Frequently Asked Questions | Paws Bay Animal Hospital
Your Trusted Source for Pet Health Information in Tampa, Florida
At Paws Bay Animal Hospital, we know pet owners have questions about preventive care, vaccinations, surgery, dental health, emergencies, and more. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from pet owners in Oldsmar, Westchase, Safety Harbor, Town 'n' Country, Citrus Park, East Lake, Dunedin, Odessa, Palm Harbor and the surrounding Tampa, FL communities.
If you don't see your question below, please contact our team. We're always happy to help.
General Veterinary Care FAQs
How often should my pet see a veterinarian?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats should have a wellness examination at least once per year. Puppies, kittens, senior pets, and pets with medical conditions may benefit from more frequent visits.
Why are annual wellness exams important?
Annual examinations allow your veterinarian to detect health concerns early, update preventive care recommendations, monitor weight changes, and discuss any concerns you may have about your pet's health. Illness changes happen much more quickly in our pets as they age faster than us. Catching these changes as early as possible is essential to providing the best chance to be able to treat a problem.
What should I bring to my pet's first appointment?
Please bring any previous medical records, vaccination history, medication information, and a list of any questions or concerns you may have. When scheduling your appointment, it will help if you know where your pet has previously been so we can obtain records prior to your arrival.
Do I need an appointment?
We do fit in walk-in appointments as quickly as possible. Appointments are recommended to ensure we can provide timely care and minimize wait times.
What if my pet has difficulty walking or is anxious?
We understand that walking your pet from the parking lot to the hospital can be stressful for some pets and clients. If you have concerns, please call us when you arrive at 813-551-1377.
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We have collapsible steps available to assist elderly or small dogs. We also have various stretchers for those unable to walk.
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Inform staff in advance to use the rear door. This can make visits easier for pets who are fearful, aggressive around other animals, or require sensitive care, such as during euthanasia appointments.
- We also use calming pheromones for cats and dogs throughout the hospital to help calm anxious pets. Some pets require pre-visit anxiety medication as well.
Please communicate your needs with us so we can ensure a calm, low-stress experience for both you and your pet.
Puppy & Kitten FAQs
When should my puppy or kitten have its first veterinary visit?
Most puppies and kittens should be examined by a veterinarian within a few days of coming home and begin a vaccination series around 8 weeks of age.
How many rounds of vaccines do puppies and kittens need?
Most puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations every 3–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. We will discuss your pet's needs and ideal schedule at their initial exam.
When should my pet be spayed or neutered?
Recommendations vary based on species, breed, size, and lifestyle. For most females, we try to spay at 6 months of age prior to their first heat cycle but there are some instances when this is not ideal. Males are also neutered around 6 months of age. If a male dog has not developed unwanted behaviors, some owners may opt to wait until full maturity. Your veterinarian can discuss the best timing for your individual pet.
Vaccination FAQs
What vaccines does my dog need?
Core vaccines typically include rabies and distemper/parvovirus protection with AVMA recently adding leptospirosis as core and most breeders, rescues, boarding, grooming, etc also requiring Bordetella. Additional vaccines may be recommended based on lifestyle and risk factors.
What vaccines does my cat need?
Core vaccines generally include rabies and feline distemper (FVRCP). Additional vaccines may be recommended depending on your cat's lifestyle.
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines are carefully tested and monitored for safety. Most pets experience no significant side effects beyond mild soreness or temporary fatigue. Monitor your pet closely for 24 to 48 hours following any vaccination. While most pets only experience mild, temporary side effects, serious and life-threatening allergic reactions can occur quickly as they are meant to stimilute the immune system.
Pet Dental Care FAQs
Does my pet really need a dental cleaning?
Yes. Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions in dogs and cats and can lead to pain and infection that can also cause or worsen other health issues and behaviour changes.
Why is anesthesia necessary for dental cleanings?
Anesthesia allows a thorough cleaning above and below the gumline while keeping your pet safe and comfortable. It also allows us to take x-rays that will show us what disease has developed below the gumline.
What are signs of dental disease?
Common signs include bad breath, tartar buildup, red gums, difficulty chewing, pawing at the mouth, and loose teeth. Some pets will signs of severe dental disease and may only show what seem to be mild behaviour changes that owners may attribute to aging. Once the mouth is comfortable, many pets regain their previous energetic happy personality.
How often should my pet have a dental cleaning?
Recommendations vary based on breed, genetics, home care, and dental health status. Dental health is one important component of your pet's annual exam assessment. Some pets need more extensive dental care starting at a young age or more than yearly procedures while others can have a healthy mouth their entire life with basic home care.
Surgery FAQs
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe. We perform physical examinations, pre-anesthetic blood work and necessary diagnostics, individualized anesthetic planning, monitoring, and pain management to help maximize safety.
Does my pet need bloodwork before surgery?
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork helps identify underlying health concerns and improves anesthetic safety. It may alert us that anesthesia would not be safe for your pet or it will help guide us deciding the best anesthetic protocol based on your pet's overall health.
What pain control will my pet receive?
Your pet will receive pain control taylored to the procedure they are having done. Most will receive pain control in their anesthetic medications, during surgery as well as pain medication to go home. We also use local pain blocks when indicated and laser therapy immediately following many procedures to help rapidly decrease inflammation and pain.
What should I feed my pet after surgery?
Many pets may get diarrhea or upset stomachs following anesthesia due to the stress on their body and the effects of the drugs on the GI tract. In general, it is best to offer small meals at first and feed a bland diet as suggested by your veterinarian until your pet has a normal bowel movement and is eating and drinking normally.
What should I expect after surgery?
While some pets recovery quickly from anesthesia and return to their normal activity within 24 hours, some are more sensitive to the effects of anesthesia. They may be whiney, very tired, anxious, vocal, or unstable for some time including the night after their procedure. If your pet already has high anxiety, you may ask your vet if it would be appropriate to get anxiety medication for your pet to help them relax the night following anesthesia.
What are my financial options for my pet's surgery?
At Paws Bay Animal Hospital, we try to work with our client's budget as much as possible. We offer many surgery options at a fraction of the cost of the emergency and specialty hospitals while still providing individualized care and attention for each pet.
We know you want to focus on your pet's wellbeing and finances can be an added stress for large expenses like surgery. We offer a variety of payment plans that you can apply for from our website from home or we can help you navigate your options if you need guidance. Visit our fincance page under resources for more information.