Frequently Asked Questions
Increased water intake in senior dogs may be associated with medical conditions.
Microchipping costs can vary depending on location and provider.
A puppy’s first visit generally includes a physical exam, vaccinations, parasite screening, and care guidance.
Choosing the right dog food depends on age, breed, size, and health needs.
Annual exams usually include a full physical exam, weight check, dental assessment, and preventive care review.
Nail trimming services are commonly offered by veterinary clinics and groomers.
Small skin tags can often be evaluated and removed by a veterinarian if necessary.
Professional dental cleanings for cats are performed under anesthesia.
Veterinarians may perform soft tissue surgeries and refer complex orthopedic cases.
Pre-anesthetic lab work is often recommended to assess overall health.
Abdominal ultrasound is used to evaluate internal organs in cats.
Sudden fear of loud noises in dogs may be related to anxiety or medical issues.
Scratching is a natural behavior that can be redirected with appropriate enrichment.
Crying at night is common as puppies adjust to a new environment.
Barking on walks may be due to excitement, fear, or leash reactivity.
Cat introductions should be done gradually to minimize stress.
Senior wellness exams focus on early detection of age-related health concerns.
Arthritis management may include supplements, medications, injections, and environmental changes.
Quality-of-life assessments consider comfort, mobility, appetite, and behavior.
Pet cremation is an option as part of end-of-life care.
Signs of pain may include reduced activity, appetite changes, or irritability.
Some veterinary clinics offer Saturday hours.
The cost of spaying or neutering varies based on several factors.
Medication refills typically require an established veterinary-patient relationship.
Bring medical records, medication lists, and proper restraints such as a leash or carrier.
Many veterinary clinics accept CareCredit.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs, depending on the type and amount consumed.
Heatstroke prevention includes shade, water, and limiting activity during heat.
Venomous snakes can pose a risk to pets in certain regions.
Many common plants, including lilies and azaleas, are toxic to cats.
Inducing vomiting without veterinary guidance can be harmful.
Persistent diarrhea in dogs can lead to dehydration and may indicate an underlying issue.
Yes. Appointments allow our team to provide focused, organized care for each patient. If your pet is experiencing an urgent medical issue, we may be able to accommodate an emergency visit depending on availability and severity.
You can request your pet’s next appointment through our online pet portal by visiting our website or call us.
We require at least 24 hours’ notice for appointment cancellations. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in a fee.
Yes. We offer telemedicine appointments for non-emergency concerns such as follow-ups, minor issues, and medication discussions.
We provide comprehensive veterinary care, including wellness and illness exams, urgent care, surgery, dentistry, diagnostic testing, radiographs, parasite prevention, nutritional and behavioral consultations, chronic disease management, hospice and euthanasia care. We also offer wellness plans.
A routine visit includes a full physical exam, weight assessment, heart and lung evaluation, dental assessment, vaccination review, and discussion of your pet’s health.
Bring previous medical records, vaccination history, a list of medications, and any concerns. Dogs should be on a leash and cats in a secure carrier.
Adult pets should have a wellness exam once per year. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets may need more frequent visits.
Vaccination needs vary by age, lifestyle, and health. A personalized plan will be created during your visit.
Bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling, inflamed gums, and visible tartar are common signs.
If you notice changes in appetite, energy, drinking, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, coughing, sneezing, hiding, or unusual behavior, contact a veterinarian.
During business hours, bring your pet to the clinic immediately. After hours, contact The Center of Veterinary Expertise (CoVE) at (757) 935-9111.
Payment is due at the time of service. We accept cash, checks, major credit cards, and CareCredit. We also offer wellness plans.
Yes. We provide compassionate hospice care, quality-of-life assessments, euthanasia services, and cremation guidance.
Signs include stiffness, reduced activity, appetite changes, hiding, irritability, or difficulty getting up.
While we prefer appointments to ensure timely service, we do accept walk-ins based on availability. If your pet has an emergency, their condition will be assessed immediately. Critical cases are prioritized, and emergency visits may incur an additional fee.
Sneezing and watery eyes in cats can be signs of an upper respiratory infection, similar to a cold.
Frequent ear scratching and head shaking in dogs often point to an ear infection or ear mites.
Vomiting yellow foam in puppies can sometimes be due to an empty stomach, but it can also indicate other issues.
Any new lump or bump on your dog should be examined by a veterinarian.
Sudden changes in behavior, like hiding and not eating, in cats are often signs of illness or stress.
Persistent bad breath in dogs can be a sign of dental disease.
Even a mild limp in a cat can indicate pain or discomfort, as cats tend to hide pain.
Dog scooting can be caused by anal gland issues, worms, or skin irritation.
Signs of dehydration in pets include lethargy, dry gums, and loss of skin elasticity.
Indoor cats still require core vaccinations to protect against common diseases.
Dogs are typically tested for heartworms annually, even when on prevention.
The appropriate age to spay a female dog can vary based on breed and health.
Kittens usually require a series of deworming treatments during their early months.
Due to the climate, year-round flea prevention is commonly recommended in Georgia.