FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
To make an appointment with one of our veterinarians, call us at 301-631-6900 or visit our website and click on the “Request an Appointment” icon in the top right corner. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please contact our office as soon as possible.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and CareCredit. Please note that payment is due at the time services are performed. Please speak with a staff member if you have any questions regarding our payment policies.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PET IS IN PAIN?
Call us as soon as possible if your pet is showing signs of illness, injury, or pain. Some signs, such as limping are a clear indicator of pain, but some signs are more subtle. Look for symptoms such as: not eating, a change in behavior or normal habits, being more tired, having less energy or hiding. Of course, these symptoms can be caused by many problems, so early observation and action is important.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY PET IS HAVING AN EMERGENCY?
If your pet is experiencing an emergency during normal office hours, immediately bring them to our clinic and they will be assessed and treated quickly. If your pet’s emergency is after hours, please choose from the following emergency care centers:
CARE Veterinary Center in Frederick at 301-662-2273
OR
Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg at 301-926-3300
OR
The Life Center in Leesburg, VA at 703-777-5755
OR
Pender Exotics Veterinary Centre in Fairfax, VA at 703-591-3304
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SPAY OR NEUTER MY PET?
Spay and neuter procedures can be done at most ages, but generally the best time is around six months of age. In recent years, however, this area has been the subject of much research, so talk to your veterinarian to find out if there are any recent findings which may affect the recommendation for your pet.
VACCINATIONS
One of the most important components of your dog’s health care are vaccinations. However, many vaccines may neither be necessary nor prudent for your pet to receive. At Kingsbrook Animal Hospital, we conduct a risk analysis of your pet each time they visit to determine what, if any, vaccines are needed. Each patient’s lifestyle (based on their activities and factors such as age, breed and medical history) is taken into consideration to create a plan which is tailored for your pet. We also offer alternatives to vaccines when possible, such as titers, to see if protection is still being provided from vaccines your pet has received in the past.
WHEN DOES MY PET NEED BLOOD WORK?
We recommend annual blood work for pets over eight years of age. In addition, pets needing general anesthesia are required to have blood work prior to anesthesia. Regular blood screenings allow you to detect infections and diseases in your pet, helping to prevent disease early. In many situations, early detection is essential for more effective treatment. The type of blood work will be determined specifically for each pet depending on his or her individual needs.
HOW DO I GET MY PET’S PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS?
Our in-house pharmacy has a large selection of prescription medications and therapeutic diets for your family pet. In addition we have a Home Delivery Service available from our website. Our staff members can help you select the best medication, choose the proper dosage, and provide information on side effects or interactions. Contact us immediately if your pet experiences an adverse reaction, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding a prescription medication.
HOW MANY MONTHS SHOULD MY PET BE ON HEARTWORM PREVENTION MEDICATION?
Heartworm disease is a serious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can be fatal if left untreated. In addition to heartworms, these preventive medications ward off many common intestines worms—some of which are contagious to people. As a result, our veterinarians recommend that all dogs be given year round heartworm prevention, regardless of their lifestyle.
Even though these medications are very effective, no medication works 100% of the time. As a result a simple blood test is needed to check your dog for heartworm disease on an annual basis.
WHY DOES MY PET NEED A DENTAL CLEANING AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD THIS BE DONE?
Annual professional dental exams, tooth scaling, and polishing are necessary to treat and maintain healthy teeth and gums for most pets. As your pet ages their health needs will change, and advanced dental care may be required. Your pet’s teeth and mouth will be examined by our veterinarians during every exam to help you decide what is best for your pet.
DO I NEED TO BRUSH MY PET’S TEETH AT HOME?
Yes – proper at-home dental care is highly recommended to help maintain the oral health of your dog and cat. Home dental care for your pet should start early, even before their adult teeth come in. Pet owners should brush their dog’s and cat’s teeth frequently as tooth brushing is the best method of preventing plaque, calculus, and bacterial build-up. There are also additional options for at-home dental care such as dental formulated foods, water additives, and dental treats.
