FAQs

To make an appointment with one of our veterinarians, call us at (281) 578-5449 to set up a time that is convenient with your schedule. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please contact our office as soon as possible.

To make an appointment with one of our veterinarians, call us at (281) 578-5449 to set up a time that is convenient with your schedule. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please contact our office as soon as possible.

Call us as soon as possible if your pet is showing signs of illness, injury, or pain. Some signs, such as limping are a clear indicator of pain, but some signs are more subtle. Look for symptoms such as: not eating, a change in behavior or normal habits, being more tired, and having less energy. Of course, these symptoms can also be caused by many problems, so early observation and action is important.

If your pet is experiencing an emergency during normal office hours, immediately bring them to our clinic and they will be assessed and treated quickly. If your pet’s emergency is after hours, please contact the following emergency care center:

Katy Freeway Emergency Clinic
8921 Katy Freeway
(On the Katy Freeway at the Bingle-Voss exit, next to Carter Country)
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 932-9589

-or-

NHVS North Houston Veterinary Specialists
24-Hour Emergency and Specialty Care
19450 Katy Fwy Ste. 200
Houston, TX 77094
(281) 675-6000

Spay and neuter procedures can be done at most ages, but the best time to spay or neuter your pet is approximately 5 to 6 months of age.

Vaccines are an important part of your pet’s health. Vaccines keep your pet healthy and prevent serious diseases. Our team can develop a vaccine schedule tailored to your pet that will prevent illness and disease. We thoroughly examine all pets receiving a vaccination prior to administering any vaccinations.

Dog Vaccines

Rabies Vaccine: Rabies is transmitted through by bites from wild animals especially skunks, raccoons, possums, bats, and foxes. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Puppies and kittens will first receive this vaccination at 12 weeks of age, and then they will be revaccinated every 1-3 years as required by law.

DAP Vaccine: This is a “4-way” canine vaccine that vaccinates against canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Distemper and parvovirus are often times fatal, especially in puppies and is why it is boostered multiple times. Puppies can be vaccinated as early as 6 weeks and are boostered every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult dogs are then revaccinated every 3 years.

Leptospirosis Vaccine: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease. It is spread by wildlife (raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels, rats) and domestic animals. It can be passed to people. Canine leptospirosis has risen dramatically in recent years. Infected animals shed the bacteria in the urine. To prevent Leptospirosis in your dog, discourage your pet from drinking standing water and vaccinate yearly.

Bordetella Vaccine: Also known as kennel cough. We recommend the oral vaccine when a patient will be boarding, grooming, or in any situation where they will come into contact with other pets (dog care, obedience, park, etc.).

Canine Influenza: This vaccine will protect against the highly contagious viral infection. Symptoms of Canine Influenza are similar to kennel cough, which is caused by Bordetella, but special tests can be performed to confirm the presence of CIV.

Cat Vaccines

Rabies Vaccine: (See Above)

FVRCP Vaccine: This is a “4-way” feline vaccine that vaccinates against feline distemper (aka panleukopenia), rhinotrachetitis, and calici. Kittens can be vaccinated as early as 6 weeks and are boostered every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult cats are then revaccinated every 3 years.

Feline Leukemia Vaccine: Feline Leukemia Vaccine is recommended for kittens and cats that are of high risk such as indoor/outdoor cats.

Kennel cough, also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis, and is easily transmitted through the air. It is caused by viruses and/or bacteria that affect the respiratory system of dogs. The best way to reduce the severity of the disease is with frequent vaccination. There are several types of vaccinations available to treat kennel cough.

We recommend annual blood work to detect infections and diseases, helping us to prevent disease early on. In many situations, early detection is essential for more effective treatment. The type of blood work will be determined specifically for each pet depending on his or her individual needs. This annual blood test is convenient to do at the time of your pet’s annual heartworm test, but it can be done at any time of year.

Our in-house pharmacy has a large selection of prescription medications and therapeutic diets for your family pet. Our staff members can help you select the best medication, choose the proper dosage, and provide information on side effects or interactions. Contact us immediately if your pet experiences an adverse reaction, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding a prescription medication.

Heartworm disease is a serious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can be fatal if left untreated. Our veterinarians recommend that all dogs be given year round heartworm prevention, regardless of their lifestyle.

Dogs can get sick (vomiting, diarrhea, and/or death) if placed on heartworm prevention when they have a severe heartworm disease. Even if they have been on heartworm prevention year round there is always the possibility that the product may have failed for various reasons (your pet spit out the pill, did not absorb the pill appropriately, topical medicine was not applied properly, forgot to administer medication on time, etc.) and the earlier we can treat your pet for heartworm disease, the better the prognosis. Some companies will guarantee their product providing that you use the heartworm prevention year round and are performing yearly heartworm test.

When starting heartworm prevention, or if your dog has not been on heartworm prevention year round, it is important that you perform an initial heartworm test and an additional heartworm test 6-7 months after starting the prevention to fully rule out the prior infection. During the early stages of development, some larvae are not detectable by the test. It may take a full 6-7 months before they can be detected, which is why we need to repeat the testing later after starting preventative measures.

No. Heartworm disease is a blood-borne disease that is transmitted through mosquitoes. A simple blood test will confirm whether or not your dog has heartworm disease.

Annual professional dental exams, tooth scaling, and polishing are necessary to treat and maintain healthy teeth and gums for your pet. As your pet ages their health needs will also change, and advanced dental care may be required. Your pet’s teeth and mouth should be examined by our veterinarians on a regular basis.

Yes. Proper at-home dental care is highly recommended to help maintain the oral health of your dog and cat. Home dental care for your pet should start early, even before their adult teeth come in. Pet owners should brush their dog’s and cat’s teeth frequently as tooth brushing is the best method of preventing plaque, calculus, and bacterial build-up. There are also additional options for at-home dental care such as dental formulated foods, water additives, and dental treat.