In your search for a veterinary facility, we believe you should expect high quality care as well as kind and compassionate care for your beloved pet. Our goal has been to assemble a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. Our commitment to you is to continue to offer our world class service and a state of the art veterinary facility. If you are looking for a veterinarian, choose someone who is calm, compassionate and willing to explain all the procedures your pet undergoes. Find a vet with whom both you and your pet feel comfortable and trust.
Your pet's annual vet check-up will include a total physical exam, with a thorough investigation of your pet- from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail. The physical exam also includes listening, both to the pet, and the owner, because often items that you as the owner may not think are significant, can be crucial in the assesment of how well your pet is doing. If you can remember to do so the morning of your visit, a fecal sample is always welcome, especially for our pets who have busy "social lives" and meet up with their friends on a regular basis.
It's a good idea to keep an accurate medical diary not only of the procedures and vaccinations your pet receives at the vet, but also of notes on things like your pet's elimination habits and any physical changes or unusual occurrences. Keep track of small shifts in your pet's behavior, including urinary marking habits and mood swings, along with diet and routine modifications. Knowing what your pet is eating is very helpful for the veterinarian who may want to make recommendations regarding weight control and allergy control.
When choosing a clinic, select a clinic with qualified staff and facilities to undertake surgery and perform procedures requiring anesthesia, including dental cleanings. Because even the most cooperative pet may not readily go-along with a tooth and gum brushing, an annual dental cleaning by your veterinarian maybe in order. Like you, your pet can lose his teeth due to decay and neglect. Because of the general risks inherent to anesthesia, especially for very old, very young or very ill pets, your veterinarian will likely suggest a few diagnostics, including radiographs and preanesthetic blood work, before your pet is anesthetized for any procedure. Fluid therapy and pain management are included in all procedures and antibiotic therapy will be initiated as required.
On occasion, Woodlake Animal Hospital may refer you to a specialist. These are veterinarians who have completed advanced studies in specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, and emergency care. We are fortunate to have quite a few specialists in the Richmond area and Woodlake Animal Hospital regularly consults with them on our many cases.