Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital
Where Your Pet is Family!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of questions we often get asked at Horseshoe Lake Animal Hospital.  If you do not find the answer to your question here, please feel free to give us a call at 618-344-7949 or email us at horseshoepets.com.

Questions regarding the cost of veterinary care.

 

Why is an annual physical examination for my pet so important?

 

When does my puppy/kitten need to be vaccinated for the first time?

 

What role does blood work play in keeping my pet healthy?

 

How often should blood work be performed in a seemingly healthy pet?

 

How soon can I give flea control products to my new kitten/puppy?

 

How soon should I begin giving heartworm preventatives to my new kitten/puppy?  How often do I need to give heartworm preventatives to my pet?

 

Is it really necessary that my pet be on heartworm prevention even though he/she is strictly an indoor pet?

 

Why do I need to test my pet annually for heartworms?  Is the heartworm test necessary even though I give my heartworm preventative every month?

 

When is the best time to have my pet neutered/spayed?

 

Is it safe to spay my pet when she is in heat?

 

How long does a pet stay in heat?

 

If you spay or neuter my pet, will he/she calm down?  Will neutering my cat help him to stop spraying everything in site?  Will my pet get fat after spaying/neutering?

 

Why do you require that basic blood work be performed on all pets age 7 years old and older before any surgical/dental procedure or anesthetic?

 

What good does it do to have my pet vaccinated the same day as surgery?  Surely they do not afford immediate protection.

 

Why do you have to keep my pet all day for a surgical or dental procedure?

 

Why do we have to booster vaccines?

 

 Is it true that dogs and cats need to have their teeth cleaned?

 

Is there such a thing as pet health insurance and if so, how does it work?

 

Do I have to make an appointment or can I just come in?

 

Why do I have to go to the emergency clinic after you are closed?  Why can't you meet me at the hospital to see my pet?

 

Why do I have to see a different doctor each time I come in?

 

Why doesn't my veterinarian okay internet prescriptions in most circumstances?

 

 

Sometimes I have to wait longer than I would prefer when I visit.  What causes these delays?

 

Do you have a payment plan?  What forms of payment do you accept?

 

Why is it bad to give my pet table-scraps?  He/she really likes them.

 

I think I may be sick due to something my pet gave me.  How can you help me?

 

Why should I visit this hospital when I can get really cheap shots at a mobile clinic?

 

My dog has been scratching himself a lot.  Can you prescribe something over the phone?

 

My pet has been vomiting and having diarrhea for a couple of days.  Should I be worried?  Do you need to see him/her today or can it wait a few more days?

 

My pet has had difficulty breathing.  How serious of a problem is this and how soon do I need to come to the hospital?

 

What symptoms suggest an emergency in my pet?

 

 

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