Got Questions?
All puppies and kittens will be given distemper vaccines, a rabies vaccine, deworming, and a fecal test. Your veterinarian will assess your pet's vaccination schedule and lifestyle to recommend the necessary vaccines. Some pets may benefit from spacing out vaccines to reduce the risk of reactions.
It is important for puppies and kittens to return for booster vaccinations and check-ups every 3-4 weeks. Just like human babies, it is crucial to closely monitor a pet's early stages to ensure proper growth. These visits also allow your pet to build a bond with us, making future visits less stressful for both of you.
During these visits, your veterinarian will discuss wellness, training, and address any questions you may have. We understand that this stage of life can be both joyful and confusing, and we are here to provide guidance and information to help your pet live a happy, healthy life.
Ensuring puppies and kittens are dewormed multiple times is crucial, especially after they leave the breeder's environment where parasites can easily spread among litter mates. It is important to prevent the transmission of parasites from pets to humans, so we must take necessary precautions. The monthly heartworm preventative your pet will receive also acts as a monthly intestinal dewormer.
Our dewormers are thorough, but no single dewormer can eliminate all intestinal parasites. Therefore, we recommend testing a fecal sample to check for any parasites not covered by our dewormer. Multiple tests may be needed to effectively treat certain intestinal parasites.
Scheduling a physical exam with a doctor is a great opportunity for us to meet you and your pet, as well as review your pet's vaccine schedule and plan future visits. If no vaccines or treatments are needed during this appointment, it can be a positive start to building a bond with your pet. The visit can end with hugs, kisses, adoration, and maybe a few treats to help ease any stress your pet may have during future visits.
Many rescue groups and breeders require a physical exam within a certain timeframe of obtaining a pet to address any health issues quickly and ensure the pet's well-being. This can be crucial for new pet parents and may impact their decision to keep the pet.
Having a new pet can bring up many questions, and the first appointment is the perfect time to discuss them with your veterinarian.
It is recommended to begin parasite preventatives for pets between 6-8 weeks of age, and they are safe for pets weighing as little as 1-2 pounds. The specific age and weight requirements may vary depending on the product chosen by you and your veterinarian. Starting prevention early is key, so it is beneficial to establish a routine of giving monthly preventatives to your pet and family members.
Today, there is a wide variety of flea and tick preventative medications on the market, each with different prices, application methods, and coverage. To learn more about the options available and factors to consider when selecting the best product for your pet, click here.
If your pet is venturing into the outside world for the first time, it is crucial to introduce them to a collar/leash or pet carrier. Ensuring a proper fit for your pet's collar is essential to prevent them from slipping out. A good rule of thumb is to be able to fit two fingers underneath the collar. When bringing your pet in, we ask that owners keep a close eye on them to ensure everyone's safety and comfort.
If your breeder, rescue group, or animal shelter has provided you with any health information up to the day you brought your pet home, please bring this with you. This information can help us determine the appropriate vaccines needed and prevent unnecessary vaccinations, ultimately saving you money.
For pets that have visited other animal hospitals, we will request this information when you schedule your appointment so we can obtain those records beforehand. This will reduce your wait time and ensure we have all the necessary information prior to your visit.
We are pleased to offer estimates for all visits. While we may be able to provide an estimate before the appointment, a more accurate assessment is typically made during the appointment. This is particularly crucial if your pet is unwell, as we may need to conduct a physical exam and consult with the doctor to determine the appropriate treatment. Pet Insurance can be a helpful tool in managing the expenses of pet care.
Pet health insurance operates differently from human health insurance in that any licensed veterinarian will be accepted by the insurance company. To learn more about pet insurance, please click here.
When you visit us for an appointment, you will pay upfront and then submit a claim form to your pet insurance company for reimbursement. To expedite the reimbursement process, we recommend printing and bringing your claim form with you to your appointment.
We are happy to assist you in completing insurance claim forms, ideally on the day of service but up to 30 days after your visit. Our Client Care Specialists can provide more information as each policy is unique. We will provide you with the necessary forms for your final review and submission to your insurance company. Feel free to use our fax machine for this purpose.
We are unable to administer vaccines that we do not order and store ourselves as we cannot guarantee their efficacy.
Our doctors are experienced with both large and small breed dogs, as well as all breeds of cats. Each doctor has their own favorite breeds that they have chosen as family pets, so feel free to inquire!
Before the surgery, we must conduct a thorough physical examination of your pet to confirm that the surgery is necessary, identify any potential complications, discuss the treatment plan with you, and perform pre-anesthetic blood work to allow for any necessary adjustments to the surgical plan or anesthesia.
Of course! We strongly encourage you, as a pet parent, to actively participate in your pet's care. We appreciate the special bond you share with your pet and aim to support and enhance that bond, rather than hinder it.
Of course! We truly value open and transparent communication in our environment. If you are interested, please talk to your veterinarian and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Please check with your nearest location to see if they are able to accommodate your boarding request, as some of our clinics may not have enough space to accommodate boarding due to prioritizing room for hospitalized patients.
At Caring Hands Animal Hospitals, we do not have groomers on staff, but we do offer some grooming services. Please contact your nearest location for more information.
We can provide house calls for our existing clients when our schedule permits. Typically, this service is available for euthanasia, but we also strive to accommodate physical exam appointments in your home if it is in the best interest of your pet.
We understand that you have options when it comes to choosing a veterinary clinic for your pet, and we know that pricing differences can be confusing. At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we strive to provide the highest quality care for your furry family member. When comparing prices, especially for surgical procedures, it's important to consider the factors that can impact pricing so you can make an informed decision. Our Standards of Care include essential services that we believe are necessary for your pet to have a successful and comfortable surgery.
- The Importance of IV Catheters Having an IV catheter in place provides immediate access to a patient's vein in case of an emergency, allowing for quick administration of medication when time is of the essence. While sedative medications can sometimes make it challenging to place a catheter effectively, forgoing this option could be life-threatening. Additionally, IV catheters allow for the administration of fluids during surgery, helping to maintain the patient's blood pressure and hydration levels.
- Hands-On Monitoring During Surgery At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) closely monitors your pet's vital signs throughout the surgical procedure, promptly notifying the doctor of any changes. While anesthesia monitoring machines are used, having a trained professional present ensures accurate and immediate intervention when needed.
- Comprehensive Pain Management Pain medication is a standard inclusion in our estimates, with post-operative medication provided to alleviate discomfort. Additional pain medication is sent home for continued relief for up to 5 days following the procedure.
- Importance of Pre-Operative Blood Work In addition to a physical exam, pre-operative blood work is essential to assess your pet's kidney and liver function, ensuring they can safely process anesthesia. This testing can also reveal underlying health issues that may impact the surgical procedure, potentially altering the anesthetic plan or necessitating a delay in surgery. Blood work should be completed within 30 days of the scheduled surgery date for optimal results.
Yes. Caring Hands Animal Hospital - Clarendon welcomes patients from Alexandria and the surrounding communities of Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Centreville, and Woodbridge. We are located at 2601 A, Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, and are accepting new patients. Call 571-777-0100 or book online.