Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is my pet’s procedure?
At Apollo Pet Hospital & Resort the state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and the dedicated staff are among the best you will find in the Huntsville area. Pre-anesthetic blood tests are run in the clinic’s full laboratory on the day of your pet’s procedure, if needed. During the procedure itself, your pet’s well-being is our ultimate concern.
How often should my pet have an exam and bloodwork?
The frequency of physical examinations and blood tests will be explained by the veterinarian and staff who are providing care for your pet. Each pet’s needs are different, depending on individual health status.
Why does my pet need a dental procedure?
Your pet’s teeth are important! Daily brushing and dental rinse are the gold standard. Cleaning and polishing the teeth while your pet is anesthetized is also needed at times determined by you and the veterinarians here at Apollo Pet Hospital & Resort. If present, gum disease and abscessed or diseased teeth are a source of pain, infection, and inflammation for your pet.
How important is nutrition for my pet?
Your pet’s nutrition is the foundation for health and longevity. The veterinarians at Apollo Pet Hospital & Resort will work closely with you to determine the best food for your pet through all stages of life.
How long should I wait to bring my pet in if I notice a change in behavior?
The best way to keep your pet healthy and happy is to call us as soon as a change in behavior is noticed.
What should I do if I notice visible parasites on my pet?
Seeing parasites on your pet may include seeing fleas or ticks on the skin, or worms in the stool. Call Apollo Pet Hospital & Resort at 256-881-4862 right away to determine the best course of action to care for your pet.
What if my pet has an after-hours problem?
Veterinary help is available at all times for your pet at our fully-staffed, all night emergency and critical care facility, the Animal Emergency Clinic of North Alabama. Here, your pet can receive the best emergency care available at all hours during evenings, weekends, and holidays. If you are not sure if your pet’s symptoms are an emergency, the staff at the Animal Emergency Clinic of North Alabama will be glad to answer your questions at 256-533-7600.
At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
During the course of your puppy visits, ask our doctors and staff what is best for your individual pet. As a general guideline, we suggest 4 months of age as the best time to spay or neuter your pet.
What are heartworms, and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?
Heartworms are parasites that can affect dogs and sometimes cats. The heartworm is transmitted when the bite of an infected mosquito transfers larvae into the bloodstream of your pet. The worms then travel to the heart where they live for many years as adults, causing disease in the heart, lungs, liver, and other organ systems of your pet. Preventing heartworms involves regular testing and usually monthly preventatives administered to your pet. Please ask the staff of Apollo Pet Hospital & Resort to assist you in choosing the best heartworm preventative for your pet.
When is pain management recommended for my pet?
Anytime your pet experiences pain is the time for pain management to begin. Disease states such as arthritis are a common reason to begin a pain management protocol. Surgical and dental procedures necessitate pain management as well. Ask our vets if you have questions about pain management for your dog or cat.
What financing options do you offer, or is payment expected at the time of service?
Payment is expected at the time of service. Our team will provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost of your pet’s needs, at your request. Please talk to us about any concerns you may have about affording the care that your pet needs.