FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

• How safe is my pet’s procedure?

  Each procedure is different for each animal and some are more complicated than others. For example, a spay or neuter at Parkside are common and generally performed on younger animals and are generally extremely safe. A more complicated procedure on an older dog or cat is naturally going to have more risk involved. No matter the level of surgery, Dr. Mchughes recommends preanesthetic bloodwork to help insure there are no unknown conditions prior to surgery. Once the procedure begins, our surgical monitoring equipment helps Dr. Mchughes andher staff to maintain your pet’s heart rate and blood pressure. Upon completion, your dog or cat will be monitored by our staff to ensure they recover as quickly as possible.

• Does my pet truly need a dental procedure?

  Your dog or cat needs dental care just as humans do. When pet’s teeth are not cared for, they develop bacteria-ridden plaque which can lead to cavities and painful teeth and gums. When your pet’s teeth and gums hurt, it becomes painful to eat and they can become sick. Over time, these bacteria can cause damage to organs including the heart and kidneys. Proper diet and regular dentals can improve not only the quality, but the length of the life of your pet. Call Crosspoint Animal Hospital to schedule your dog or cat’s dental procedure today.

• How important is nutrition for my pet?

  Proper nutrition and weight management is very important for both dogs and cats. Proper feeding without “table scraps” help maintain a healthy weight for our pets. It is estimated that over half of dogs and cats are overweight in the United States. Long-term obesity leads to issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, kidney disease, many forms of cancer and decreased life expectancy. Regular visits to Crosspoint Animal Hospital will include weighing your pet, and Dr. Mchughes and our informed staff can let you know whether your pet is overweight or not. Proper nutrition can also maintain your pet at a proper weight, and our doctor and staff can discuss what food Is best for your pet.

• How long should I wait to bring my pet in if I notice a change in their behavior?

  The answer to this question will vary, depending on the change of behavior you are noticing. For example, you may notice your dog or cat exercising less even though they are still relatively young. This could mean anything from arthritis to heartworm disease. For Dr. Mchughes to properly diagnose a significant change in your pet’s behavior, it is best not to wait and schedule an appointment right away!

• At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

  Crosspoint Animal Hospital recommends spaying or neutering all pets that you do not plan to use for breeding purposes. Dr. Mchughes recommends dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered at approximately 4-6 months of age. Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted kitten and puppy litters, but have long-term benefits as well. Spaying female dogs and cats helps prevent infections of the uterus, and can help prevent breast cancer as well. Neutering your male dog or cat will prevent testicular cancer. Finally, a spayed and neutered pet is generally better behaved and are less likely to roam away from your home. Call one of our caregivers at Crosspoint Animal Hospital to schedule your pet’s spay or neuter today!

• What are heartworms, and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?

  Heartworms are internal parasite that infests the heart of infected dogs, and the heart and lungs of an infected cat. These parasites are transmitted to our dogs and cats through mosquitoes that are carrying microfilaria, which are young heartworms. After bitten by the infected mosquito, the dog or cat has the young heartworm in their bloodstream, where they begin to grow. Heartworms can be treated in dogs, but cats that are infected cannot be treated. The best way to prevent heartworms in your dog or cat is to keep them on a monthly preventative, or a 6-month heartworm injection for dogs. Bring your dog or cat in today, and Dr. Mchughes can determine which heartworm preventative is right for your pets.