Pet FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs & Cats
Here at Tracy Animal Hospital, we do our best to give pet parents the tools and resources they need to best take care of their fur-babies. We get asked questions every day by caring pet owners wanting to know more about our clinic, general care for dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and more.
Take a moment to read through our Pet FAQ's list. If you have a question you don't see below, submit it here and we'll get back with you shortly.
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IS it really necessaRY TO BRING MY DOG AND/OR CAT IN FOR A YEARLY COMPREHENSIVE EXAM?
Comprehensive examinations are recommended at least once a year. During your pet’s wellness exam, your veterinarian will take your pet’s history and perform a thorough physical examination. He or she will also give your pet appropriate vaccinations, perform a diagnostic workup, and may recommend dental work or other follow-up care. Let your veterinarian know if you’ve noticed any physical changes in your pet, or their behavior. We offer wellness packages that cover everything your pet needs on a yearly basis at a discounted cost. Please visit our Pet Check Up page for more information.
DOES HEARTWORM PREVENTION AND FLEA PREVENTION NEED TO GIVEN YEAR ROUND?
Yes! Mosquitoes and fleas are present year-round across the United States, but especially in our area where temperatures remain warm for much of the year. Heartworm incidence in this region is very high making year round heartworm prevention paramount.
WHAT DOG AND CAT FOOD BRANDS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
There are many great brands out there. The ones we recommend the most are based on years of results and healthy dogs and cats. Occasionally, prescription diets are recommended based on a pet's specific needs.
WHEN DO I SWITCH FROM PUPPY/KITTEN FOOD TO ADULT FOOD?
Switching a puppy or kitten to adult food too early can cause obesity and gastro-intestinal issues. We recommend switching to adult dog or cat food between 10-12 months. Check with us before you make a change.
WHERE DO I TAKE MY PET IN CASE OF EMERGENCY?
If there is an emergency during business hours, simply call our office ahead of time so we know what to expect and bring your pet in. If there is an emergency after hours, our answering service can connect you to a member of our team, who will direct you to the nearest emergency clinic if necessary.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO BATHE MY DOG?
If no skin condition is present, you can bathe your dog every 4-6 weeks. In some cases, you may need to bathe them more often than that, but no more than once a week. It is important to use Pet Shampoos (not people shampoos) in order to not damage or cause allergy outbreaks on your pet's skin.
SHOULD I DECLAW MY CAT?
Declawing your cat is a personal choice. Your veterinarian will go over various factors to determine if this is the best choice for your cat. Like all procedures, there can be complications, however, these are taken into consideration and communicated with the pet owners in order to reach a final decision. If it does need to be done, it is better to do it when the animal is young.
WE JUST FOUND A STRAY PET. WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
Check the pet for collar/tags. If none present, feel free to come in and have the pet scanned to check for a microchip. If there is no microchip present, keep the pet safe while you look for "lost animal" signs in the area. You can also call the Humane Society of Harris County or Harris County Animal Control.
WHEN DO WE NEED FECAL SAMPLES, AND WHY?
It is recommended that a fecal sample be provided at annual/wellness visits, new puppy/kitten exams, and when GI symptoms are present. Only tapeworms and roundworms are visible to the naked eye. On some occasions diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss are symptoms of intestinal worms but many intestinal parasites go undetected without running intestinal parasite tests. Even if your pet is taking parasite prevention medication, it is never 100% effective.
WHAT IS KENNEL COUGH?
It is an upper respiratory infection that is contagious among dogs, particularly when they are in close settings such as a kennel, groomer, or a dog park. Some symptoms can include coughing, lethargy (lack of energy), and lack of appetite. If left untreated, Kennel Cough can be difficult and costly to treat, and it can also cause a lot of pain and lead to pneumonia. If you are boarding your pet at out our facility, we do require that the Bordetella vaccine be given to your pet prior to boarding. We also recommend that the vaccination be given yearly.
MY DOG HAS BEEN SCOOTING. DOES HE HAVE WORMS?
Possibly. But it may also indicate that the anal glands are not emptying properly. The dog should be checked by the veterinarian to determine the cause.
WHAT IS PRE-ANESTHECTIC BLOOD SCREEN?
A pre-anesthetic blood screen is the process of drawing your pet's blood and testing it prior to a surgical procedure. We are able to then identify any underlying issues that could potentially complicate the procedure. All of our testing is done in-house which allows us to get a quicker response and serve you better. For the safety of your pet, we do blood-screening prior to any surgical procedure.
CAN OUR PETS BE SPAYED WHILE IN HEAT OR PREGNANT?
It is not our preference to spay your pet while they are in heat or pregnant; however, we understand that there are certain times where this might be necessary. Your veterinarian will consider the risk and benefits, and will help you decide the safest course of action.
MY PET SEEMS TO HAVE THE SAME THING WORNG THAT HE/SHE WAS PREVIOUSLY TREATED FOR. CAN THE VETERINARIAN JUST PRESCRIBE THE SAME MEDICATION AS LAST TIME?
Even though your pet may appear to be showing the same symptoms, the problem may be different. Many diseases have similarities, so to be safe, your pet should be checked by the veterinarian before a new prescription is dispensed.
DOES MY PET NEED DENTAL CARE?
Dental health is just as important for dogs and cats as it is for people. Bacteria and food accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to gingivitis loss of bone and soft tissue. This can result in tooth loss, an abscess, or a bacterial infection.
Unless your pet just ate something fishy, stinky breath isn’t normal. Having a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s teeth regularly and cleaning them as needed will help prevent periodontal disease and any related problems. Visit our Pet Dental Care page for more information
Unless your pet just ate something fishy, stinky breath isn’t normal. Having a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s teeth regularly and cleaning them as needed will help prevent periodontal disease and any related problems. Visit our Pet Dental Care page for more information
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRIM MY PETS NAILS AND CAN I JUST DROP OFF MY PET TO GET IT DONE?
Long nails can hurt! We are happy to trim your pet's nails for a nominal fee of $8. To get your pet's nails trimmed, you can give us a call, or make an appointment conveniently online on our Make An Appointment page. We also accept drop-offs.
if i choose to board my dog or cat at your animal hospital, when can i pick them up?
For the safety of your pet and our staff, you may pick up your dog or cat from our veterinary clinic during normal business hours. We will not release an animal during any other time. To find out more about boarding your pet at our facility, visit our Pet Boarding page.
how do i transfer my pets records from a previous clinic?
Simply call your previous veterinarian and have medical records faxed or emailed to our office. Records can be faxed to (281) 970-0604 or emailed to [email protected].
what types of animals do you see?
Tracy Animal Hospital welcomes all breeds of cats and dogs.
do i need an appointment for my pet to see a veterinarian?
We see patients by appointment. Walk-in appointments are welcome, but there may be a small wait until you can see the doctor. Emergencies take priority, but a call ahead of time helps to ensure we are equipped to manage your pets needs immediately on arrival.
do you offer multiple pet discount?
Yes, we do offer a multi-pet discount for pet owners who have 3 or more pets. Please visit our Pet Specials page for more details.
what types of payment are accepted?
We accept credit cards, cash, checks and CareCredit.
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