- Why and when should I get my pet spayed or neutered?
- When should I start my puppy or kitten's vaccines?
- What does a puppy/kitten need for its first visit and how much does it usually run?
- How old does my pet need to be to receive its first Rabies Vaccine?
- How long is a Rabies Vaccine good for?
- Do you charge an office visit?
- Is an exam required?
- Are you open on Saturdays?
- What if I have an emergency after hours?
- When should heartworm prevention be started, and should it be used year round?
- Is a heartworm test required to buy heartworm prevention?
- When should flea prevention be started, and should it be used year round?
- Can I drop my pet off for the day?
- Do you offer grooming services?
Q: Why and when should I get my pet spayed or neutered?
A: Spaying and neutering your pet not only stops the over population of domestic animals, but is also helpful in preventing some future medical or physical conditions. Females should be spayed at 6 months of age or earlier. Males can be neutered at 8 months of age or earlier.
Q: When should I start my puppy or kitten's vaccines?
A: Between the ages of 6-8 weeks.
Q: What does a puppy/kitten need for its first visit and how much does it usually run?
A: Puppy:
Complete physical examination, 1st Distemper/Parvo Vaccine, Fecal, +/- Deworming, Heartworm/Flea prevention. The initial visit is estimated to be between $75.00 - $100.00.
Kitten:
Complete physical examination, 1st Feline Distemper Vaccine, Feline Leukemia/FIV Test, Fecal, +/- Deworming, Heartworm/Flea prevention. The initial visit is estimated to be between $100.00 - $150.00.
Q: How old does my pet need to be to receive its first Rabies Vaccine?
A: Pets must be at least 12 weeks old before they can receive the vaccine.
Q: How long is a Rabies Vaccine good for?
A: The first vaccine that a dog receives is only good for 1 year, each one after that as long as they are not overdue are good for 3 years. We use Purevax Rabies for cats that are only good for one year, but it is much safer for your cat.
Q: Do you charge an office visit?
A: Typically, during a routine visit, a physical examination is performed by the doctor. You will be charged an exam fee, but not an additional office visit fee.
Q: Is an exam required?
A: A complete physical examination is required for all initial visits. It is our recommendation for exams to be performed at each visit because there are changes that can occur from one visit to another. However, if there are subsequent visits that are necessary to follow a medical condition, there may be a reduced fee.
Q: Are you open on Saturdays?
A: We are open every other Saturday from 9am-1pm by appointment.
Q: What if I have an emergency after hours?
A: Carolina Veterinary Specialists - Animal Emergency and Trauma Center is open and available with a full staff 24 hours, 7 days a week. If a patient has been seen in their facility, we are notified by fax the next morning. If an animal is critical or requires around the clock care, our patients are referred to the specialized staff to care for their needs.
Q: When should heartworm prevention be started, and should it be used year round.
A: In this area Heartworm disease is very prevalent. Heartworm preventative should be started at 8 weeks of age. If 6 months or older, a heartworm test should be performed before starting preventative. Heartworm preventative should be given once a month, year round, for the life of your pet.
Q: Is a heartworm test required to buy heartworm prevention?
A: It is the policy of Forsyth Veterinary Hospital to recommend a heartworm test for the safety of our canine patients under the following situations: 1)annual heartworm prevention monitoring, 2) before beginning prevention, 3) on any dog that has not been continuously on a monthly preventative.
Q: When should flea prevention be started, and should it be used year round?
A: Flea prevention is recommended according to an animal's environment. If fleas are a concern, prevention can be initiated as early as 8-10 weeks depending upon the product used. In endemic areas where fleas are prevalent, year round prevention is recommended. For good control and prevention, every dog and cat in the household should be included in the eradication or prevention. The house and yard should also be considered a part of the treatment protocol.
Q: Can I drop my pet off for the day?
A: Yes, your pet can be dropped off during the day for any medical services, monitoring, daycare, or for your convenience. (However, there is a daycare fee associated with this service)
Q: Do you offer grooming services?
A: Although we do not currently have a groomer on staff for specialty cuts, we do offer baths, comb outs, and sanitary clips, along with nail trims and routine ear cleaning.