Frequently Asked Questions

Scheduling Appointments:

1. What is the best way to schedule an appointment? We recommend calling our clinic at 614-897-0404 to schedule your pets appointment. 
2. How long will my appointment take? Most Doctor appointments are scheduled in 30 minute slots, however they can go over that very quickly. We usually tell people to plan to be here for at minimum an hour. Please be mindful that when you come here, there could be an emergency or other sick patients that we need to tend to. We ask that your appointment is scheduled during a time of your day that is flexible incase your appointment were to run over due to unforeseen circumstances. 
3. How much will my appointment cost? This question is difficult to answer because we simply do not know. We offer a wide range of services, and many have different factors that will alter the pricing of that service. When you arrive for your pets appointment, we will work up a treatment plan and go over each item with you prior to performing any diagnostics or treatment on your pet. 
4. What forms of payment are accepted? We accept cash, credit card, care credit and scratch pay. We are not able to accept checks at this time. If you would like more information on our payment options, please visit our "Payment Options"  page.​
5. Why do I have to leave a deposit when I schedule my appointment? New clients are required to put down a deposit at the time of scheduling, to hold their appointment. We do this for new clients only, and only before their first visit. After you have established care at our clinic, you will not be required to put a deposit down for any future visits. The deposit of the first appointment is the cost of the exam fee, which goes towards the cost of your pets exam when they come in for their appointment. This deposit is non-refundable.
6. If I miss my appointment, will I be charged? Our cancellation policy states that you must cancel your appointment within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment. If you fail to cancel within 24 hours, there is a late cancellation fee of  $22. If you do not call us, and do not show up to your appointment, that is considered a no show in which there will be a $32.50 fee added to your account that will need paid before any future visits can be scheduled.
7. Why should I call to cancel my appointment? When you schedule an appointment and don't let us know you are cancelling, it prevents the chance of our doctors being able to see another patient during that time. Please be mindful of other patients, and understand that if you do not notify us of cancelling your appointment you are potentially preventing a sick patient from being seen. Notifying us when you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment is not only a courtesy to our team, but to our other clients and patients as well. ​
8. What if I am running late? If you are running late for your scheduled appointment, please call and notify our front desk team immediately. We will be able to work with you based on the situation and decide if we need to reschedule or if we can still see your pet. Please note: If you are more than 15 minutes late to your pets appointment you will be required to reschedule. 

Wellness Exams and Vaccinations:

1. My pet seems healthy, why do I need to bring them in to be seen? Just like humans, pets should be seen at least once a year by their veterinarian to ensure they are on the path of staying healthy. This is because animals are excellent at hiding illnesses or underlying chronic issues. This is part of their inherent survival instincts. Exams aid in detecting health problems before they can have a significant impact on the well-being of your animal. They not only detect problems with your pet’s organs and body systems, but can even be used to spot dental issues, parasite infestations and cancer. Early detection of any health problem is crucial for prompt treatment and the best possible outcome for your animal. Routine bloodwork testing, especially in older patients, provides a more thorough internal check for possible issues.​
2. What vaccines should my pet receive? Vaccines vary depending on what type of pet you have. While a Rabies vaccine is going to be required for all dogs and cats, there are also different lifestyle vaccines such as Feline Leukemia (cats only), Canine Influenza (dogs only), and Lyme (dogs only). Your veterinarian will help you decide what vaccines are best for your pet to have based on their lifestyle. 
3. Why should I keep my pet on flea/tick/heartworm prevention? Preventatives are one of the best ways of keeping your pet protected from the many different parasites that carry diseases and that could make them sick. This includes fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms. Many of these diseases can have serious consequences for animals – in particular, heartworms, which are nearly always fatal if left untreated. You have many different choices when it comes to picking the right preventative for your pet, and we are here to help you decide what works best for you and your pet!

Puppy Visits:

1. ​What should I bring to my puppy's first vet visit? We recommend bringing a fresh fecal sample, and any previous health/veterinary records you may have for your puppy. We also recommend bringing a list of questions, so you can get all of the information you need during your exam and time with our doctor and support staff! We are here to help, and love when you ask questions! 
2. My puppy got their shots from the breeder. Why do they need more, and what are they for? Just like children, puppies require a series of vaccinations to provide immunity against common, life-threatening diseases.  You may have heard about parvo or distemper previously.  These diseases are deadly, but preventable with proper vaccination.  Parvovirus causes lethargy, severe bloody diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration, low white blood counts, and is often fatal.  Distemper is a virus that may start with pneumonia and thickened foot pads, and can eventually lead to neurologic disease and death.  Parvovirus can be treated in the hospital, and early treatment is successful 80-85% of the time at our hospital.  Puppies with parvo may be hospitalized for 3 to 7 days or more, at a cost of $600-1000 on average.  There is no cure for distemper virus. Puppies should begin their vaccinations at the age of 6 to 8 weeks.  Prior to 6 weeks of age, they have ample immunity from their mother.  After 6 weeks of age, the mother’s immunity begins to wane, and puppies become much more susceptible to infections.  The first vaccination given is a DAPPv.  This vaccinates for canine Distemper, Adenovirus (a hepatitis virus), Parvovirus and Parainfluenza (a flu virus).  The first vaccination does NOT provide full immunity.  It is very important for puppies to receive a booster DAPPv vaccine 3 to 4 weeks after the first one. After the 2nd DAPPv vaccine, 2 more vaccinations are necessary in order for the puppy to be fully protected.  Three to 4 weeks after the 2nd DAPPv vaccine, a DALPP vaccine is given.  This vaccine contains Leptospirosis in addition.  Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is spread through the urine of infected wildlife.  Puppies and adult dogs may contract the infection through drinking contaminated water.  Infections are especially common after heavy rains.  This disease causes acute kidney failure, liver failure, and death if untreated.  It is also contagious to humans through infected urine. After the third vaccination, a final DALPP should be administered in 3-4 weeks.  In addition, after 12 weeks of age, puppies must be vaccinated for Rabies according to state law. We realize some clients prefer to purchase puppy vaccines from a feed store to administer themselves.  These vaccines are often available at a lower price at the feed stores.  However, when your puppy is vaccinated at Cedar Hill Animal Clinic, he/she receives a full physical examination from one of our doctors, so that we can ensure his or her health status prior to vaccination.  In addition, our vaccines carry a guarantee from the company that manufactures them, and we can ensure to our clients and patients that our vaccines are handled appropriately from the time they are shipped, to the time they are received and placed in our refrigerator at the clinic.  At the feed store, a shipment of vaccines may be overlooked and become warm, rendering them useless. So here is a brief overview of vaccines we recommend for puppies:

• 6 to 8 weeks of age – DAPPv
• 9 to 11 weeks of age – DAPPv
• 12 to 14 weeks of age – DALPP, Rabies
• 15 to 17 weeks of age – DALPP

3. How do I keep track of everything my puppy needs? Owning a puppy during their first  year of life can be overwhelming. So many vet appointments, training, and trials learning what they like and don't like. We are here for you every step of the way and will help however we can. We offer training resources, wellness plans, and even have an app to help you keep track of vaccines and future appointments. Our wellness plans are for puppies under a year old and offer your puppies first year of veterinary care split up into a monthly payment. For more information regarding our wellness plans, visit the "Puppy Visits" tab under "Services"!

Kitten Visits:

1. ​​What should I bring to my kitten's first vet visit? We recommend bringing a fresh fecal sample, and any previous health/veterinary records you may have for your kitten. We also recommend bringing a list of questions, so you can get all of the information you need during your exam and time with our doctor and support staff! We are here to help, and love when you ask questions! ​
2. Why does my kitten need so many vaccine boosters? Following the appropriate kitten vaccination schedule is very important for the long-term health of your cat. Kittens are susceptible to a variety of infections due to their young age and immature immune systems. Plus, vaccinations occurring at the appropriate time is important, especially when it is unknown if the kitten received adequate nursing from his or her mother. Beginning at 6 weeks of age, kittens should receive a series of vaccines over a 12 to 15-week period.​ 

• 6 to 8 weeks of age- FVRCP 
• 9 to 11 weeks of age- FVRCP , FeLV (1st), FeLV/FIV Combo Testing
• 12 to 15 weeks of age- FVRCP, FeLV, Rabies
• 16+ weeks- FVRCP, FeLV​​

    3. Does my kitten need flea and tick prevention even if they are strictly indoor? Even if your cat never goes outside, there is always a possibility of a flea problem.                 Any direct or indirect exposure to the outdoors puts your kitty at risk of fleas.  If you have a dog or another cat who does go outside, they can bring fleas into your             house to “share” with your indoor kitty.  If your cat likes to sun himself on your back deck or enjoys an occasional stroll around the backyard for a short while, he              can be exposed to fleas. Although uncommon, fleas can also be brought into the house by people who have been in a flea-infested area. If you are in a relatively                new (to you) home, the fleas could have been present from the previous owner and pets.  Remember that the protected cocoon stage can stay dormant for a long              time, so wouldn’t get noticed until the fleas sense the nice, warm body of your kitty in the house.
   4. How do I keep track of everything my kitten needs? Owning a kitten during their first  year of life can be overwhelming. So many vet appointments, training, and            trials learning what they like and don't like. We are here for you every step of the way and will help however we can. We offer a ton of resources, wellness plans, and          even have an app to help you keep track of vaccines and future appointments. Our wellness plans are for kittens under a year old and offer your kittens first year of            veterinary care split up into a monthly payment. For more information regarding our wellness plans, visit the "Kitten Visits" tab under "Services"!

Exotics- Medicine & Surgery:

1. Do Exotic pets need special care? Exotic pets do need special care from both the owner and veterinarian. Not all exotic pets are legal in every state, so first make sure you are within the law when choosing an exotic pet. Before bringing one home, it's important to read about it, actually, see some in person, and have a good understanding of what is required for that particular pet. You may discover that it really would not be a good fit for your lifestyle. Some pets would not be appropriate for inexperienced owners. 
2. When should I bring my exotic pet in to see a Vet? The answer to this question is right away! Just like dogs and cats, we recommend bringing your exotic pet in within a couple of days of bringing them home to establish a clean bill of health, and discuss proper husbandry and diet. Just like dogs and cats, we recommend annual exams for our exotic patients as well. Scheduling yearly veterinary appointments for your reptiles, rabbit and pocket pets will help our doctors establish a base line to compare to when your animal is sick.  During their wellness visit the doctor can see how the animal normally acts, what their fur/scales are normally like and what their normal weight is.  This is helpful so we can judge how much weight they have lost or gained when they are sick and to help pinpoint problems.  We can also catch possible issues before they become a real problem and consult about their environment, food and weight.
3. How do I know if my exotic pet is ill? Any pocket pet/rabbit/reptile that stops eating is considered an emergency.  These animals are professionals at hiding signs of sickness. We can then determine that your pet is very ill.  Exotic pets can become dehydrated very rapidly as well which is a life threatening condition. Changes in their behavior, fur/scales, stool or weight should be a concern and a veterinary appointment should be made.  The sooner you notice any of these changes the sooner our staff can help you get your pet back to being healthy.  

Senior Pet Care:

1. Why do senior pets need specialized care? As pets grow older, they are more susceptible to health problems. They may end up with issues in their joints, or heart, or be more prone to catching viruses. Chronic conditions may develop and require long-term management to keep your senior pet comfortable. Your pets may be good at hiding pain and discomfort, so a veterinarian that's familiar with senior care must take a look at your furry companion. Pet diagnostics to make sure that everything is going well with their health may include blood tests, digital ultrasound, urine tests, physical evaluations, and x-rays.
2. How often should I bring my senior pet in to be seen? It's easier to treat and manage serious conditions when you have early detection and a strong relationship with your veterinarian. Typically, once every six months is a great schedule to keep, although you'd want to pop in sooner if your senior pet is showing concerning symptoms. This frequency makes it possible to establish a baseline of their health and easily detect any changes that end up popping up. 
3. How can I support my senior pet? Talk with one of our experienced veterinarians about how you can help your senior pet stay healthy and happy. They may need a different diet that's designed for older pets, or supplements to help with joint pain and other conditions. You can help your senior pet stay active and engaged through a wide variety of activities that will help them stay at a healthy weight and activity level. Give your senior pets lots of love and attention, especially if they end up being more cuddle-prone as they get older. For cats, lower litter boxes and ones that are more centrally located can help your senior kitties continue using the box. For dogs, you may need to have some puppy pads set up in the house or increase the frequency, but lower the duration, of your walks. 

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Surgery:

1. Is anesthesia safe? Today's modern anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. Our team takes every precaution to reduce the risks involved with anesthesia and surgery. Upon arrival to your pets surgery, your pet will be weighed and the veterinarian will do a thorough physical examination on your pet before administering anesthetics, to ensure that a fever or other illness won't be a problem. In addition, pre-anesthetic blood work is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. We recommend every pet receives blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic, however it is required for pets over the age of 8. 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. Your pet will have an IV catheter placed before anesthesia. An IV catheter provides a direct route to the bloodstream. The use of intravenous fluids during surgery facilitates adequate cardiovascular performance, reduces stress on the heart, assists in maintaining your animal's temperature, hydration, blood pressure, and reduces the time it takes for your animal to fully recover from anesthesia. While undergoing the procedure, your animal will receive analgesic drugs that prevent pain. 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, echocardiograms, 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. Please visit our "Surgery" page for information regarding your pets fasting schedule. 
2. Will my pet have sutures? For many surgeries, we use absorbable sutures underneath the skin. These will dissolve on their own, and do not need to be removed later. Some surgeries, especially mass removals, do require skin stitches. With either type of suture, you will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge. If there are skin sutures, these will usually be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. 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.
3. Why do I need to keep a cone on my pet? If we send your pet home with a cone after their procedure, it is for good reason. DO NOT TAKE IT OFF! The cone is being sent home for your pets safety. If you take the cone off, and your pet opens up their incision, your pet could be in a tremendous amount of pain and danger. Please do not remove the cone until your veterinarian says it is safe. *Please note: Our clinic and doctors are not responsible for any injuries that are a result of your pet not having their cone on.* 
4. Is my pet in pain? 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. For dogs, we may recommend an oral anti-inflammatory the day after surgery and several days after to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling. We use newer medications, which are less likely to cause stomach upset and can be given even the morning of surgery. Recent advances in pain medications have allowed for better pain control in cats than ever before. We administer a pain injection 10 minutes prior to surgery. Injectable pain medications may also be used after surgery on both dogs and cats. Providing whatever pain relief is appropriate is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet. It is important to give the pain medication as instructed by your pets veterinarian.

Dental Care and Surgery:
​1. How often should my pet get a dental exam? Dental disease is present in over 70% of pets. Your pet should have a dental exam and cleaning done every year. This is part of your pets regular yearly exam. During the dental exam, your veterinarian is looking for periodontal disease, dental fractures, and other problems that may be present in your pet's mouth.
2. What is dental disease in pets? Dental disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, can start to develop in your pet as early as the age of three. It's caused by bacteria that are found in the mouth, which results in inflammation and infection. This can lead to severe pain, loose teeth, and bad breath. It can also become more severe and get into your pet's bloodstream, which can be very dangerous. If your pet has dental disease, there is a chance it can lead to heart and kidney problems as well.
3. How do I know if my pet has dental problems? Although your pet may not always show direct symptoms of dental disease, Some of the signs you should keep an eye out for if you believe your pet is developing dental problems, are bad breath, loose teeth, plaque or tartar on teeth, and loss of appetite. 
4. Why does my pet have to undergo general anesthesia for a dental cleaning? Anesthesia is used to keep your pet as comfortable and safe as possible. From a safety standpoint, anesthesia is the safest way to perform dental procedures on your pet. Under anesthesia, severe bleeding can be controlled if it occurs and pets won't experience anxiety. Anesthetizing your pet enables your veterinarian to clean your animal’s teeth beneath the gum line, where periodontal disease is more likely to start.  
5.  How else can I prevent dental disease from effecting my pet? The best tip to keeping your pet healthy is preventative care. Annual dental exams and cleanings are key. Our clinic offers a variety of safe dental chews for dogs, treats for cats as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste that is safe to use. 

Orthopedic Exams/Surgery:

1. Why is my pet walking with difficulty? Limping pets can signify orthopedic problems due to problems affecting the hips, bones, or joints. Pet surgery may be required for the treatment of these conditions as well as trauma fracture, accidental injury, or wear and tear which causes orthopedic injuries. Pet orthopedic surgery minimizes the pain and restores mobility.
2. What orthopedic problems do veterinarians screen for? Pets may require surgery when they experience these common orthopedic conditions which veterinarians screen for such as: knee pain, luxation/dislocations, cranial cruciate ligament injury, arthritis, joint injuries, traumatic injuries, hip dysplasia and other degenerative joint diseases. These conditions are screened by testing (mostly x-rays) and diagnostic work ups. We recommend pet surgery only when necessary. 
   
3. How does post surgery look for my pet? Your pet is monitored post-surgery to ensure no complications are present while the anesthesia wears off. This also gives the practitioners time to ensure the surgery was performed correctly. Your pet is given pain medication, and the mobility of your pet is restored with up to six weeks of proper rehabilitation with our qualified veterinarians.
   
   

Dermatology:

1. What are common skin conditions in dogs and cats? There are several skin conditions that can affect dogs and cats, but some occur more often than others. Some of the more common dog and cat skin conditions include itching, skin irritation, allergies, hot spots, hair loss, flea bites and dry skin. Skin problems in pets can range from mild, temporary ones that only last for a few days to much more serious ones that increase the risk of skin infections and other health issues. 
2. What can cause skin issues in pets? Pets can develop irritated, dry, red or itchy skin from allergic reactions to certain substances in their environment, such as chemicals in cleaning products. Others can have skin problems due to a reaction to ingredients in their food. Some pets end up with skin problems due to an underlying disease or condition that require diagnosis and treatment, while others can have skin problems from fleas. Flea bites can cause itching in dogs and cats with allergies, which raises the risk of a bacterial skin infection if they scratch frequently.
3. How can my veterinarian help? Our veterinarians at Cedar Hill can examine your pet and run tests in order to determine what is causing skin problems. Finding out what the underlying cause is will help us figure out the type of treatment that is needed for relief. For example, pets with a flea infestation might need medicated shampoo to handle this problem, along with treatment to ease itching and redness. We also offer flea and tick treatment to help prevent problems with these pests. When allergies are the cause, reducing pets’ exposure to allergens or changing their food can help relieve skin problems. When this is not possible, our vet will discuss other treatment options with you, such as allergy medication or injections. We also offer allergy testing to find the root cause of your pets skin irritations. 
   
   

Pet Nutrition:

1. How much food should I feed my pet? That depends on several factors, including your pet's age, weight, and energy level. A veterinarian can help you determine the right amount of food for your pet. Feeding your furry friend too much food can lead to obesity and other serious health problems. Feeding your animal too little can result in malnutrition and starvation. Our veterinarians can help you calculate the proper amount of food for your pet based off of their current weight and the food you are feeding. 
2. What are the main ingredients I should look for when buying pet food? The top three ingredients in good pet food are animal-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber. You want to see a lot of protein and fiber, with not too much fat. And look for whole ingredients over artificial flavors and colors. Other vital nutrients are calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc, and these are crucial for better bone growth.
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​Breeding:

1. What does a breeding consultation consist of? ​A breeding consultation is required prior to scheduling any reproductive/breeding services at our clinic. The consultation is a chance for our doctor to do a complete physical exam on an animal you are interested in receiving reproductive services for, to ensure they are a good candidate.​
2. What are the requirements to schedule reproductive services at Cedar Hill Animal Clinic? Our clinic will provide reproductive services on appropriate candidates based off our doctors professional and medical opinion. Our clinic takes pride in promoting responsible breeding only. We require your pet to be genetically health tested and have recommended OFA testing based on the breed specifications. Your pet must also be AKC, CKC or UKC registered. 
3. What is genetic health testing? We offer genetic health testing at our clinic, and it is very simple! Our genetic health test is a mouth swab test in which we will collect saliva from your pet. The test will  We will mail the swab to the lab who will test for results. Results typically take anywhere from 3-6 weeks to come back. After your test is back, our doctor will call to go over results with you! 
4. What is OFA testing? OFA stands for Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, and is a database of radiographs (x-rays) that breeders use to help produce the healthiest possible puppies. We offer OFA orthopedic and dentition exams, hip and elbow radiographs, and can collect blood for any tests that require it for sample submission. We cannot perform OFA screenings that require an ophthalmologist (eye screenings) or cardiologist (heart screenings)- for these tests, please seek out the appropriate specialist. We sedate patients to obtain diagnostic quality radiographs for OFA hip and elbow studies. This is to ensure that the procedure is both less stressful for your dog, and to ensure that we have the best possible images to evaluate your dog’s hips and elbows for breeding purposes. Once you have scheduled an OFA appointment with our office, there are a few things you need to do at home before your appointment. Please visit the "breeding" section of our website for a complete OFA checklist! PLEASE NOTE: OFA results can take up to 8 weeks for results to come back!
5. Why do I have to have all of this in order to breed my dog? Our clinic offers services to current or future breeders who are interested in bettering the breed they plan to reproduce. An important part of becoming a responsible breeder is taking on the task of continuing to educate yourself, as the breeder, and others, as the future owners. Not every animal is fit to be bred. Health testing and OFA screening are just a two of the many things it takes to become a responsible breeder, and to eliminate puppies carrying on underlying genetic disorders. We do not offer reproduction services on animals that have not been through health screening.

Oncology:

Urgent Care/Emergency:

End of life care: