A: Pending the veterinarians recommendations pets can be fixed as early as 6 months.
A: Yes. Cats are very good at grooming themselves; therefore, bathing them will rarely be necessary. However, if your cat is very dirty you can give them a bath with warm water and a mild shampoo designed for use in cats.
A: Yes, patients are seen by appointment. Should you have an emergency during regular office hours, please call so that we may assist you as quickly as possible.
A: We can accommodate cats, dogs, and exotics. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’d be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you might have.
A: There are times when you may not be able to schedule an appointment, and we understand that. In those cases, we welcome you and your pet to visit us on a walk-in basis.
Appointments are always preferred, and will take precedence over walk-ins, but we realize the importance of having this option with people’s busy schedules.
A: Healthy animals eating a balanced canine diet do not necessarily need to take a daily vitamin although it should not harm your dog by offering one each day. There are a variety of supplements available for dogs as well, usually directed at a specific need. For example, many of our patients take glucosamine and chondroitin, supplements that promote healthy joints. Other supplements include amino acids and fish oils to promote overall health. We recommend consulting with a veterinarian before starting your dog on any type of supplement.
A: Allergies in dogs are becoming a more common and serious problem. A dog can develop allergies to many things we are allergic to including pollens, molds, dust, and grasses. Dogs may also become allergic to the food they eat. Allergies usually manifest as skin problems in your dog. Excessive scratching and licking various parts of the body, chronic ear infections, and poor skin conditions are common clinical signs. Allergies can be tested for if necessary, however, most are managed medically with antihistamines, specialized diets, and topical therapies. A specific treatment plan is usually tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
A: Procedures involving skin sutures usually require them to be removed in 10-14 days following the surgery, unless directed otherwise.
A: DOGS – Approximately 62-64 days or about 9 weeks.
CATS – Approximately 63-65 days or about 9 weeks.
A: Dogs are usually bathed only when necessary. There is no specific restriction to bathing your dog. However, bathing too much may lead to dry skin causing irritation and scratching. We recommend using a gentle canine shampoo or a medicated shampoo should your dog have a specific skin condition.
A: For most healthy dogs, an annual health exam is recommended. If your pet should have a chronic medical condition, it may be beneficial to have an exam and any necessary tests performed more often than once a year. A specific health plan can be tailored to your pet’s needs depending on their health status and condition.
A: For dogs, a chemical in chocolate called theobromine is the source of the problem. Theobromine is similar to caffeine. Theobromine is toxic to a dog when it ingests between 100 and 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine: It would take 20 ounces of milk chocolate to kill a 20-pound dog, but only 2 ounces of baker’s chocolate or 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate. It is not that hard for a dog to get into something like an Easter basket full of chocolate eggs and bunnies and gobble up a pound or two of chocolate. If the dog is small, that could be deadly.
It turns out that chocolate poisoning is actually not as unusual as it sounds. For a human being, caffeine is toxic at levels of 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. That’s the same as for dogs! Humans generally weigh a lot more than dogs, but small children can get into trouble with caffeine or chocolate if they consume too much of it.
Animal Poison Control # 888-426-4435
A: No, there is no advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However, there are plenty of advantages to having your pet spayed or neutered. These advantages include decreasing the chances of breast tumors later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
A: Pet insurance is becoming more popular as the cost of veterinary care continues to increase. There are several companies now offering insurance, therefore we recommend you investigate which company and policy are best for you and your dog. Insurance can significantly decrease the cost of your veterinary bills whether it is for annual exams, diagnostics, treatments, or emergencies.
A: No, your cat should not be eating your dog’s food. Commercial foods designed for dogs do not have the level of protein and other nutrients that cats require for their growth or maintenance. Also, dog food does not produce the level of acidity in the urine that cats should have to help prevent the formation of bladder or kidney stones.
A: Today’s modern anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. We do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics, to ensure that a fever or other illness won’t be a problem. We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health of your pet. Preanesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. Every pet should have blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic. Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing. If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic or surgical complications. Animals that have minor dysfunction will handle the anesthetic better if they receive IV fluids during surgery. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.
We offer two levels of in-house blood testing before surgery, which we will go over with you when you bring your pet in. Our doctors prefer the more comprehensive screen because it gives them the most information to ensure the safety of your pet. For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, electrocardiograms, or x-rays may be required before surgery as well.
It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia. You will need to withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery. Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery.
A: If you are not able to pill or give liquid medication to your cat you can try other options. One alternative is to hide the pill in pill pockets. Another trick is to crush the pill and mix it with Nutri-Cal or hairball paste and apply it to the forelegs. Generally, your cat will lick it off as it grooms itself. If none of the above work out, you can ask if the medication can be given transdermally, which means, that the medication will be absorbed through the skin, typically it will be applied on the skin in the inner ear.
A: Annual bloodwork will help screen for preventable and/or treatable conditions before they become problematic. As your cat ages, he or she is more likely to have heart, kidney, and thyroid problems. A quick blood sample can determine if these and other organs are working properly.
A: Yes. The nutritional content of each of these presentations is very similar. The difference is mostly in the water content of the food.
A: No. Cats are extremely sensitive to acetaminophen (Tylenol®) toxicity. Very low doses of Tylenol can be lethal for your cat. Please, never give any medication to your cat without consulting your veterinarian.
A: Brushing your dog’s teeth can significantly decrease the development of plaque and tartar on the teeth that may eventually cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. Remember to use only canine toothpaste when brushing. Poor dental hygiene is commonly seen in our clinic and can lead to more serious infections and health problems if not controlled. Without brushing, many dogs will eventually need to have their teeth professionally scaled and cleaned to avoid tooth decay, loss, and systemic illness.
A: Our Hours of Operation are:
Monday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
A: Your pet has just had his teeth cleaned to remove tartar and bacteria from the teeth and under the gums. When necessary, any loose or diseased teeth may have been extracted. Your pet’s teeth were thoroughly cleaned to provide them with a smooth surface to help in the prevention of tooth decay. Regular cleanings are necessary to ensure the health of the teeth and gums.
After Cleaning
If extractions were done, we advise feeding wet/canned food (or dry food softened with water) for 7-10 days. If sutures were placed after extractions, they will dissolve within 3-5 weeks. However, a recheck of your pet is recommended 2 weeks after the dental. Sometimes pets do not feel like eating that evening but the appetite should return by morning. If your pet vomits after eating, do not give any food until the next morning.
Maintenance
To maintain healthy teeth, we recommend daily brushing, oral hygiene chews, and prescription dental food. These procedures prevent problems, such as plaque and tartar buildup.
Please visit Veterinary Oral Health Council for more information about tartar control for your pets.
A: Please see the following pre- and post-surgery instructions for spaying/neutering, to help your pet recover.
Before Surgery
- No food after midnight the night before surgery.
- You may provide water to your pet.
- Arrive before 8 am for the surgery
- Notify the doctor if you see any symptoms of sickness or unusual behavior from your pet the day before the surgery.
After Surgery
- Your pet will be ready to go home between 3 pm-6 pm.
- Female dogs and cats will have a midline incision on their abdomen.
- Male dogs will have an incision just above or on the scrotum.
- Check the incision 2-3 times daily. Mild redness or swelling during the first few days is normal.
- Do not allow your pet to lick or chew the incision.
- Please call us if you see any severe swelling or if your pet seems uncomfortable.
- No running, jumping, playing, swimming, or other strenuous activity for 7-10 days.
- If you have any questions or concerns please call us at (828) 659-2060
- If you are having an emergency, please see our Emergency Care page.
A: You can find a variety of well-balanced cat food in the market. If you decide to change brands, please do it gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
A: Some common foods that are toxic to cats are:
- onion
- garlic
- grapes
- raisins
- chocolate
- macadamia nuts
- mushrooms
- green tomatoes
- green raw potatoes
A. Payment is expected at the time services are rendered. We accept major credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. We also accept cash and checks.
Pet insurance is also a viable option for many pet owners, helping them pay the cost of unexpected veterinary care. There are a variety of pet insurance companies and plans, so feel free to contact us today if you need any guidance.
Another payment option is CareCredit, a healthcare credit card that allows your pet to get veterinary care when they need it. Instead of paying the entire cost of care at once, CareCredit allows you to pay off your balance in monthly installments.
We also accept Scratch Pay.
If you have any questions or concerns about our payment policy or your options, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We would be happy to speak with you and welcome your call.
A: This is a blood test that is run here in the hospital prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.
A: There are many types and varieties of food available for your dog. Most dogs do very well on commercial dog food their entire life. There is little difference between dry and canned food as long as they offer a complete and balanced canine ration. There are also specialized diets such as raw diets, organic diets, and vegetarian diets available for dogs.
It is recommended you consult with your veterinarian before starting a new diet for your dog. Our veterinary clinic also carries prescription diets formulated to benefit a dog with a specific medical condition as part of the overall therapeutic plan. Your veterinarian will determine if a prescription diet would benefit your dog.
A: While your pet is under anesthesia, it is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures, such as dentistry, ear cleaning, or implanting an identification microchip. If you would like an estimate for these extra services, please call ahead of time. This is especially important if the person dropping the pet off for surgery is not the primary decision maker for the pet’s care. When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need 5 to 10 minutes of time to fill out paperwork and make decisions on any optional services. When you pick up your pet after surgery you can also plan to spend about 10 minutes going over your pet’s home care needs. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions about your pet’s health or surgery.
A: We recommend testing your dog annually for intestinal parasites, heartworm disease, and tick borne diseases such as Lyme, Ehrilicia, and Anaplasma. Parasites can be detected through analysis of a fresh stool sample usually brought to the clinic the day of your dog’s annual exam. A simple blood test performed in the clinic can determine if your dog has been exposed to the organisms causing Heartworm disease and tick borne diseases.
A: Some of the more common foods that can cause serious health problems include but are not limited to:
- chocolate (any type)
- caffeine
- chewing gum (w/ xylitol)
- nuts
- grapes/raisins
- mushrooms
- onions
- foods high in fat
- garlic
- alcohol
Pet Poison Hotline- 855-886-7965
R.E.A.C.H of Asheville
677 Brevard Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)665-4399
Veterinary Emergency Group
1856 Hendersonville Rd
Asheville, NC 28803
(828)470-7802
Carolina Animal Specialty and Emergency
1050 US Highway 321 NW.
Hickory, NC 28601
(828)328-6697
A: We recommend testing your dog annually for intestinal parasites, heartworm disease, and Lyme disease. Parasites can be detected through analysis of a fresh stool sample usually brought to the clinic the day of your dog’s annual exam. A simple blood test performed in the exam room can determine if your dog has been exposed to the organisms causing Heartworm and Lyme Disease.
A: Regardless of the type of treat they should be given in moderation to avoid excess calories and weight gain. Some healthier treats include carrot sticks and Cheerios cereal. You may also use pieces of your dog’s dry kibble food as a treat or reward.
A: All cats should be vaccinated against rabies, Feline Rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and calicivirus. If your cat roams outside, your veterinarian might also recommend a vaccine to prevent Feline Leukemia.
A: There is a long list of plants that are toxic for cats. Please refer to the ASPCA poisonous plants list at www.aspca.org a rid identify if any of your indoor plants are on the list. Cats are especially sensitive to lily poisoning and present clinical signs of renal failure.
A: There are many reasons why a cat will avoid using the litter box. First, cats will not use a dirty litter box, so make sure the box is cleaned and the litter sifted every day. Clean the box weekly with mild soap and water. Also, many cats will avoid using scented litter because these smells are generally unpleasant to a cat’s sensitive nose. Additionally, some cats might not like the feeling of litter on their paws. You can try other substrates (sands, clumping litters, etc). Generally, cats don’t like to share the box, so if you have multiple cats in your house, you should have multiple litter boxes. If you are keeping up with good litter box maintenance and your cat is still voiding in other places, please make an appointment with one of our veterinarians to have a complete evaluation. Your cat might be suffering from a urinary infection.
A: Cats, by nature, love to be clean. A cat will spend almost 30% of its life grooming itself. If you see excessive grooming, especially in one spot, or development of hair loss, we recommend having your cat in for a medical consult.
A: This behavior along with possibly licking excessively around the anal area may indicate your dog’s anal sacs are full. Anal sacs are a normal part of your dog’s anatomy, located just inside the anus. They are usually expressed naturally when a dog defecates, however some dog’s anal sacs become impacted and may need to be manually expressed by your veterinarian.
A: Many people believe that strictly indoor cats will never be exposed to infectious diseases. Although it is true that indoor cats, when compared to cats that are roaming outside, have a reduced risk of being exposed to viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, they still can be exposed to these organisms. Some microorganisms are transmitted by direct contact with infected animals; others are transmitted through vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Also, we can bring home disease through our clothes and shoes, The best way to keep your cat protected is by annual examinations and keeping your cat up to date with vaccines and year-round ectoparasite prevention.
A: Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don’t whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it. Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed. Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations.
It is always recommended to get your pet pain medication after surgical procedures, wounds, etc. We offer various types of pain control in the form of injections at the clinic and take-home oral medications. The doctor will prescribe any medications that are needed. We do not recommend over the counter pain medications without asking your veterinarian first as they can cause more harm than good. When the vet prescribes these pain medications, we may recommend follow up bloodwork and examination to make sure they are working appropriately and not causing any harm as use of some medications for longer durations of time can affect your pet.
A: For many surgeries, we use absorbable sutures underneath the skin. These will dissolve on their own, and do not need to be removed. Some surgeries do require sutures, which will be removed by the veterinarian 10-14 days after the procedure. With any type of procedure, with or without sutures, you will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge. We strongly recommend getting an Elizabeth collar for your pet to wear during healing so that they are not able to reach the site and cause irritation or infection from licking/irritating it. You will also need to limit your pet’s activity level for a time and no baths are allowed for the first 10 days after surgery.
