Walker Veterinary Hospital: Pet Care FAQs for Owners

Yes, all pets must be current on their vaccinations before grooming. If your pet needs vaccinations, the hospital can administer them during the grooming appointment.

The hospital performs a wide array of major and minor surgeries, including spaying, neutering, and other surgical procedures to address various health conditions.

Preparation involves following pre-surgical instructions provided by the veterinary team, which may include fasting and avoiding certain medications. It's important to discuss any concerns with the veterinarian before the procedure.

A thorough dental cleaning includes a Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT), which involves evaluating the mouth, taking full-mouth dental x-rays, and cleaning the teeth above and below the gum-line under general anesthesia.

Regular dental care helps prevent periodontal disease, tooth loss, and other health issues. Maintaining your dog's oral health contributes to their overall well-being.

Walker Veterinary Hospital provides vaccinations, wellness exams, parasite control, and other preventive services to keep your pets healthy and detect any potential health issues early.

For younger, healthy cats and dogs, annual wellness exams are recommended. Senior pets or those with known health issues may benefit from exams twice a year.

Symptoms include skin irritation, digestive issues (diarrhea, vomiting), and ear infections. Common allergens are beef, dairy, wheat, soy, chicken, and eggs.

Management involves consulting a veterinarian for a hypoallergenic diet and possibly conducting elimination trials to identify specific allergens. Allergy testing and immunotherapy options are available.

Yes, the hospital offers emergency veterinary services. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact the hospital immediately for assistance.

If your pet is experiencing an emergency, call Walker Veterinary Hospital immediately at (209) 478-8883. Describe the symptoms or situation as clearly as possible. The team will provide urgent instructions over the phone and prepare for your arrival to ensure your pet receives prompt medical attention.

Microchipping involves implanting a small device under your cat's skin that contains a unique ID number. This helps identify your cat if they go missing and increases the chances of being reunited.

Microchipping is a simple, safe, and relatively painless procedure. It is typically performed during a routine veterinary visit.

Spaying or neutering helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces the risk of certain health issues, and can decrease undesirable behaviors such as spraying and aggression.

Ultrasound is an important diagnostic imaging tool to evaluate internal organs and is routinely performed at Walker Veterinary Hospital. Please schedule an appointment for an Ultrasound consultation.

Yes, Walker Veterinary Hospital accepts all pet insurances like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, Embrace, etc, but specifically offers convenient direct billing for covered conditions in pets insured with Trupanion. Visit https://www.trupanion.com/

Yes, a cardiologist is available through Walker Veterinary Hospital. Pets needing an echocardiogram should consult with our doctor first in order to schedule the echo.

Yes, there are many different speciality diets depending on your pet's needs. Hill’s and Royal canin offer a range of weight loss, GI foods, skin sensitivities, Kidney diets, and more. Talking with your veterinarian will help find the right nutritional food for your pet.

Yes, we offer comprehensive, affordable vaccination packages specifically designed for puppies and kittens. These packages provide essential immunizations for your newest family member while offering cost-effective savings compared to individual vaccine visits. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and set up a package tailored to your young pet's needs.

If your pet has parasites, it's important to get proper veterinary care. A vet can identify the specific type of parasite through fecal testing and prescribe the most effective treatment. Different parasites require different medications, so accurate diagnosis is crucial for your pet's health and recovery. Do not forget to bring in a fecal sample in a ziplock bag during the pet’s visit if the pet has soft stool or has GI issues.

Yes, we offer boarding services year-round. All vaccines must be current and up to date. We provide bedding and offer special in-house food if you prefer not to bring your own. Dogs receive walks twice daily, and additional special accommodations are available upon request. Call us today for more details and to discuss your pet's specific needs, like medical boarding for pets needing insulin injections or other special medical needs.

Yes, we do provide compassionate end-of-life services. We understand that making this difficult decision is one of the hardest things a pet owner can face. Our experienced veterinary team is here to guide you through this difficult process with care, dignity, and support for both you and your beloved companion. We're committed to ensuring your pet's comfort and your peace of mind during this emotional time. Please call us to discuss your pet's situation and how we can help.

We make this process as peaceful as possible for you and your pet. You can choose whether to be present during the procedure, whatever feels right for you. We place an IV catheter, give a pain injection for comfort, and allow time for final goodbyes. We offer communal or private cremation services to honor your beloved companion. Our compassionate team is here to support you and answer any questions during this difficult time.

Yes, we do offer anxiety services for pets. We understand how distressing it can be to see your furry friend struggle with anxiety, whether it's triggered by travel, fireworks, holidays, or everyday situations. We provide medications specifically designed to help manage pet anxiety and can work with you to find the right solution for your pet's individual needs. Our veterinary team will evaluate your pet's specific anxiety triggers and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Yes, we do. We have an accredited veterinarian who can provide both domestic and international health travel certificates for your pet. Contact us to schedule an appointment and discuss the specific requirements for your travel destination. visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel for more information.

Yes, we offer several treatment options for arthritis in cats and dogs, including cold laser therapy, injectable medications such as Adequan and Librela, and oral medications, with the specific treatment plan determined through consultation with our veterinarian to best meet your pet's individual needs.

Cold laser treatment, also known as low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive therapeutic option that uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissue and stimulate cellular healing processes, helping to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote faster recovery in arthritic joints for both dogs and cats without generating heat or causing discomfort to your pet. This treatment has shown promising results in pets with spinal issues (IVDD).

No, our practice does not offer this procedure as we believe it is not in the best interest of our patients' health and well-being. We would be happy to discuss other aspects of your pet's care and answer any questions you may have about the services we provide.

Yes, we do offer these surgical procedures for puppies. We also perform dewclaw removal and tail amputation on adult dogs and cats when it is medically necessary, such as in cases of injury, infection, or other health complications. Our veterinarian can discuss the appropriate timing and medical indications for this procedure during your consultation.

We accept several convenient payment options to help make your pet's care affordable, including CareCredit and ScratchPay financing plans, as well as cash and all major debit and credit cards. Our team can help you explore these payment options to find the solution that works best for your budget and your pet's healthcare needs. Visit https://www.carecredit.com/ or https://scratchpay.com/ for more information.

Yes, we do offer chemotherapy treatment options for cancer patients. We recommend scheduling a consultation with our veterinary team to discuss the specific treatment protocols available and determine the most appropriate approach for your pet's condition. Please call our office today to arrange a consultation and learn more about the oncology services we provide.