FAQ

Q: How safe is my pet’s procedure?

A: The overall safety of your pet during a procedure depends on the type of service we are providing. A spay or neuter treatment generally carries less risk than large-scale surgery or cancer treatment. Regardless of the procedure, Phenix Animal Hospital provides compassionate, thorough, and prompt service to your pet.


Q: How often should my pet have an exam and routine blood work?

A: The doctors at Phenix Animal Hospital recommend yearly exams and blood work, depending on the age and health status of your pet. Preventative care such as routine exams and blood work can be less expensive than treating a pet that has not been receiving regular care from a veterinarian. Taking care of your pet at a younger age can mean a greater quality of life at an older age. Of course if your animal is experiencing pain or illness please call us to schedule an appointment right away.


Q: Does my pet truly need a dental procedure?

A: Your pet may not demonstrate behavior consistent with a toothache, but remember that dangerous bacteria can grow in your dog or cat’s mouth and spread to other parts of their body. Over the course of time, these bacteria can lead to tooth and gum disease, as well as cause liver and kidney issues. Regular dental cleanings and examinations can help you stay on top of the health of your pet, and increase their life span at the same time.


Q: How important is nutrition for my pet?

A: Nutrition is the most important daily healthy habit we can project onto our animal companions. Choosing a food that helps their coat, skin, bones and muscle development is important and will change as your pet ages. Human food does not affect animals the same as humans, so it is important to stick to a veterinarian approved food for your pet. It is equally important to understand the proper amount of food to give to your pet to prevent obesity.


Q: How long should I wait to bring in my pet if I notice a change in their behavior?

A: A change in your pet’s behavior could be an important sign that needs to be looked at by a veterinarian. While not every behavioral change may indicate a problem with your pet, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Reasons for behavior change can range from arthritis to more serious issues. It is imperative that if your pet is in pain or exhibiting significant behavior changes, the doctors at Phenix Animal Hospital need to examine your pet as soon as possible.


Q: What should I do if I notice visible parasites on my pet?

A: You should separate your pet from any other animals and children as soon as you notice they have parasites. Many parasitic issues are easily treatable as well as preventable. Call Phenix Animal Hospital and arrange to bring your pet in as soon as possible if you notice parasites on your pet!


Q: What if my pet has an after-hours problem?

A: Phenix Animal Hospital does not offer after-hours emergency services, but we do refer to area emergency care clinics. If your pet needs after-hours care, please contact the following clinic.

Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital Emergency Services
1220 Wire Rd, Auburn, AL 36832
(334) 444-4690

Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital Emergency Services
1550 Wire Rd, Auburn, AL 36832
(334) 444-4490

Rivertown Veterinary Emergency
4015 Veterans Ct, Columbus, GA
706-507-1707


Q: At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

A: The doctors at Phenix Animal Hospital generally recommend spaying or neutering your pet between the ages of 5 to 6 months of age. While these procedures are common practice, please remember that a spay procedure in your pet is the same as a hysterectomy in a human woman and a neuter procedure is a complete removal of the male testes. Our doctors recommend pre-operative blood work, and pain medication for these surgical procedures. Call Phenix Animal Hospital to schedule your pet’s spay or neuter today!


Q: What are heartworms and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?

A: Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes to dogs and cats. If your pet is not on preventative medicine, this parasite can imbed itself into your pet’s heart and mature into an adult. Left untreated, heartworm disease can be deadly to our pets. Monthly preventative medicine is much more affordable when compared to heartworm treatment. Our veterinarians have a variety of preventatives to offer you and your pet. Please call to have your pet heartworm tested and placed on a preventative today.


Q: Why do our pets need surveillance screening?

A: Firstly, our pets can't speak, they cannot tell us if they feel off color or unwell or have any other indicators of internal illness. We need to examine them every 6 months as well as run some routine screening tests to detect underlying disease BEFORE it is clinically apparent.

Secondly, pets will actively mask signs of illness until late in the course of disease. This stems from survival instincts in a pack or colony situation.

Use the age chart below to find your pets age in "people" years and the screening testing recommended for each stage of his or her life. We believe the following tests give us the best chance of helping your pets live longer, healthier lives.

These are approximations and may vary by gender, species and breed.

 

Blue/
Lilac
 

Every 12 months - Baseline Blood Profile (a small blood test checking internal organ health)

Every 6 months - Urine Specific Gravity ( a urine test to check how well the kidneys concentrate urine)

Green 

Every 12 months - Annual Health Profile (a blood test checking red and white blood cell counts and a more comprehensive internal organ screen)

Every 6 months - Urine Specific Gravity  

Yellow 

Every 12 months - Senior Health Profile (comprehensive internal organ screen including Thyroid testing, electrolytes and red and white cell counts and urine specific gravity)

Every 6 months - Urine Specific Gravity +/- Urine Dipstick  

Red 

Every 6 months - Golden Years Health Profile (comprehensive interal organ screen including Thyriod testing, electrolytes and red and white cell counts) 

 


Contact Us

  • Address: 1700 Crawford Road
    Phenix City, AL 36867
  • Phone: (334)298-3841

Office Hours

Monday 7:45am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:45am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:45am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:45am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:45am - 5:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday Closed

CLOSED FOR LUNCH 1pm-2pm




Veterinary Information Network