Steps for an emergency
What do I do if my pet experiences an emergency?
If an emergency occurs during office hours, we ask that clients call us as soon as they can. Our team cares about you and your pet and will try our best to get them seen as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, we are not always able to get patients in as soon as may be needed in an emergency. In this case, we recommend that clients contact an emergency hospital.
If an emergency occurs outside of business hours, you can call our office number for our after-hours line to get in contact with a veterinarian from our clinic. If you haven't heard back from a veterinarian within 30 minutes, we strongly advise contacting an emergency hospital.
Emergency Hospitals We Recommend
Cedar Animal Hospital: (616) 696-1212
Animal Emergency Hospital: (616) 361-9911
BluePearl Pet Hospital: (616) 284-5300
If an emergency occurs during office hours, we ask that clients call us as soon as they can. Our team cares about you and your pet and will try our best to get them seen as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, we are not always able to get patients in as soon as may be needed in an emergency. In this case, we recommend that clients contact an emergency hospital.
If an emergency occurs outside of business hours, you can call our office number for our after-hours line to get in contact with a veterinarian from our clinic. If you haven't heard back from a veterinarian within 30 minutes, we strongly advise contacting an emergency hospital.
Emergency Hospitals We Recommend
Cedar Animal Hospital: (616) 696-1212
Animal Emergency Hospital: (616) 361-9911
BluePearl Pet Hospital: (616) 284-5300
General Questions
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What foods should I avoid feeding my pet?
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We've listed only a few foods owners should avoid giving to their pets. For further information on those listed, or to see more, click below to be taken to a trusted source. |
What will it cost to have my pet seen?
Each case is unique and will vary in cost depending on the pet and the reason for their visit. Every patient scheduled with one of our veterinarians will receive a complete physical exam and a recommended treatment plan based on exam findings. The veterinarian or assistant in your appointment will discuss vaccinations, treatment options available, and any possible medication or prevention recommendations. The assistant can create an estimate for the recommended treatment plan following the doctor's examination.
General estimates for routine visits are available upon request. These broad estimates are approximations meant to give clients a close idea of what to expect. Therefore, your visit's final cost may vary from the estimate depending on assorted factors.
Can I stop in to pick up medications?
Certain medications may require approval from a doctor; therefore, we ask that clients request prescription and prevention refills 24 hours in advance. Special order medications should be requested at least one week in advance due to shipping times.
What is the Animal Wellness Center's cancellation policy?
We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. We reserve the right to charge an office call fee for any appointments canceled less than 24 hours before your scheduled time.
Each case is unique and will vary in cost depending on the pet and the reason for their visit. Every patient scheduled with one of our veterinarians will receive a complete physical exam and a recommended treatment plan based on exam findings. The veterinarian or assistant in your appointment will discuss vaccinations, treatment options available, and any possible medication or prevention recommendations. The assistant can create an estimate for the recommended treatment plan following the doctor's examination.
General estimates for routine visits are available upon request. These broad estimates are approximations meant to give clients a close idea of what to expect. Therefore, your visit's final cost may vary from the estimate depending on assorted factors.
Can I stop in to pick up medications?
Certain medications may require approval from a doctor; therefore, we ask that clients request prescription and prevention refills 24 hours in advance. Special order medications should be requested at least one week in advance due to shipping times.
What is the Animal Wellness Center's cancellation policy?
We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. We reserve the right to charge an office call fee for any appointments canceled less than 24 hours before your scheduled time.
Common health questions
Is a rabies vaccine required for my pet?
Michigan law requires all dogs over four months of age to have a rabies vaccine. Cats are not legally required to have a rabies vaccine; however, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) recommends that all cats receive a rabies vaccine.
Our clinic requires vaccination for dogs 12 weeks or older or cats 14 weeks or older.
Rabies is considered universally fatal. Our policy is to give a rabies vaccine unless clients can provide proof that the pet is already vaccinated. This can also be at the doctor's discretion, depending on your pet's health.
Michigan law requires all dogs over four months of age to have a rabies vaccine. Cats are not legally required to have a rabies vaccine; however, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) recommends that all cats receive a rabies vaccine.
Our clinic requires vaccination for dogs 12 weeks or older or cats 14 weeks or older.
Rabies is considered universally fatal. Our policy is to give a rabies vaccine unless clients can provide proof that the pet is already vaccinated. This can also be at the doctor's discretion, depending on your pet's health.
Surgery questions
What time do I need to bring my pet in on surgery day?
Typically, drop-off times are scheduled over the phone or during pre-surgical examinations. However, our office will call the day before your pet's surgery to remind you of your drop-off time and give other instructions.
Do I need to withhold food before surgery?
Yes, you must withhold food from your pet the night before surgery, beginning at 9:00 PM. The purpose of fasting is to reduce the volume of stomach contents. This reduction helps to prevent the regurgitation and inhalation of stomach contents. Fasting does not include withholding water, which should be available to your pet at all times.
What is required before surgery?
For your pet's safety, we recommend they be fully vaccinated at least 10 days before surgery. We do require certain species-specific vaccines. Cats and dogs both must have a rabies vaccine. However, dogs must also have a DAPPv and leptospirosis vaccine, and cats must have an FVRCP vaccine. Canine patients are also required to have an up to date heartworm test on record. Our clinic reserves the right to require additional testing for senior pets or those with pre-existing conditions before surgery.
When will I be able to pick my pet up?
Once the surgery is complete, your pet will enter recovery. Our team will closely monitor your pet throughout the day until it is time for you to pick them up in the afternoon. An assistant will set a pickup time with you either during the morning drop-off or over the phone later in the day. Most patients can go home on the day of surgery; however, patients who have undergone a declaw or require closer monitoring will stay for overnight hospitalization.
Will there be stitches?
For most procedures, the incision is closed with two separate layers of stitching. The doctor will place the sutures (stitches) underneath the skin to prevent chewing. Unless told otherwise, the suture material used will dissolve on its own over the next couple of weeks.
What kind of home care will my pet need after surgery?
When you arrive to pick up your pet, an assistant will come to speak to you to go over discharge instructions specific to the procedure your pet has undergone.
Upon returning home, you should be ready for your pet to still feel sleepy. At this time, you may offer them a small meal, but don't be alarmed if your pet does not feel like eating. It's been an eventful day for them, and their appetite should return by morning. We ask that you keep your pet in a warm room and away from stairs and children (unless closely supervised) for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. It is vital to keep your pet calm and quiet for the 7 to 10 days following surgery to protect the stitches and prevent tearing or other complications.
Additionally, all pets who have undergone surgery should be kept from running, jumping, or playing rough with other pets or children for the next 10 days. Dogs should not be allowed outside or taken on walks unless they are leashed. Outside or inside/outside cats must be kept inside for the 7 days after surgery. Those who have been declawed will need to use a special litter for the following 7 days after surgery. We ask that owners check their pet's incision(s) daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or missing sutures. In addition, you should monitor your pet for licking or chewing of the incision, as this can decrease the healing rate and may lead to infection. If your pet is licking or chewing excessively, please contact our office as soon as you notice.
Typically, drop-off times are scheduled over the phone or during pre-surgical examinations. However, our office will call the day before your pet's surgery to remind you of your drop-off time and give other instructions.
Do I need to withhold food before surgery?
Yes, you must withhold food from your pet the night before surgery, beginning at 9:00 PM. The purpose of fasting is to reduce the volume of stomach contents. This reduction helps to prevent the regurgitation and inhalation of stomach contents. Fasting does not include withholding water, which should be available to your pet at all times.
What is required before surgery?
For your pet's safety, we recommend they be fully vaccinated at least 10 days before surgery. We do require certain species-specific vaccines. Cats and dogs both must have a rabies vaccine. However, dogs must also have a DAPPv and leptospirosis vaccine, and cats must have an FVRCP vaccine. Canine patients are also required to have an up to date heartworm test on record. Our clinic reserves the right to require additional testing for senior pets or those with pre-existing conditions before surgery.
When will I be able to pick my pet up?
Once the surgery is complete, your pet will enter recovery. Our team will closely monitor your pet throughout the day until it is time for you to pick them up in the afternoon. An assistant will set a pickup time with you either during the morning drop-off or over the phone later in the day. Most patients can go home on the day of surgery; however, patients who have undergone a declaw or require closer monitoring will stay for overnight hospitalization.
Will there be stitches?
For most procedures, the incision is closed with two separate layers of stitching. The doctor will place the sutures (stitches) underneath the skin to prevent chewing. Unless told otherwise, the suture material used will dissolve on its own over the next couple of weeks.
What kind of home care will my pet need after surgery?
When you arrive to pick up your pet, an assistant will come to speak to you to go over discharge instructions specific to the procedure your pet has undergone.
Upon returning home, you should be ready for your pet to still feel sleepy. At this time, you may offer them a small meal, but don't be alarmed if your pet does not feel like eating. It's been an eventful day for them, and their appetite should return by morning. We ask that you keep your pet in a warm room and away from stairs and children (unless closely supervised) for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. It is vital to keep your pet calm and quiet for the 7 to 10 days following surgery to protect the stitches and prevent tearing or other complications.
Additionally, all pets who have undergone surgery should be kept from running, jumping, or playing rough with other pets or children for the next 10 days. Dogs should not be allowed outside or taken on walks unless they are leashed. Outside or inside/outside cats must be kept inside for the 7 days after surgery. Those who have been declawed will need to use a special litter for the following 7 days after surgery. We ask that owners check their pet's incision(s) daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or missing sutures. In addition, you should monitor your pet for licking or chewing of the incision, as this can decrease the healing rate and may lead to infection. If your pet is licking or chewing excessively, please contact our office as soon as you notice.
Any other questions you'd like to see posted on our website? Please submit them via email at info@whitecloudvet.com
