Q: How often should my pet have an exam and blood work?
At Pearson Animal Hospital in Hartselle, Alabama, we believe that the best way to prolong the relationship you share with your pet is to identify disease processes early and prevent the progression of chronic illness, before it becomes a problem. To keep tabs on your pet’s overall health, it is important to maintain annual exams and bloodwork. We recommend an examination by your veterinarian every 12 months for healthy pets under the age of 7, and every 6 months for healthy senior patients. Those pets with chronic disease or mobility issues may require examination on a more frequent basis. We also recommend annual blood work profiles to provide a continuous record for our veterinarians to identify trends and specific areas to focus on in an effort to prolong the duration and quality of life of our patients.
Q: Why does my pet need a dental procedure?
Periodontal disease (disease of the structures around the tooth-the gums, bone, and connective tissue) is one of the most common problems that we deal with on a daily basis at Pearson Animal Hospital. Periodontal infections, tooth fractures, and oral masses can be sources of serious discomfort for your pet. Additionally, untreated periodontal infections can cause damage to major organs of the body including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Proper veterinary dental care can help prevent your pet from developing painful dental conditions and can extend their life expectancy as well.
Q: At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
Typical spaying and neutering, for most pets not used for breeding purposes, is usually recommended at 6 months of age, however, there are several factors that help determine the best age for spaying and neutering. These factors include your pet’s breed (larger breeds wait longer) and individual health status. Prior to any surgery at Pearson Animal Hospital, all pets undergo a physical exam to determine overall fitness for the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery.
Spaying and neutering help with animal population control and prevent unwanted pets. Just as importantly, spaying and neutering can improve the overall health of your pet, and help in avoiding certain reproductive diseases, and some types of cancer.
Q: What are heartworms, and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?
Heartworms are a serious, year-round parasitic threat to your pet’s health. After an infection occurs, treatment is not only very expensive, but can also be life threatening.
Heartworms are extremely common in northern Alabama and can infect both our canine and feline companions. Heartworms are spread when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then transfers the juvenile worms when it bites a healthy animal. Unless your pet is taking a heartworm preventative, these immature worms can grow into adults that can cause serious damage to your pet’s blood vessels, lungs and heart, and may even cause death. There are several options available for prevention of this potentially life-threatening disease. A monthly preventative can keep your dog or cat healthy and is much less expensive than having to treat adult heartworms. Our veterinarians at Pearson Animal Hospital will determine which preventative is right for your pet, based on needs and lifestyle.
Q: What financing options do you offer (ex. Care Credit), or is payment expected at the time of service?
At Pearson Animal Hospital, we accept cash, debit cards, and all major credit cards.
Sometimes an unexpected emergency occurs with our pets that is not within our immediate budget. If you would like the option of financing unanticipated expenses in order to provide the best care for your pet, we are partnered with Care Credit. You can find more information at carecredit.com.
Payment plans are not available, and payment is expected at the time of service.