may vary based on each individual pet. Please schedule an appointment to discuss spaying or neutering your pet with one of our veterinarians. Please check your local laws as many cities have laws requiring pets to be spayed or neutered unless you have a breeding license.

Surgery:

click to expand for more Why does my pet need to be admitted several hours before a surgical procedure?
click to collapse this section
There are many steps involved in safely anesthetizing your pet. The steps taken prior to anesthesia are just as important as the steps taken during the procedure. Your pet is admitted early to permit enough time to complete the preparation. In preparation for the procedure your pet will receive a complete physical exam, bloodwork (recommended), placement of an intravenous catheter, and premedication to ease anxiety and provide smoother induction of anesthesia. The premedication often requires a minimum of 30 mins to take effect. Each of these steps require time to complete before the procedure can begin.
click to expand for more What should I bring for my pet's hospital stay?
click to collapse this section
If your pet is on a special diet or on any medications, you should bring these with you to the hospital. We ask that your refrain from bringing beds, blankets and toys. Your pet needs a germ-free environment pre and post-surgery and we want to avoid putting them at risk.
click to expand for more Are there any special at-home care instructions for my dog or cat before undergoing surgery?
click to collapse this section
Yes. Pets must be fasted prior to anesthesia. For most pets no food after 8:00 pm the night before the procedures. Water is ok. In the event your pet is a diabetic or an exotic breed (rabbits, guinea pigs, others) please call and discuss your situation with a veterinarian. Please allow plenty of time the morning of the procedure to review the procedures and paperwork (typically 10 to 15 minutes).
click to expand for more Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
click to collapse this section
While there is always a risk when undergoing anesthesia, modern anesthesia is very safe. CityVet uses the safest, multi-modal approach individually created for each pet. This includes injectable medications for sedation and pain management as well as gas anesthetic agents. The combination of pre-anesthetic assessment of your pet (including blood work), use of modern anesthetic agents, and the latest anesthetic monitoring equipment and well-trained staff means that anesthesia is generally considered to be a very low risk for your pet.
click to expand for more How will you manage my pet's pain during surgery?
click to collapse this section
CityVet uses advanced pain management techniques to maximize the comfort of your pet before, during, and after the procedure. Pain control improves your pet's recovery and speeds the healing process.
click to expand for more My pet is a senior; it is safe?
click to collapse this section
Anesthesia in otherwise healthy, older pets is considered safe. It is important to have recommended pre-operative testing performed prior to anesthesia to check major organ function and allow us to tailor the anesthesia to any pre-existing medical conditions.
click to expand for more My pet has kidney and heart disease; is anesthesia safe?
click to collapse this section
Prior to anesthesia, patients with kidney, heart, or other underlying diseases should be fully evaluated. Testing may include bloodwork, urinalysis, x-rays, or ultrasound. Our veterinarians will determine based on each individual situation if it is safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia.
click to expand for more When my pet is having surgery, when should I expect an update on my pet?
click to collapse this section
We know you will be anxious to hear how your pet is doing. You will receive a call from one of our team members when your pet is fully recovered from the procedure. If there are any abnormalities on pre-anesthetic exam or blood work, you will receive a call prior to the procedure to review options. Remember that no news is good news, and you will be contacted immediately should the need arise. We will be available at discharge to discuss the procedure and discharge instructions with you in detail, as well as answer any questions.
click to expand for more After surgery, when will my pet be able to go home?
click to collapse this section
Pets undergoing most outpatient procedures will be ready to go home the same evening as the day of the procedure.

Pain Management:

click to expand for more How do I know if my pet is in pain?
click to collapse this section
It can sometimes be difficult to tell. Dogs and cats by nature are designed to hide their pain (signs of weakness in the wild). If you are not sure if your pet is hurting, call us to have us examine your pet. Some signs of pain are obvious, such as limping, but signs of pain are often more subtle and can include one or more of the following: not eating, a change in behavior or normal habits, sleeping more, decreased energy or lethargy, or hiding.
click to expand for more Is there a benefit to referring my friends and family?
click to collapse this section
Yes. CityVet's Care to Share program rewards you for recommending us to your friends and family. Both you and your friend will receive $25. We encourage you to tell your friends and family about CityVet.


FAQs


Below are answers to common veterinary questions and services.

Dental:
click to expand for more Why does my pet need their teeth cleaned?
click to collapse this section
85% of all pets have dental disease by the age of 3. Not only does dental disease cause bad breath but also results in pain and loss of teeth. Dental disease is caused by bacteria forming plaque and tartar on the teeth. The bacteria irritate the gum line, the gums become inflamed in the early stages of dental disease causing gingivitis. Left untreated, this leads to periodontal disease which causes the loss of the bone and gingival support structure of the tooth and subsequent tooth loss. In addition, the bacteria from dental disease is released into the blood stream which can result in damage and infection of the internal organs, such as the kidneys, liver and heart.

A professional dental cleaning is required to remove plaque and tartar from the pet's teeth and assess the health of the mouth.
click to expand for more How often should my pet have their teeth cleaned?
click to collapse this section
Most pets need their teeth cleaned yearly to prevent tooth loss. This varies dependent upon the breed and the habits of your pet. For instance, small dogs usually need their teeth cleaned annually whereas large breed dogs often require less frequent cleanings. A veterinarian can perform an oral examination on your pet to determine if your pet needs their teeth cleaned.
click to expand for more Do I need to brush my pet's teeth at home?
click to collapse this section
Yes. Proper dental care at home is highly recommended to help maintain the oral health of your dog and cat between cleanings. Other oral home care options such as dental formulated foods, water additives, and dental treats can also be part of a complete dental care plan.
click to expand for more What happens when my pet's teeth are cleaned?
click to collapse this section
Typically, a veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and complete bloodwork to determine if it is safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. An intravenous catheter should be placed for safety. Next the pet is given medication for sedation and then anesthetized. The pet should then be monitored closely and receive intravenous fluids to support the pets blood pressure and organ health. The veterinarian will perform a through oral exam. The teeth are cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler, a tool that vibrates at a high speed, to remove large pieces of plaque and tartar. A hand scaler is used to clean under the gums of every tooth and on all sides of the tooth. Dental probes are used to measure the depth of the pockets found between tooth and gum - abnormally deep pockets indicate periodontal disease. Radiographs of the teeth are generally recommended, and may be necessary to evaluate the underlying bone structure. Once all the plaque and tartar are removed, all tooth surfaces are polished, and a fluoride treatment may be applied. Your pet will then be carefully monitored during the recovery process.

Diet and Nutrition:

click to expand for more What kind of diet should my pet have?
click to collapse this section
Our pets are designed to eat meat based diets, therefore we recommend you feed all-natural, meat based or grain free diets that are also free of all dyes, artificial flavoring, additives, low-quality grain fillers, by-products, chemical preservatives and potential allergens. Avoid regular feeding of low-quality grain based foods. Discuss your pet's diet and their treats with your veterinarian during your regular exam. CityVet only stocks all-natural food that we believe in and that our vets feed their own pets.

Fleas/Ticks:

click to expand for more How can I prevent fleas and ticks?
click to collapse this section
Fleas and ticks can be prevented by giving an appropriate flea and tick preventative. Typically, year-round administration is recommended to prevent flea infestations. Flea and tick control is important both for your pet's health but also your families. Both fleas and ticks carry disease that can be transmitted to humans.

There are many products available that prevent fleas and ticks. It is important to choose a product that works and is safe for your pet.
click to expand for more Can I get diseases from my pets?
click to collapse this section
Yes, there are many diseases that can be transmitted from pets to humans. These diseases are called zoonotic diseases. Here is a list of common zoonotic diseases in pets:

  • Campylobacter infection
  • Cryptosporidium infection
  • Giardia infection
  • Hookworms
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Rabies
  • Ringworm
  • Roundworms
  • Salmonellosis
  • Rabies
  • Toxoplasmosis

Grooming:

click to expand for more How often should I groom my pet?
click to collapse this section
Keeping your pet clean and well-groomed is important for good health. The frequency of grooming depends on the type of coat, hair length, breed, and owner's preference. Most dogs should be groomed every 6 - 12 weeks. Long haired dogs should be brushed at least weekly while short coated dogs may not need to be brushed. Brushing short haired dogs will help remove loose hair and decrease shedding. Cats are very good at keeping themselves groomed but medium and long hair cats may need to be brushed weekly. Overweight, ill, and arthritic cats may need more frequent brushing.
click to expand for more How often should I bathe my pet?
click to collapse this section
Most pets should be bathed every 1 to 3 weeks or when dirty, however the frequency of bathing depends on the type of coat, hair length, breed, and any skin conditions.

Heartworm Preventative:

click to expand for more What is heartworm protection and how many months should my pet be on heartworm prevention medication?
click to collapse this section
Heartworm disease is a serious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Heartworm prevention is administered once a month either by pill or topical application, or a long-acting injectable heartworm prevention can be administered every 6 months in dogs. Depending on the specific product you and your veterinarian choose for your pet, heartworm prevention may also prevent intestinal parasite infestations such as roundworms and hookworms and external parasites such as fleas and ticks. In accordance with the guidelines of the American Heartworm Society, we recommend all dogs and cats be given year-round (12 months) heartworm prevention regardless of lifestyle beginning at 8 weeks.
click to expand for more Why does my dog need a heartworm blood test?
click to collapse this section
We recommend testing annually to ensure the prevention program is working (I would use the words "fully effective" instead of "working". Testing for heartworms is a simple blood test. Pets can get sick (vomiting, diarrhea, and/or death) if placed on heartworm prevention if they have heartworm disease. Even with prevention year-round there is a chance the product could fail (your pet spits out the pill, did not absorb the pill appropriately, topical medicine was not applied properly, did not give on time, etc.).
click to expand for more My pet never goes outside so does it really need heartworm prevention?
click to collapse this section
Yes. Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito and mosquitoes are often found inside houses. The American Heartworm Society studies show the incidence of heartworm disease is just as high in indoor pets as outdoor pets.
click to expand for more Doesn.t the fecal sample test for heartworms?
click to collapse this section
No. Heartworm disease is a blood-borne disease that is transmitted through mosquitoes. A simple blood test will confirm whether your dog has heartworm disease.
click to expand for more Does my cat need heartworm prevention?
click to collapse this section
Yes. While heartworm disease is more common in dogs it is far more serious in cats. Cats can have serious, often fatal, disease from the development of even one heartworm. Additionally, there is no treatment for cats. The incidence of heartworm disease is just as high in indoor cats as outdoor cats. Therefore, it is recommended all cats be on heartworm prevention.

Rabies /Vaccines:

Vaccines: Vaccines are an important part of your pet's health care. Vaccines keep your pet healthy by preventing serious diseases. We will develop a vaccination schedule for your pet based on your pet's lifestyle, health, and individual circumstances.

click to expand for more How often does my pet need a Rabies vaccination?
click to collapse this section
Dogs - The first Rabies vaccine your pet receives is good for 1 year. A booster should be given 1 year after completing the initial puppy vaccine and every 3 years after, unless state, provincial, or local requirements state otherwise.

Cats - Rabies is given yearly with a non-adjuvanted vaccine in order to avoid some of the potential side effects of the 3 year vaccination.

Spay/Neutering My Pet:

click to expand for more When is the best time to spay or neuter my pet?
click to collapse this section
We recommend spaying or neutering every pet, and we recommend spaying or neutering your pet around 6 months. This recommendation may vary based on each individual pet. Please schedule an appointment to discuss spaying or neutering your pet with one of our veterinarians. Please check your local laws as many cities have laws requiring pets to be spayed or neutered unless you have a breeding license.

Surgery:

click to expand for more Why does my pet need to be admitted several hours before a surgical procedure?
click to collapse this section
There are many steps involved in safely anesthetizing your pet. The steps taken prior to anesthesia are just as important as the steps taken during the procedure. Your pet is admitted early to permit enough time to complete the preparation. In preparation for the procedure your pet will receive a complete physical exam, bloodwork (recommended), placement of an intravenous catheter, and premedication to ease anxiety and provide smoother induction of anesthesia. The premedication often requires a minimum of 30 mins to take effect. Each of these steps require time to complete before the procedure can begin.
click to expand for more What should I bring for my pet's hospital stay?
click to collapse this section
If your pet is on a special diet or on any medications, you should bring these with you to the hospital. We ask that your refrain from bringing beds, blankets and toys. Your pet needs a germ-free environment pre and post-surgery and we want to avoid putting them at risk.
click to expand for more Are there any special at-home care instructions for my dog or cat before undergoing surgery?
click to collapse this section
Yes. Pets must be fasted prior to anesthesia. For most pets no food after 8:00 pm the night before the procedures. Water is ok. In the event your pet is a diabetic or an exotic breed (rabbits, guinea pigs, others) please call and discuss your situation with a veterinarian. Please allow plenty of time the morning of the procedure to review the procedures and paperwork (typically 10 to 15 minutes).
click to expand for more Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
click to collapse this section
While there is always a risk when undergoing anesthesia, modern anesthesia is very safe. CityVet uses the safest, multi-modal approach individually created for each pet. This includes injectable medications for sedation and pain management as well as gas anesthetic agents. The combination of pre-anesthetic assessment of your pet (including blood work), use of modern anesthetic agents, and the latest anesthetic monitoring equipment and well-trained staff means that anesthesia is generally considered to be a very low risk for your pet.
click to expand for more How will you manage my pet's pain during surgery?
click to collapse this section
CityVet uses advanced pain management techniques to maximize the comfort of your pet before, during, and after the procedure. Pain control improves your pet's recovery and speeds the healing process.
click to expand for more My pet is a senior; it is safe?
click to collapse this section
Anesthesia in otherwise healthy, older pets is considered safe. It is important to have recommended pre-operative testing performed prior to anesthesia to check major organ function and allow us to tailor the anesthesia to any pre-existing medical conditions.
click to expand for more My pet has kidney and heart disease; is anesthesia safe?
click to collapse this section
Prior to anesthesia, patients with kidney, heart, or other underlying diseases should be fully evaluated. Testing may include bloodwork, urinalysis, x-rays, or ultrasound. Our veterinarians will determine based on each individual situation if it is safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia.
click to expand for more When my pet is having surgery, when should I expect an update on my pet?
click to collapse this section
We know you will be anxious to hear how your pet is doing. You will receive a call from one of our team members when your pet is fully recovered from the procedure. If there are any abnormalities on pre-anesthetic exam or blood work, you will receive a call prior to the procedure to review options. Remember that no news is good news, and you will be contacted immediately should the need arise. We will be available at discharge to discuss the procedure and discharge instructions with you in detail, as well as answer any questions.
click to expand for more After surgery, when will my pet be able to go home?
click to collapse this section
Pets undergoing most outpatient procedures will be ready to go home the same evening as the day of the procedure.

Pain Management:

click to expand for more How do I know if my pet is in pain?
click to collapse this section
It can sometimes be difficult to tell. Dogs and cats by nature are designed to hide their pain (signs of weakness in the wild). If you are not sure if your pet is hurting, call us to have us examine your pet. Some signs of pain are obvious, such as limping, but signs of pain are often more subtle and can include one or more of the following: not eating, a change in behavior or normal habits, sleeping more, decreased energy or lethargy, or hiding.
click to expand for more Is there a benefit to referring my friends and family?
click to collapse this section
Yes. CityVet's Care to Share program rewards you for recommending us to your friends and family. Both you and your friend will receive $25. We encourage you to tell your friends and family about CityVet.