Because of the shorter lifespan of our pets, we stress the importance of an annual physical examination. Thorough check-ups and preventive care can help alleviate serious health problems. We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your companions feeling their best:
Preventive Care
Pets should have an annual examination to be sure that they are healthy. During the annual exam, we will offer blood tests that can help determine if your pet has any potential health issues. The earlier problems are detected, the better the outcome.
If there are no evident problems, vaccinations are usually administered during the annual examination. Vaccinations for your pet are determined by your pet's age and specific needs. Puppies and kittens are like human babies in that they require a series of vaccinations in order to be protected from common diseases.
All dogs and cats are required by law to have rabies vaccinations.
Senior Care
Pets are living longer, thanks to improved diets and veterinary care. Senior pets have special needs and we can provide the care they need. Seniors may need more than just an annual visit to ensure that they continue to have optimal health. Diagnostic blood tests, in addition to examinations, are a helpful tool to detect any problems your pet may have.
Urgent and Emergency Care
We are fully equipped to handle any emergency with your pet. We have in-house diagnostic laboratory equipment, x-ray equipment, a full surgery suite with anesthesia, monitoring , IV pump, and oxygen therapy.
If you feel you have an emergency, please call ahead so we can be prepared for your arrival.
For after-hours emergencies, please call the Animal Emergency Center at 901-323-4563. The Animal Emergency Center is located on Summer Ave. in Memphis between Highland and Graham.
Heartworm Prevention & Treatment
Heartworm prevention plays an important role in keeping your pet healthy. Puppies should be started on heartworm prevention when they are only a few months old and should continue on it for their whole lives, with annual testing to ensure that they remain heartworm free.
Adult dogs must have a negative heartworm test before beginning heartworm prevention and need retesting at least once a year.
In the South, dogs should be on heartworm preventives year-round. We carry several different products that not only can prevent heartworm infestation, but can also prevent infestation of intestinal worms.
Prevention is much better for your pet and a lot easier for your wallet.
Should testing prove that your pet is heartworm positive, we will perform additional diagnostic tests before scheduling an appointment for the first treatment. Heartworm treatment to kill the heartworms can be dangerous for your pet, but not killing the heartworms can be even more dangerous to your pet's health.
Surgery
We offer routine spays and neuters in addition to other surgeries. To help control the pet population, we recommend that female puppies and kittens be spayed between 5-6 months, before their first heat cycle and males be neutered anytime after both testicles are descended. Any surgery requires sedation and anesthesia, which can always carry risks. We prefer to examine your pet BEFORE the surgery appointment to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to go under anesthesia. If we feel it is necessary, we will suggest certain diagnostic blood testing at that time, to rule out any potential problems that might arise from the use of anesthesia. Routine surgeries are done weekday mornings and your pet can usually go home the same day.
We also offer the option, included in the spay fee, of having your pet tattooed on her abdomen with a symbol that indicates she has been spayed. This eliminates needless surgery should your pet become lost or goes to a new home.
Dental Care and Dental Radiology
Good oral hygiene is just as important for your pet's health as it is for yours. This starts with regular brushing (yes, you heard correctly), regular dental exams, and dental cleaning by your veterinarian.
Dental cleaning requires sedation and anesthesia. We prefer to examine your pet before the date of the dental cleaning appointment to ensure that he is healthy enough to go under anesthesia. In some cases, we will recommend a diagnostic blood test prior to scheduling the dental procedure.
During the dental, we will check your pet's overall oral health, including extracting any decayed teeth.
Boarding
Boarding is available seven days a week. Around major holidays, it is best to make reservations several weeks ahead of time, due to limited space. The hospital is closed on Sunday, but staff is available at 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM for clients to pick up or drop off their pets for boarding, if prior arrangements are made.
We have cat condos, regular cages, and dog runs, all inside the hospital. Dogs are hand walked three times a day when the hospital is open, and twice a day on days that we are closed.
You may bring your pet's favorite blanket or toy and any prescription diet food your pet may be on. However, if your pet is not on a special diet, we prefer to feed Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach dog food and Hill's Science Diet cat food to minimize your pet's digestive upset, should he get stressed from the change in his routine.
Note: We require that any pet that boards or stays at our hospital be current on vaccinations and that those vaccinations were given by a licensed veterinarian. We do not accept feed store shots as proof of vaccination.
Microchipping
Since pets cannot talk and collars can come off, we recommend microchipping your pet in case he gets lost. The microchip is about the size of a raw grain of rice and is inserted between the shoulder blades. Your pet cannot feel it and will never know it is there. It is common practice these days for all veterinary hospitals and animal shelters to scan strays for microchips. If a microchip is detected, the owner is notified so pet and owner can be reunited.
Health Certificates
Are you transferring to Hawaii or overseas and want to take your pet with you? We can help you with the requirements needed to make your pet's move as smooth as possible. It does take time to get everything done. We recommend getting started at least 2 months before the expected move.
We also do exams for domestic health certificates, if needed. Just call or email to make an appointment.