Frequently Asked Questions
Every day our doctors and staff get asked questions by caring pet owners wanting to know more about our clinic and how to best take care of their pets. We’ve made this FAQ’s list to include questions that we get about pets as well as questions that we get about our pet clinics. Have a question you don’t see below? Give any of our veterinary clinics a call and we’ll be happy to help you out.
Is it really necessary to bring my dog and/or cat in for a yearly comprehensive exam?
Comprehensive examinations are recommended AT LEAST annually to check for health issues that may not be apparent to owners. During a comprehensive examination the veterinarian will examine your pet’s eyes, ears, skin and hair coat, listen to their heart, and discuss any concerns you may have.
How do I know if my pet’s situation is really an emergency or if the problem can wait until my regular vet opens?
If you think your pet is having an emergency, you are probably right. It is never wrong to bring your pet in for an examination. Take the time to have your pet examined and speak to the veterinarian. Our team will identify any serious problems, giving you peace of mind. Remember, health conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Delaying treatment for your pet may cost your pet his or her life. In many cases, early detection and treatment of problems prevents pets from suffering and lowers your costs.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.
Can I give my dog an Aspirin, Tylenol or Ibuprofen?
No. These medications are not safe for pets. If you feel your pet would benefit from pain relief, please come see us. There are a lot of pain medications for our doctors to choose from so that your pet can feel better quickly- without the negative side effects of human pain relievers.How do I know if my pet is in pain?
There are several indicators of pain: hiding, not playing like usual, crying, biting, sad look in their eyes, doesn’t want to get up. It is in a pet’s nature to hide their pain so by the time you start seeing any of these indicators they really don’t feel well and need to see a veterinarian.
Why should I spay/neuter my pet?
Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the best things you can do for him/her. Intact female dogs and cats can suffer from infections of the reproductive system as they get older, while male dogs and cats can suffer from prostate problems. Cancers of the reproductive system are difficult to detect and spread quickly, and the risk to the intact dog or cat of developing such cancers increases with age.At what Age can I have my Pet spayed or Neutered ?
Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately six months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also, a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.
My pet has had vomiting and/or diarrhea for several days–why should I bring him in for an exam?
Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common reasons we see our patients for sick visits. Unfortunately, they are symptoms of many different conditions and can cause a range of side effects. It is important to have your pet examined, because a medication that may benefit one pet may make a second one ill, even with the same symptoms. In addition, some pets can suffer other consequences, such as dehydration, that can make recovery much slower and can be remedied in the hospital.Have a question that’s not found above? Contact us at 432-332-5782.
We look forward to meeting you and your pet!
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Eighth Street Animal Hospital
2210 E 8th St.
Odessa, TX 79761
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OUR HOURS
Monday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Sunday Closed