Pet Resources
What is Pet Portal?
Pet Portals are private websites that give you secure online access to your pet’s health information. We provide Pet Portals free of charge to all clients who have active e-mail addresses.
How can I get a Pet Portal?
Just give us your e-mail address and you’ll receive a password by e-mail.
Here’s how you can get your Pet Portal:
- Click this “Get a Portal!” link.
- Visit our hospital. Just give the receptionist your e-mail address.
- Call us on the phone and give us your e-mail address.
Once you provide us with your e-mail address you’ll receive your password by e-mail.
How do I view my Pet Portal?
You view your Pet Portal by visiting our website and using your e-mail address and password to sign in. You must have “cookies” turned on in your browser in order to sign-in. You can bookmark the sign-in page, but not your Pet Portal, since it exists only when you are actually signed in.
What do you do with my e-mail address?
We use your e-mail address as your Pet Portal sign-in name. You have the option of receiving your pet’s service reminders (vaccinations, exams, etc.) by e-mail.
We also use e-mail address to contact clients about practice updates and important health news, such as information about West Nile Virus.
If you’d prefer not to receive e-mails from us, you can use your Pet Portal to change your e-mail preferences. You will still be able to use your Pet Portal, even if you choose not to receive e-mails from us.
Do you sell your mailing list?
We do not sell our mailing list. We do occasionally work with animal health companies to offer discount coupons and other promotions for products and services that we believe are beneficial to our patients. We do not disclose your personal information.
How much do Pet Portals cost?
Pet Portals are a service we provide free of charge to all clients with active e-mail addresses.
What can I do with my Pet Portal?
You can use your Pet Portal to manage your pet’s health care and medication schedule, communicate with us online, and learn more about your pet’s individual health and life-stage issues.
Do I need a separate Pet Portal for each pet?
No! Your Pet Portal contains health information for each pet with an active file in your account with us. Remember, in order to have an active account, your pet must have visited our hospital.
(If you see any information about your pet or account that needs to be updated, you can use the Pet Portal to let us know)
How secure is my Pet Portal?
Your Pet Portal resides on a secure server protected by a fire wall. Your personal information cannot be accessed by other Pet Portal users.
Your Pet Portal is created each time you sign in. When you are not signed in, your Pet Portal does not exist. This means that it’s impossible for someone to find and view your account on the open Internet. Only you (and anyone with whom you choose to share your sign-in name and password) can see your pet’s information.
FAQ
My pet has fleas. What is the best product to use, and what is the best way to treat an infestation?
There are a variety of flea medications available today. For cats generally the safest and most effective are Frontline Gold, Seresto Collars and Revolution. Your veterinarian will help you decide during the examination which is best for your cat. Dogs have more options. As well as the products mentioned above, Nexgard is most recommended. Your veterinarian may also use products to treat the house, shampoos or antibiotics as some pets will have skin infections related to the fleas.
I see tiny white rice size/ shape particles near my pets anus, what are these?
These are usually tapeworms. Dogs and cats can get them either from fleas, or from eating uncooked meat (mice included). This is easily treated with a deworming medication. A fecal sample is a good idea to test for other parasites when these are seen.
My pets ears are red (again), can I refill medication or should I have the pet rechecked?
We get this question often. There is no absolute correct answer every time. Ideally, we should recheck the animal and check an ear smear to evaluate the cytology. Infections can and often do change. Performing this simple and inexpensive test will allow your veterinarian to give you the correct ear medication and cleaner. It is also important to note these infections as there may be an underlying allergy as the cause.
When is the best time for a Microchip to be implanted?
It can be done anytime, however we recommend if possible to have this done at the time of spaying or neutering.
Questions Regarding Annual Examinations:
Do I need to bring urine or a fecal sample to my pet's annual exam?
All dogs, and outdoor cats should bring a fecal sample to the annual visit. Most patients should have a urine sample evaluated. (Please also realize that the veterinarian and you will discuss the value of doing these tests, and together you may elect to not do them. Bringing a sample just makes this easier).
Please try to let the receptionist know over the phone any additional concerns that you may want to discuss during the visit. This will help the receptionist schedule you the proper amount of time for the visit.
Prescriptions: Please try to plan ahead and give the pharmacy 24 hours notice for refills. If you need refills during the annual exam you can also have them made up before the visit.
Questions Prior To Surgery:
Does my Pet need blood work prior to anesthesia?
This is always a good idea. In older animals this is especially true given this blood test will check kidney and liver function, which are critical to processing anesthesia. This test also looks at the immune system, white and red blood cell counts and platelets which are important in helping blood clot. In younger animals this testing is a valuable tool in detecting rare but serious congenital problems before the pet undergoes the procedure.
How long do I have to take food away prior to surgery?
No food after midnight but you may leave the water dish out overnight. If you have multiple pets be sure there is no access to the other pet’s food.
Does my pet need to stay overnight after surgery?
In general, most surgeries will go home the same day. It’s very important to rest your pet and restrict activity for at least 7-10 days following surgery. More complex surgeries may stay overnight, depending on the veterinarian’s evaluation. This allows the pet to stay in a quiet, controlled environment. The veterinarian will go over discharge plans with you prior to the surgery.
When should I call the day of surgery to check in on my pet?
One of our technicians will call you after the procedure for an update. You will receive a second phone call in the afternoon when your pet is fully awake from anesthesia and ready to go home. Be sure to leave a reliable phone number for you to be reached during the day.
Educational Info
General
- Poison Control (ASPCA) : 24 hour hotline for any poison, medication or toxin ingestion involving your pet.
- Veterinarypartner.com : An online medical library sponsored by VIN (Veterinary Information Network).
- The American Heartworm Society : A resource for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heartworm disease.
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- The Humane Society of the United States
- The Companion Animal Parasite Council : Important information regarding parasites in pets and in people.
Feline
- Feline Kidney disease : This site provides information regarding cats and chronic renal failure.
- Feline Diabetes : This site provides valuable information regarding cats and diabetes.
- Indoor Cat initiative : This site is maintained by the Ohio State Veterinary School and is an excellent resource regarding indoor cats, especially cats with urinary problems.
- Cornell Feline Health Center
- The Cat Fancier’s Association : Information for travel with your cat.
Canine
- DogFriendly.com : Information for traveling with your dog.
- Purina Canine Health : This site is a nice resource for new puppy owners.
- The Senior Dog project : This is a site dedicated to helping older dogs who need good homes.