Fairfield Bay, AR Veterinary FAQs
There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.
proudly serving the pets Fairfield Bay, AR and beyond!
At Fairfield Bay Pet Clinic, we get a ton of interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some common FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at 501-910-1200 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.
What are your hours?
Mon–Fri: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Sat: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Are you open on the weekends?
Sat: 9:00am to 12:00pm
What are the benefits of having my pet spayed or neutered?
Spaying or neutering your pets can greatly reduce their risk of developing many types of cancer later in life. Spaying your animals will also reduce/eliminate the chances of your pets developing a uterine infection called a pyometra which can be a life-threatening condition. It may also decrease or even eliminate unwanted behaviors such as aggression or running off. Spaying or neutering your pets is also the only way to do away with unwanted litters of puppies or kittens without placing an extra burden on animal shelters.
How do I know when my pet needs a dental performed?
Bad breath, inflamed gums, plaque, and tartar buildup, and loose teeth are all of great concern when it comes to the health of your animal’s mouth. Please bring your pet in for a dental checkup or schedule a dental cleaning if you notice any of these signs. If your pet’s teeth are not in need of cleaning at the time of the checkup, we can give you recommendations to help maintain your pet’s overall mouth health, such as helpful treats/toys, teeth brushing, and other pet-safe dental products. If your animal is at greater risk of complications during anesthesia, we have products that can help improve mouth health and remove plaque and tartar buildup without performing a dental cleaning.
How often should my pets be vaccinated?
Dogs and cats should be vaccinated annually with a 5-way or 4-way vaccine during a visit, with a thorough physical exam to ensure they are adequately protected against the more common canine/feline pathogens. We currently recommend that cats should be vaccinated against Rabies starting at 12 weeks of age then annually. Dogs should be vaccinated against Rabies starting at 12 weeks of age, then boostered within one year of the first vaccination, and then triennially if the vaccination does not lapse.
How can I tell if my dog is overweight?
No matter your dog’s breed, you should be able to feel all of your dog’s ribs without a thick layer of fat over them. Your dog’s chest should also be wider than his abdomen, with a noticeable tuck–up from chest to stomach. An overweight dog will generally have no waist and no distinction between chest and stomach.
What kind of pets do you see?
Here at Fairfield Bay Pet Clinic, we only work on cats and dogs.
My animal is having surgery tomorrow. Can it have food and water?
Please take their food away by 12:00 PM the night before surgery. There is no need to limit their access to water at any time.
How old does my puppy or kitten have to be to have them spayed or neutered?
We generally recommend waiting until your animal is 4 months of age to try to avoid any urinary incontinence issues from spaying or neutering them too young. We also try to spay animals before they have their first heat cycle because doing so greatly reduces their risk of developing mammary tumors.
Should my dog be on heartworm medication? What happens if I miss a dose of heartworm medication?
Yes. Heartworm disease is very easy to prevent but very difficult and even life-threatening to treat. We recommend testing your dog for heartworm disease before starting on the preventative. If you miss a dose or doses of heartworm preventative, please consult with us immediately.
Why is my pet scooting its rear on the ground?
There could be several reasons that your pet is scooting on the ground. Your pet may need its anal gland expressed, need to be dewormed, or have other more serious issues. Please call the clinic to make an appointment.