Frequently Asked Questions

• How often should my pet have an exam and blood work?

  At the very least, we recommend yearly appointments to have physical exams, necessary blood work and updated vaccinations take place.

• Why does my pet need a dental procedure?

  Studies show that pets can begin to accumulate dangerous plaque and tartar as young as one year of age. Regular brushing at home combined cleaning and polishing by a veterinarian can keep your pet’s mouth healthy and help them avoid many types of periodontal disease. Untreated bacteria found in plaque can also be dangerous for your pet’s liver, kidney and heart as well as their mouths, so it is extremely important to maintain their oral hygiene through your veterinarian. If your pet needs a dental procedure, or if you are unsure of their overall oral health, call one of the caring members at Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital and set an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Sandifar.

• How long should I wait to bring my pet in if I notice a change in behavior?

  Changes in behavior, minor or major, are an indicator of pain or sickness in an animal. If you notice that your pet is not eating, sleeping more and more and even becoming aggressive then we recommend that you bring your pet in immediately for an exam by our staff.

• At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

  Our clinic will not perform sterilization procedures on pets until they reach 6 months of age. This is to allow your pet to mature enough to withstand surgery and any post-op complications. It is important to remember that a spay procedure on a female is the equivalent of a total hysterectomy in a human female.

• What are heartworms and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?

  Heartworms are a parasite found in all 50 states, but most prevalent in the Deep South states. It is transferred from animal to animal through infected mosquitoes. In order to keep your pet from getting very ill with heartworm disease, we recommend a preventative medicine such as a monthly chewy tablet. You may purchase these at our clinic at any time.

• What financing options do you offer (ex: Care Credit) or is payment expected at time of service?

  All services are provided with the utmost care and highest standards available in today’s market. In order to do this for our clients, payment is needed at time of service. We accept cash, checks and all major credit cards. In the event that you need a financing option, we are partnered with Care Credit. Care Credit will offer you a low interest monthly payment plan. For more information about Care Credit, please ask our receptionist or go to www.carecredit.com.