Take a peak at some commonly asked questions! We've included a number of things related to puppy and kitten care.
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Q. Do you accept Walk-ins?
A. We are appointment based. If you have an urgent need, please give us a call to see when we can see your pet.
Q. Do you accept payments?
A. Payment is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Care Credit and ScratchPay.
03
Q. You've never seen my pets, can I buy my pets food or medication from you if my vet gives me a prescription?
A. No. Veterinary clinics are different from human pharmacies. We need to have an established relationship with your pet in order to fill prescriptions. All of our diets are prescription foods.
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Q. What should I bring to my first appointment?
A. If you weren't able to bring them ahead of time, you should bring all the records provided by the breeder, shelter or previous owner, including vaccination and deworming information and dates. You should also bring a stool sample from the last 24 hours in a sealed bag or container so we can test for intestinal parasites. Please come 5 minutes early to allow time to copy the records and fill out the new patient paperwork.
Q. When can my puppy go to the dog park or obedience class?
A. Wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated before you introduce them to unknown dogs. The exceptions would be puppy obedience school, where all pups are required to be partially vaccinated, and play dates with healthy, vaccinated dogs you know.
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Q. How much food should I feed, how often and what kind?
A. For most puppies a high quality food from a pet store is sufficient. Follow the feeding guide on the bag. At each appointment we will weigh your puppy and can advise you if you need to be feeding more or less.
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Q. How do I keep my puppy from biting me?
A. Puppies are very orally active. When they bite, we correct them verbally and immediately give them a toy they are allowed to chew on. We like:
‐Kong toys; you may fill with a small amount of peanut butter to make it more enticing.
‐We also recommend Duoclenz rawhide chews which help keep the teeth clean, but only under supervision. There is a fine line between being too easy to chew up and swallow, and being too hard, possibly damaging the teeth. Many commercial chew toys are far too hard and can break the chewing teeth. There are two guidelines we recommend using:
1. If you cannot make an indentation in it with a fingernail, the treat or toy is too hard.
2. If it would hurt to hit yourself in the knee with it, the treat or toy is too hard.
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Q. How old should my puppy/kitten be before I spay or neuter?
A. Typically it is between 6 months to 1 year of age. Our doctors will discuss this with you in more detail during their final puppy/kitten vaccination exam.
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Q. Why do prices vary so widely from clinic to clinic for dentals and surgeries?
A. Each clinic sets their own protocol for their anesthetic patient. Here at Woodhaven we require that your pets anethesia is monitored by a Licensed Veterinary Technician, we require that pre-operative blood work be done to ensure the safest anesthetic practice, we use monitoring equipment to ensure your pet is stable during surgery and we utilize pre and post operative pain medications to ensure your pet is comfortable. Often the very low priced services are not utilizing skilled staff, proper monitoring technique and skimping on pain mediation. These are not compromises Woodhaven is willing to make in the care of your pet.
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Q. How do I potty train my puppy?
A. The most effective and safest way to train your puppy is with the use of a crate. Canines are den animals and they do not want to soil where they sleep. Crate training teaches them to hold their bladder and is also a comforting safe place for your puppy to nap, much resembling a den. Because canines are pack animals it is likely that your puppy may cry at night when left in his crate. This will only last a short time if you stick with it. You can place a T‐Shirt or blanket with your scent on it in the crate, this will aid in comforting him/her. Below is a link for crate training and other issues you may find helpful. http://www.barkbusters.ca/advice/crate-training-dog-or-puppy
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Q. Is a scratching post really necessary?
A. All cats need a scratching post and you should start them on it the day you bring them home. Below you will find a link with helpful tips.
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/brochure_destructive.cfm
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Q. Litter box training – what do I need to know?
A. Most kittens are taught by their mothers to use the litter box. It is very important to clean the litter box once to twice a day; a cat does not like using a dirty litter box. When your cat urinates outside the box, this may be an indication of a problem. Please make an appointment for an exam. Below you will find a link with excellent information on Litter Box Care. http://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/brochure_housesoiling.cfm
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Q. What do I need to know about parasite control and prevention?
A. Puppies and kittens require multiple dewormings and should be tested for intestinal parasites at your first visit with us. We will ask that you bring a stool sample with you. They should also be on year‐round preventative medication which we will be happy to discuss with you at the time of your visit. Below you will find a link giving you more information on these nasty little buggers. http://www.petsandparasites.org/
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Q. Should I have my pet microchipped?
A. Absolutely! All dogs and cats should have a microchip. It is an invaluable resource should your pet become lost or stolen. If you move or change phone numbers, be sure to update your information with the microchip company.
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Q. How do I introduce my cat to another cat or a dog?
A. This can sometimes be tricky. PAWS has excellent information on this. Below are links to introducing new dog or cat family members.
Cat-to-Cat Introductions Cat-to-Dog Introductions Dog-to-Dog Introductions
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Q. Should I brush my pet’s teeth, when should I start and how often should I do it?
A. Absolutely! It is never too early or too late to start brushing your pet’s teeth. Ideally you would do it every day. We will be happy to demonstrate this for you. Here is a link to a good YouTube video demonstration.
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Q. We are going to have a baby, how do I get my pet ready?
A. Often preparing a pet is similar to what you may need to do with a child already in your household. Please see this wonderful information PAWS has put together about getting your pet prepared for your new bundle of joy.
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Q. When does my puppy/kitten need vaccinations?
A. Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations. Typically the first vaccine is given at 8 weeks of age and is usually given by the breeder or by the shelter. The vaccine schedule will depend on how old your puppy or kitten was when it was given its first vaccine. At your first visit with us we will determine your puppy or kitten’s needs.
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Q. I have pet insurance, do you accept it?
A. Pet insurance differs from human insurance, in that you pay us when services are rendered and then are reimbursed directly from the insurance company. If you want, you can bring us an insurance form with your information and policy number on it, sign the blank copy and we will scan it into your file here. When you come for an appointment, just tell our front team to submit to your insurance and we will handle the rest!