7780 Transit Road

Williamsville, NY

(716) 634-2240

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pet need to be weighed at each visit? We were just here two weeks ago!

We weigh your pet at each visit because it can be a huge indicator if there’s an issue going on. Sometimes if nothing else has changed in their routine but they are gaining/losing weight can be an indicator of underlying health issues. We also like to weigh them to make sure that they are getting to correct dose for medications.

When to start flea & tick medications? Heartworm medication?

We recommend starting flea, tick and heartworm prevention as soon as possible. The preventatives we use are dispensed based on the weight range your dog/cat falls into. This is why when you have a puppy we like them to come in once a month to get weighed because they are continuously growing and may not be in the same weight range the following month. 

In our area the weather is so inconsistent it rarely gets cold enough to kill all insects and parasites, so it is better to play it safe and use prevention year-round. Insects and parasites can find their way into your home whether your pets go outdoors or not.

Can I call to have my pets vaccination records faxed to a kennel, daycare or groomer?

Yes! We can fax or even email the records to your preferred kennel, daycare or groomer. Just let us know the name of the facility, their phone number and if possible their fax number or email.

You can also download the PetDesk App to share your pet's vaccine records with whoever you need to via email!

I have a hard time controlling my pet in the lobby. Can I make arrangements so I can take them into the exam room right away when I arrive?

Of course! Just let us know when you schedule the appointment, that way we can make a note of it and be prepared for the day of the appointment.

I just got a new puppy/kitten. How much will veterinary care cost during the first year? And how much should I expect to spend annually after that?

Puppies and kittens have the same general health requirements: an initial veterinary visit that include a physical exam, vaccinations and tests for parasites. Follow-up visits include the rest of the puppy/kitten series of vaccinations, as well as treatment and preventative for parasites. Puppies and kittens will require multiple exams during their course of vaccinations. Our vaccination page will give you some information about the vaccination schedule for your new fur-baby.

Does microchipping hurt my pet?

It doesn’t hurt any more than a regular injection. Many clients choose to have this done while their pet is under anesthesia, usually while they are being spayed/neutered.

Why is my pet being referred to a specialist?

Our top priority is making sure that our patients receive the highest standard of care and best possible outcome. Our veterinarians make every effort to stay current and skilled in many aspects of animal health, however, board-certified specialists have extensive experience and training in a particular area of veterinary medicine or surgery. They have specialized equipment to perform procedures that are not routinely undertaken by general practitioners. 

Be assured that when we refer a patient to another hospital, we continue to stay involved with their care, consulting with the treating specialist and providing any needed follow-up care and rehabilitation.

Why do you need to test for heartworm?

We test for heartworm once a year in your pet to avoid any harmful or possibly fatal complications. For example, if a heartworm infected dog is started on a monthly preventative without testing, the microfilariae (immature heartworms which circulate in the bloodstream) are susceptible to the medication and may die suddenly, causing a serious, shock-type reaction (anaphylaxis). This anaphylactic reaction may be fatal for your pet. 

Even if you are giving prevention, sometimes we are late giving the pill (we're human, we get it). Also, some pets are sneaky, you may find the pills somewhere in your house or outside!

Why do I need to do blood work for my pet?

Since our pets can't tell us how they feel, and their instinct is to hide illness, it can be very difficult to know when something is wrong with them until they are very, very sick. One year in our life is 6-7 years in theirs, so checking blood, urine, and stool once a year is not excessive and can help our senior pets achieve a long and happy life by detecting disease in the early stages when it can be more easily treated.

Is my pet old enough to be neutered/spayed?

Spaying and neutering can be done as soon as 6 months of age. For males, we like to wait until a year of age to neuter to allow them to fully mature. For females, we like to do it before their first heat cycle to reduce the chances of getting mammary cancer later in life. An exam is done prior to the surgery, as well as preanesthetic blood work, which is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal after surgery. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. 

What types of food do you recommend?

Keep in mind that most food allergies in dogs are from the specific meat protein source, not grain. Ingredients list are not the best way to determine the quality of a diet.

We recommend food from the following brands:

  • Purina Pro Plan
  • Hill’s Science Diet
  • Royal Canin

 

For information click here: https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/06/a-broken-heart-risk-of-heart-disease-in-boutique-or-grain-free-diets-and-exotic-ingredients/

Internet pharmacies sound like a good deal. But some people are against buying drugs from them. Why?

A number of problems have been reported, such as sales of knock-off Seresto collars, and the sale of medications without valid prescriptions. These drugs could pose a health threat to pets, and we’re concerned about the welfare of these animals. 

Why can’t I get a prescription from just any veterinarian?

For the same reason that you cannot get a prescription from any doctor’s office that’s listed in the phone book. It’s illegal, not to mention highly unethical. For a veterinarian to authorize a prescription there needs to be a “veterinarian-client-patient-relationship.” 

Can you tell me if the Internet pharmacy is compliant with regulations designed to protect me?

No, veterinarians cannot ensure nor are they obligated to do so.

If I’m still thinking about buying my pet’s medications online what should I do?

Visit our online store!