Paws and Claws Animal Hospital

The best medicine for keeping our pets happy and healthy involves a preventative approach. Preventative medicine involves education on a wide variety of issues relevant to your pet including: nutrition, behavior, dental care, spaying and neutering, among others.
It also includes programs for parasite control, kitten and puppy socialization, specific care for senior pets, and annual vaccinations catering to your pet’s lifestyle. An annual wellness exam is extremely important to assess all of your pet’s body systems and to discuss any questions or concerns with your veterinarian.

Behavioral Counseling

Dogs and cats can develop a variety of behavioral problems. Through a physical examination and understanding of your pet’s history we can work together to control or eliminate the unwanted behavior.

Dental Care

Maintaining good oral hygiene for your pet is extremely important. Infections that begin in the mouth can quickly spread throughout the body, resulting in problems with organs such as: the liver, kidney, and heart.
Dental procedures are usually performed under a general anesthetic for the comfort of your pet. This also ensures a thorough cleaning, as a varying degree of mouth manipulation is necessary.
Our dentistry includes ultrasonic scaling which removes tartar and plaque, and polishing to provide a smooth surface. Diseased or fractured teeth may need to be extracted, and usually require antibiotics to prevent infection and spread of bacteria.
Good oral hygiene can be maintained fairly easily through routine home care. We provide education in this area and have a variety of products for pets of all ages, as it’s never too late to care for your pet’s teeth!

Laboratory Tests and Diagnostics

Often, laboratory tests are required to aid in the diagnosis of unhealthy pets.
A variety of tests and procedures can be performed in our hospital, while others are sent to a local veterinary lab where the results are examined by specialists. We aim to provide you with results as quickly as possible.

Nutritional Counseling

Providing your pet with the proper nutrition they require is essential for maintaining good health. Due to the vast variety of pet foods available, choosing the best diet for your pet can be very confusing. We deal only with companies who are dedicated to producing the highest quality food.
Discussing food options for your pet with your veterinarian is important as many different factors should be considered. For example, age, breed, activity level, and existing medical conditions must be examined when choosing your pet’s diet. We provide education in this area, stock a wide variety of food, and can order food for you if we do not have it currently available.
Choosing the correct diet for your pet can help reduce the chance of many health problems, ensuring a happy and healthy life.

Pharmacy

We maintain a complete and well stocked pharmacy at all times. We also strive to remain current on new medications and treatments as they become available for your pet. Our pharmacy also includes a variety of products for control and treatment of fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms.

Physical Examination

A complete physical examination performed by your veterinarian is recommended at least once a year. This visit is often combined with your pet’s annual vaccinations. Regular physical examinations are essential to maintain good health, and allow for early detection of any problems which will result in a more successful and economical course of treatment.
A variety of equipment is used to assess all major body systems. For example, in addition to visual observation, a stethoscope, otoscope, and ophthalmoscope are used to check your pet’s heart, lungs, ears, and eyes. Lymph nodes, joints, skin, and abdominal organs are some of the areas examined through palpation.
A complimentary nail trim is also included in the physical exam if necessary, and your veterinarian will provide information on any questions you may have.

Radiology

X-rays are very important in the diagnostic procedure. They can aid in the diagnosis of many conditions such as: arthritis, bone fractures, heart disease, lung disease, and abdominal masses. Our clinic provides on-site radiology and developing for quick results.

Anesthetics and Surgery

Our clinic offers modern and sterile surgical facilities in which a variety of procedures are performed. Animals are assessed by the surgeon prior to administration of the anesthetic. Your pet’s age, breed, and medical condition determine the anesthetic choice. We use isoflurane, an extremely safe gas anesthetic, as well as injectable anesthetic drugs depending on the surgical situation.
An Animal Health Technician monitors the patient during surgery, and a Doppler blood pressure monitor is used throughout the procedure. Animals are monitored closely during recovery and pain medications are administered if necessary to ensure their comfort.
We perform many routine procedures such as spaying and neutering, as well as a variety of other minor and major surgeries.

Dermatology

Skin conditions are very common ailments in dogs and cats and can cause your pet a great level of discomfort. Based on clinical signs, history, and diagnostic testing, a treatment and management plan can be implemented. We carry a variety of skin care products to help make your pet as comfortable as possible.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are essential for your pet’s continued good health as they can prevent a great variety of serious illnesses. We assess each pet’s lifestyle, age, and history to determine the best vaccine protocol.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance offers owners’ peace of mind as it protects your pet from both the inevitable and unexpected medical situations. Our staff will gladly provide you with information on recommended insurance companies.

Services Overview

Preventative Health Care