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Aurora Animal Hospital

Owner and her Guinea Pig

FAQ

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

We always prefer appointments so we can be ready for you and your pet when you arrive. Even if you have an urgent concern and need to be seen right away, if possible please call us in advance so we can have a doctor ready for you. Our Customer Care front desk team is trained to consult with you and will either have your pet to come in right away as an urgent appointment, or set up an appointment time convenient to you. If you aren’t sure if your pet needs to be seen, please just call.

Why does my pet have to be seen each year if he/she looks okay to me?

Pets age at a far faster rate than humans and, as a result, they may experience age-related health changes before you realize it. Taking your pet to the veterinarian once a year is equivalent to you seeing your doctor or dentist only once every seven years! Only a full physical exam by a licensed veterinarian can accurately access the health of your pet and identify potential problems. Early detection of disease can improve your pet’s chances for successful treatment. And if you have a senior pet (over the age of 6) we recommend exams twice a year for optimal care.

I’m new to the area – how do I find a vet?

Look for an animal hospital that is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (like us!). This organization has very strict criteria to assure high quality care. Also ask to tour the facility, and schedule a wellness check-up for your pet so you can meet the veterinarian. Be sure to find a new vet you are comfortable with as soon as possible, in case you have an emergency.

What should I do if I think my pet has eaten something poisonous?

Call us (303) 680-7305 or poison control immediately! Many poisons do not show signs immediately; so don’t be fooled if your pet looks normal. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by us or another poison authority.

How do I know if my pet needs to see a doctor?

It’s usually hard to tell by yourself at home, so please call us and describe what you’re seeing. Signs of illness can include a significant decrease in appetite or activity level, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, limping, itching or losing hair, or eyes looking abnormal. Signs of emergencies can include trouble breathing, trauma, bleeding, stumbling, seizing, having difficulty delivering puppies or kittens, and many eye problems. Call us immediately (303) 680-7305 if you see any of these symptoms.

It seems like my pet has the same issue as before, so why can’t I just use the same medication you gave me last time?

It is illegal for a veterinarian to prescribe medication without seeing the patient to formulate a working diagnosis. Medication that worked before may be expired or the reoccurring problem may look the same from the outside, but be caused by something different on the inside.

Why does my pet need an exam with each vaccination?

We must be sure your pet is in good health before vaccinations can be given, it’s our responsibility to you and your pet. Vaccinating a sick patient could make their disease significantly worse or even risk their life. Depending upon the health of your pet, our veterinarians may recommend splitting annual vaccination protocols into two visits to lessen the possibility of complications.

Why does my pet need to be de-wormed each year?

We can accurately diagnose and safely treat parasites and other health problems that can not only affect your pets, but also affect the safety of you and your family. It’s common for a dog to become infected with a parasite and then pass it to you and/or your family members.

Why does my pet need a blood test before procedures requiring anesthesia?

A pre-anesthetic blood test allows us to evaluate your pet’s health and will enable us to proactively manage any special needs while under anesthesia. It may indicate that we should avoid a procedure altogether until a discovered problem can be corrected. It is done entirely to safeguard the well being of your pet.

Why does it cost more to have my pet’s teeth cleaned than it costs me at my dentist?

Dogs and cats need to be under anesthesia for us to perform dental procedures, which adds to the cost of the overall procedure. We use the same type of equipment your dentist uses to ensure the health of your pet.

What is a microchip and how does it work?

The ID microchips are about the size of a rice grain and are painlessly implanted under your pet’s skin. If your pet becomes lost, they can be scanned and the microchip will show your pet’s personal ID number so you can be contacted immediately. All shelters in Colorado and many Aurora and Centennial veterinarians have scanners, so an ID microchip is a great way to get your pet back to you as quickly as possible.

Why won’t my cat use the litter box?

There are many reasons for a cat to stop using the box with many of them being medical. Any cat urinating or defecating outside of the litter box should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. A common reason is a bladder infection, a very treatable condition. Other causes can include painful crystals or stones in the bladder, as well as behavioral problems.

When will my pet have her first heat?

Most cats and dogs have a first heat period between 6 and 12 months of age. This heat cycle has the most profound influence on increasing her risk of breast cancer, so it is very important to have your pet spayed before 6 months of age. If she has already had a heat cycle, we recommend waiting 6-8 weeks before scheduling a spay to allow her reproductive tract to return to its normal condition, making the surgery easier on her.