FAQs
There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.
We proudly serve pets in Columbia, MD, and beyond.
At Cat & Dog Hospital Of Columbia, we get a ton of interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at 410-995-6880 or 301-596-2946 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.
What type of pets do you see?
At Cat & Dog Hospital Of Columbia, we provide services to cats and dogs.
What are your payment options?
We accept cash, checks, Mastercard, Visa, and CareCredit.
How can I schedule an appointment for my pet?
We want to make your visit as simple as possible. You can use our online appointment system to request an appointment by clicking here, or you can call us directly at 410-995-6880 or 301-596-2946.
What services do you provide?
We’re proud to provide a wide range of veterinary services for your pet! Please check our veterinary services page for a comprehensive list of all the services we provide.
Is the anesthetic safe?
Prior to our surgical procedures, we always perform a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics to make sure that they do not have a fever or other illness that may interact with the medication. All pets undergo blood testing before surgery to ensure that their liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic, as they may have an underlying problem you didn’t know about. Some animals will handle the anesthetic better if they receive IV fluids during surgery, and we will provide these if we believe they will help. If we notice any serious problems, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.
We also offer in-house blood testing before your pet undergoes surgery, which we will go over with you when you bring your pet. Our veterinary specialists prefer the more comprehensive screen because it gives them more information, enabling them to keep your pet safe. For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, electrocardiograms, or X-rays may be required before surgery. When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need a couple of minutes of your time to fill out paperwork and make any final decisions about blood testing and other available options.
It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia. You will need to withhold food and water after 10 pm the night prior to surgery.
Will my pet have stitches?
Some surgeries require traditional stitches, but for most, we use absorbable sutures underneath the skin. These dissolve on their own, so you will not need to bring your pet in later to have them removed. After surgery, you should keep a close eye on the incision to make sure it is healing properly and without any extra complications. As with any surgery, try to limit your pet’s activity while they heal, and do not bathe them for the following 10 days.
Will my pet be in pain?
Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pets don’t always show the same symptoms, but you can be sure they’re going to feel it just like you would. Pain medication will vary depending on the procedure so that your pet can stay as comfortable as possible. Please let us diagnose and prescribe the proper medication. Do not give pets Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve, or Pamprin. These medications can cause death or illness.
What other factors should I consider?
While your pet is under anesthesia, it is an ideal time to perform other minor procedures like dentistry, ear cleaning, declawing, and inserting microchips. If you are interested in these options, please let us know ahead of time, preferably at the time you schedule the appointment. You should also expect to arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out the necessary paperwork and make any other final decisions.
If you have any other questions about the services offered at our animal hospital, please call us at 410-995-6880 or 301-596-2946.