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Here you’ll find the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you have a question for Dr. Cathy, send it to info@hoofstockvet.com. If you want to know, you can bet someone else can benefit from the knowledge. Please submit questions of a general nature. For a diagnosis of your pet’s condition, an office visit or phone consultation is recommended.

Send your questions to info@hoofstockvet.com and check back soon for the answer!

 

How can I pay for vet services?
Hoofstock Vet Service accepts cash, personal checks, Visa and Mastercard Credit and Debit Cards, Discovery and Care Credit. Payment is required when services are rendered unless special payment plans have been approved.

Why should I choose laser surgery for my pet?
Laser surgery is a new, exciting option for surgery in pets. Lasers have been used for many years in human medicine, but have recently become available for use in veterinary medicine. The laser is an intense beam of light that can be precisely controlled, minimizing trauma on surrounding tissues. The advantages of laser surgery include less pain, bleeding, and swelling, which reduces the risk of infection and speeds recovery. Learn more on our Services page.

What should I use to bathe my pets?
Any product that is safe for human use is safe for your pet. Be careful about overly perfumed soaps and shampoos. We offer a line of all-natural grooming and care products formulated in our clinic. Check the Products page for information.

What is the best way to prevent fleas & ticks?
First of all, do not use ANY over the counter products like sprays or collars. These are toxic and can be poisonous, and possibly fatal, to your pet. There are several high quality products that tailor your pet’s lifestyle to the dosage and type of treatment.

How do I know if I'm feeding my pet the right food?
Ask yourself these questions: Does my pet shed? Is my pet’s coat flaky and dull? Is my pet overweight? If you answered yes to just one of these questions, you are not feeding your pet the right food. Visit our Nutrition page where you will find lots of options for providing a healthy diet for your pet.

What can I do to prevent shedding?
Shedding is caused by inflammation in the body. By reducing inflammation, most of your shedding issues will disappear. Pets shed their coats once or twice a year. If your pet sheds constantly, you may want to check your pet food. Most mass produced pet food is corn based – which is highly inflammatory. Read your label carefully and look for foods with ONLY human grade ingredients.

Do my pets need to be vaccinated?
It is very important to start your puppy or kitten on vaccinations at 6 weeks of age to protect them from disease. As your pet ages, vaccination types change as well. Your veterinarian will advise you on what your pet needs for his/her and your lifestyle.

Why does my dog scoot on the carpet?
Contrary to the old wives tale of worms causing a dog to scoot, the number one reason your dog scoots on the carpet/floor is due to full and or infected anal glands.

Why did my cat stop using the litter box?
There are several obvious reasons that your cat may stop using the litter box: 1.) Is the litter box clean? Cats are fastidious in their grooming and do not like a soiled litter box. 2.) Has there been a disruption in the household routine? Many cats are sensitive to new people, other animals – even rearranged furniture. 3.) Does Kitty have a bladder infection or other medical issue? Animals communicate to their human companions in very specific ways. Be in tune with your pet's “normal” behaviors and be patient in figuring out what your cat is trying to tell you.

What is a normal temperature for a dog or cat?
Normal rectal temperature for a dog or cat is 101.5 – 102.2.

What do I do if my pet ate something poisonous, like medications or chemicals?
Call your veterinarian immediately! Our emergency phone number is (765) 714-5973.

Why does my dog need regular grooming?
Dog groomers provide a wonderful service to pet owners – not only in their grooming skills but also in early detection of health problems.

What should I do if I find a lost dog or cat?
First, check the animal for a collar and ID tag. You can also check with your local vet to see if they have a micro-chip scanner. Many pets are now micro-chipped by their owners at their vet clinic. Most shelters and rescues will also include micro-chipping as part of their adoption service. If you still have no idea on the animal, check local services like Craigslist, FaceBook or MySpace to see if anyone in your area is missing a pet.