24/7 Emergency
24/7 Emergency

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about West Hills North Veterinary Clinic: 

Appointment & Emergencies

Please call us at 631-629-5055 and we can find a time that is convenient for you. Please give us as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule.

We also offer same-day appointments during office hours for sick pets and emergencies.

For after-hours emergency care, our sister hospital, West Hills Animal Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach them at 631-351-6116. Learn more about them here: whahzoo.com

West Hills Animal Hospital & Emergency Center is located at 800 West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington, New York.

Prescriptions & Medications

Yes. Our in-house pharmacy carries a full range of prescription medications and prescription diets. 

If you have questions about your pet’s medications or any pharmacy questions, please call us.

If your pet has an unexpected reaction to any medication or food, contact us immediately. We’re here to help.

Yes. We are willing to write prescriptions to be filled by outside pharmacies. Please note that most manufacturers do not uphold any guarantee of their products if they are purchased outside a veterinary hospital.

To stay compliant with veterinary care laws, your pet must be examined at least once a year for us to continue prescribing or refilling medications.

Spay/Neuter & Preventative Care

We typically recommend spaying or neutering when your pet reaches around 6 months of age. This can vary, however, with each individual pet so be sure to discuss timing with your veterinarian. We can perform the procedure at almost any time after six months.

There are many long-term health and behavioral benefits to spaying or neutering. We would love to tell you about them and talk through the best timing for your pet. Give us a call at 631-629-5055.

Vaccines are a vital part of your dog’s preventative health care. They help protect against serious, often contagious, diseases and help your dog stay healthy and safe throughout their life.

Your veterinarian will tailor a vaccine program to your pet’s age, lifestyle and health. At each wellness exam, your vet will review that plan and make any needed changes.

Please note: To make sure your dog is healthy enough for immunization, we required a full physical exam before we administer any vaccine.

We can administer the following vaccines to your dog at West Hills North Veterinary Clinic:

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is a deadly disease spread through bites or scratches from infected wildlife—such as skunks, raccoons, bats, possums and foxes. Rabies can also be transmitted to humans.

  • First dose: after 12 weeks of age
  • Revaccination: every 1 to 3 years (as required by law)

DAPP (Distemper-Parvo Combo) Vaccine

This “5-way” canine vaccine protects against: canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus. Distemper and parvovirus are often fatal, especially in puppies. That is why it is boostered multiple times.

  • First dose: as early as 6 weeks
  • Boosters: every 3–4 weeks until 16–18 weeks of age
  • Revaccination: at 1 year, then every 3 years

Leptospirosis Vaccine

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection disease that can cause liver and kidney failure. It is spread through the urine of domestic animals and wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels and rates). Leptospirosis is transmittable to people. The number of cases of canine leptospirosis has risen dramatically in recent years. In addition to the vaccine, discouraging your dog from drinking standing water can help prevent leptospirosis.

  • Vaccinate every year

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine

Bordetella is part of the “kennel cough” group of viruses and bacteria often contracted in social or boarding environments. It can cause further respiratory infections and can lead to pneumonia.

  • Options: oral or injectable
  • Often required for daycare, grooming, or boarding

Canine Influenza Vaccine

Canine influenza is part of the “kennel cough” group of viruses and bacteria often contracted in social or boarding environments. It can cause respiratory infections such as infectious tracheobronchitis, or “kennel cough.” Canine influenza can also cause bleeding in the lungs (pulmonary hemorrhage). It can be deadly.

We have seen many outbreaks of canine influenza on Long Island within the past few years.

Lyme Disease Vaccine

Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease can cause symptoms including joint pain, fever, lethargy and even kidney failure. Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks.

  • Recommended for all dogs in tick-prone areas—even for dogs on parasite preventatives

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is a deadly disease spread through bites or scratches from infected wildlife—such as skunks, raccoons, bats, possums and foxes. Rabies can also be transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.

  • First dose: after 12 weeks of age
  • Revaccination: every 1 to 3 years (as required by law)

FVRCP Vaccine

This feline vaccine vaccinates against three serious and highly contagious feline viruses:

  • Panleukopenia (feline distemper) – A life-threatening virus that affects the immune and digestive systems
  • Herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis) – A common cause of upper respiratory infections
  • Calicivirus – A virus that can cause respiratory illness, oral ulcers, and joint pain
  • First dose: after 12 weeks of age
  • Booster every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age
  • Revaccination: At 1 year of age
  • Booster: every 3 years

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Vaccine

Feline Leukemia is a contagious virus spread through close contact with infected cats through saliva, urine and blood. The most common way it is transmitted is through mutual grooming.

Feline Leukemia is a deadly virus that can get in the bone marrow and lead to blood disorders, a suppressed immune system and certain cancers.

Vaccination is strongly recommended for kittens and for cats who go outdoors or live in homes with other cats of unknown FeLV status (such as rescue or foster situations).

Health & Wellness

Kennel cough is the common name for infectious tracheobronchitis, a contagious respiratory illness in dogs. 

It is usually caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, including:

  • Bordetella bronchiseptica
  • Canine parainfluenza virus
  • Canine adenovirus
  • Canine influenza virus

Kennel cough is transmitted through coughing and sneezing. It is often transmitted in social environments where dogs are in close contact with one another, like boarding kennels, groomers and dog parks.

While most healthy dogs recover without complications, kennel cough can sometimes lead to more serious infections like pneumonia—especially in puppies, seniors or dogs with underlying conditions.

  • Vaccinate regularly with the Bordetella vaccine, especially if your dog spends time around other dogs.
  • Options: oral or injectable.
  • Many daycare, grooming and boarding facilities require the Bordetella vaccine to protect against kennel cough.

We know it can sometimes be difficult to tell if your pet is in pain. If you are worried, it is better to err on the side of caution and call us. 

Some signs, like limping, are obvious. Others are more subtle and may include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Low energy
  • Unwillingness to play
  • Change in behavior

The need for blood work depends on your pet’s age, health status and any medications they may be taking. In general, we recommend annual blood testing, especially as pets get older. These tests help us detect early changes even before visible symptoms appear, for faster, more effective treatment.

We tailor each blood panel to your individual pet. Annual blood work can be conveniently conducted at the same time as your pet’s yearly heartworm test, or it can be scheduled at any time during the year.

Dogs can get critically ill and even die if they take heartworm prevention when they already have heartworm disease, so it is very important to test your dog before starting or restarting a heartworm prevention program.

Even if your dog has been on prevention year-round, there’s always a chance a dose was missed, spit out, not absorbed or improperly applied resulting in infection. That’s why an annual heartworm test is essential before renewing or restarting prevention.

Some manufacturers guarantee their products’ effectiveness only if you administer prevention continuously and complete yearly heartworm testing.

We recommend all dogs be given year-round heartworm prevention, regardless of their lifestyle. Heartworm disease is serious and can be fatal. It is transmitted by mosquitoes, which can be impossible to avoid. 

  • Monthly heartworm preventive
  • Options: pill or liquid applied to skin
  • Many products also protect against other parasites like fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms

Your dog should also receive a simple blood test once a year to confirm they remain heartworm-free.

No—heartworm disease is not detected through a fecal test. The fecal sample tests check for intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia and giardia.

Heartworms live in the bloodstream and are transmitted by mosquitoes, not through the digestive tract. To check for heartworms, your dog needs a simple blood test.

Dental Care

Yes. It’s the best way to protect your pet’s dental health. Not only can dental disease cause pain, but bacteria from their mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect heart, liver and kidney health.

  • Tooth brushing is the best way to fight plaque, tartar and bacteria build-up.
  • Start brushing even before adult teeth come in.
  • Use toothpaste made for pets, not people.

Other ways to support your pet’s dental health at home include:

  • Dental-specific diets
  • Water additives
  • Dental chews or treats approved by your veterinarian

Even small efforts at home can make a big difference.

Just like people, pets need regular dental care to maintain good health. Not only can dental disease cause pain, but bacteria from their mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect heart, liver and kidney health. Over time, plaque and tartar build up on your pet’s teeth, which can lead to gum disease, pain, infection, and even problems with the heart or kidneys if left untreated. How often they need a cleaning varies by each individual pet. Some never need one. Others need one every six months. When your vet examines your pet’s mouth during their wellness exam, they will make a recommendation based on what’s best for your dog or cat.

Surgery & Anesthesia

To help ensure a safe and smooth procedure, please follow these general pre-surgical guidelines:

  • No food after 10:00 PM the night before your pet’s procedure
  • No water the morning of surgery
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in and any last-minute questions

This preparation helps reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia and ensures your pet is ready for a calm, stress-free transition into surgery.

Once your pet is admitted to the hospital, we follow a detailed pre-anesthetic protocol designed to keep them comfortable and safe. This includes:

  • An exam
  • Blood work (if needed) to assess internal organ function and screen for any underlying issues
  • Sedation and anxiety-reducing medication to ease the transition into anesthesia
  • Placement of an IV catheter to administer fluids and medications that support blood pressure and organ function throughout the procedure

Yes—and we take every precaution to make it as safe as possible.

At West Hills North Veterinary Clinic, every anesthetic plan is customized for your pet, using the combination of injectable sedatives, pain management medications and gas anesthetics that are best for your individual pet. We also use the latest monitoring technology and follow strict safety protocols throughout the procedure.

Your pet will be continuously monitored by a trained veterinary professional using advanced equipment to track:

  • Oxygen levels (pulse oximetry)
  • Heart rhythm (EKG)
  • Body temperature
  • Respiratory rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Carbon dioxide levels (capnography)

During anesthesia, your pet is intubated (a soft breathing tube is placed in their windpipe) to deliver a controlled mixture of oxygen and anesthetic gas. An IV catheter provides ongoing fluids to support circulation and recovery.

Once the procedure is complete, the anesthetic is stopped, but oxygen continues to be administered until your pet is awake and breathing normally. Then, the breathing tube is gently removed.

If you have any questions about your pet’s upcoming procedure or anesthesia safety, please don’t hesitate to call us at 631-629-5055.

A multi-modal approach means we use a combination of medications—each one in smaller doses—to safely and effectively manage your pet’s anesthesia and pain, instead of using high levels of one medication. By layering medications this way, we can:

  • Minimize side effects
  • Provide more complete pain relief
  • Support a smoother, faster recovery

Your pet’s comfort is a top priority before, during and after surgery.
We use advanced pain management techniques, such as a multi-modal approach, to reduce stress, support healing and improve recovery. Pain medications are:

  • Given before the procedure to prevent discomfort from the start
  • Continued during surgery to maintain comfort
  • Adjusted and administered after surgery as needed for recovery

Our goal is to keep your pet as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process.

Yes, anesthesia is considered safe for otherwise healthy senior pets.
Before any procedure, we perform comprehensive pre-anesthetic testing to assess your pet’s organ function and overall health. This allows us to tailor the anesthesia plan to their specific needs, including any age-related considerations. Your pet’s safety is our priority.

Anesthesia can be performed safely in pets with these medical conditions—but we take extra precautions.

For pets with kidney disease, we may recommend:

  • Blood and urine testing
  • IV fluids before and during the procedure
  • Additional diagnostics like ultrasound, if needed, to make sure anesthesia is a safe option

For pets with heart disease, your veterinarian may recommend:

  • Blood tests
  • Chest x-rays
  • An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to fully evaluate cardiac function

Each case is evaluated individually to ensure your pet receives the safest care possible.

We will call you once your pet is awake from anesthesia and in recovery.
If we have any concerns during the pre-anesthetic evaluation or testing, we will contact you before proceeding with the surgery.

If any issues arise, we will contact you immediately.

In general, no news is good news.

Appetite

It is normal for pets to have a reduced appetite after surgery. To tempt them to eat, you can try:

  • Offering their favorite treats or foods
  • Slightly warming their food – it enhances the smell and flavor
  • Adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken or beef broth, or chicken baby food, to their meal

If you are concerned about your pet’s appetite, please give us a call.

Bandages, Casts and Splints

If a bandage or splint becomes wet, soiled, chewed, or if your pet removes it, do not attempt to re-bandage it at home. Using materials like duct tape can trap moisture and cause inflammation or cut off circulation.

Instead, confine your pet to a safe, clean area and call us immediately. We will let you know whether the bandage needs to be replaced.

Note: After a cast or splint is removed, it can take 1–2 weeks for your pet to fully adjust to using the leg again without the extra support.

Bowel Movements

Some pets may go a day or two without a bowel movement after surgery. This is common as your pet’s digestive system returns to normal.

Call us if:

  • Your pet hasn’t had a bowel movement within 72 hours of coming home
  • They are straining or appear uncomfortable when trying to defecate

Crying or Whining

Though it may alarm pet parents, vocalizing is not always a sign of pain. Some pets may whine or cry due to the excitement of leaving the hospital and returning to their familiar home environment.

If you are concerned about your pet’s crying or whining, please give us a call. We may be able to adjust medication to help soothe them.

Diarrhea

Your pet may experience diarrhea after surgery. This can be related to stress, medication, or a change in their diet. If there is no blood in their stool, offer them a bland diet for 2–3 days to help get their digestive system back to normal. 

Call us immediately if diarrhea:

  • Lasts more than 24 hours
  • Contains blood
  • Is accompanied by vomiting or lethargy

You can buy bland diet food from us. 

Or, you can prepare your own bland food by mixing steamed rice with an equal amount of one of these foods:

  • Low-sodium broth
  • Boiled chicken or turkey
  • Chicken baby food
  • Very lean, plain ground beef (boiled)
  • Feed small meals every 4–6 hours. 
  • Avoid over-the-counter diarrhea medications unless prescribed by the veterinarian.
  • Please call us if you have any questions or concerns.

E-Collar (Cone)

Keeping the e-collar on your pet is essential to protect their incision and help them heal.

If your pet chews, rubs or licks their surgical site it can become infected or require another procedure—and even more time wearing an e-collar.

While they may not be happy about it, most pets adjust to the collar within a day or two. They can eat, drink and sleep while wearing it. We are counting on you to keep it on them until we tell you it is safe to remove.

Implants or Hardware Are Exposed

If you see any part of a surgical implant or hardware exposed, confine your pet to a single room or crate and call us immediately to come in so we can evaluate the situation.

Injury to the Surgery Site

If you suspect your pet has injured or reopened the surgical area, confine your pet to a safe location and call us immediately for advice.

Medication Refills

If you have given your pet all of the pain medication prescribed and you feel your pet still has discomfort or pain, please give us a call, and we will be happy to discuss refilling the pain medication.

Pain

Even with medication, some pets may still show signs of pain after surgery. These may include:

  • Restlessness 
  • Lameness or favoring a limb
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tenderness at the surgery site

If these occur, please confine your pet to limit their activity and call us immediately. We can adjust medication or therapies to keep your pet comfortable.

Panting

Mild panting is common after surgery and may be due to:

  • Soreness
  • Anxiety
  • Medication

If your pet is panting, please call us so we can help determine whether additional pain medication is required. We will be happy to recheck your pet. Their comfort is our priority.

Fluid Pocket (Seroma)

A seroma is a soft, fluid-filled swelling that can develop near the surgical site. Although it can look strange, it is not painful. It does not delay healing. Eventually, your pet’s body will reabsorb the fluid. If the seroma is small, we usually leave it alone. If it is large, we may remove the fluid with a needle and syringe or even place a drain if necessary.

If you notice a seroma developing, please call. We may want to recheck the area to make sure there is no infection.

Shaking or Trembling

This is a very common stress response in pets after surgery and can appear dramatic. It does not necessarily mean your pet is in pain. It may involve the entire body or just the area of surgery. 

Shaking is:

  • Most noticeable in the first 5-7 days after surgery
  • Typically improves in 1-2 weeks

Please call us if you your pet shows signs of pain such as restlessness, lack of appetite or crying out. 

Urination

Some pets may urinate less after surgery. Other pets may seem to be unable to control their urination. Both are usually temporary and may be side effects of medication, anesthesia or difficulty assuming the position they prefer to urinate. 

 Many pets drink less than usual after returning home, but if your pet has not produced urine for more than 12-24 hours, please call our office. And, please call us if your pet hasn’t urinated within 24 hours or is straining without producing urine.

Vomiting

One or two episodes of vomiting are not uncommon after anesthesia. However, call us if your pet:

  • Vomits more than twice
  • Vomits blood
  • Cannot keep food or water down

Still have questions? 

Don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to make your pet’s recovery as comfortable and stress-free as possible and to help ease your mind.

Paying for Care

Thank you for trusting us to keep your pet healthy. We understand that caring for your pet is both a medical and financial commitment. Our goal is to provide transparent, compassionate support every step of the way.

Fees vary depending on the type of service provided. Our fees reflect the high standard of care we provide.

Payment is due at the time of service. For hospitalization or procedures, we require an advance deposit based on the low end of the estimate, with final payment due when your pet is discharged.

Yes. Before any services are provided, we’ll share a clear, personalized estimate and a recommended treatment plan. Our team is here to walk you through your options, explain costs, and answer any questions you may have.

We accept cash, all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), CareCredit, and ScratchPay.

While payment is due at the time of service, we partner with CareCredit, a healthcare credit line that offers flexible payment terms, and ScratchPay, a company that offers 12–36 month payment plans.

If you need help applying for CareCredit, ScratchPay, or exploring other financial options, we’re happy to assist. Your pet’s health is our priority—and so is making care accessible.

Yes. We strive to provide the highest quality care while being mindful of your financial needs. We’ll review treatment options with you and help find a plan that balances your pet’s health and your budget.

Call: (631) 629-5055