Veterinary Services
Veterinary services — what to expect at the clinic
A plain-language guide to the most common veterinary services for dogs and cats: preventive exams, dental care, surgery, spay and neuter, microchipping, and when emergency care is needed.
Preventive exams
An annual or twice-yearly physical exam is the core of preventive care. The vet checks the heart, lungs, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, and abdomen — and looks for changes from previous visits. For pets over about seven years, twice-yearly exams with routine bloodwork are the standard recommendation.
During the exam is also when vaccination status is reviewed, heartworm testing is done (dogs), and fecal samples are checked for parasites.
Dental cleanings and extractions
Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia is the gold standard for removing tartar and treating gum disease. The procedure includes scaling (above and below the gum line), polishing, full-mouth X-rays, and any extractions needed.
Dental care for dogs and cats — including home care options — is covered in our pet health guide.
Surgery — spay, neuter, and more
Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) removes the ovaries and uterus in female dogs and cats. Neutering (orchidectomy) removes the testicles in male dogs and cats. Both are routine surgeries with a same-day recovery for healthy young animals.
Other common surgeries include:
- Dental extractions under anesthesia
- Mass or lump removals and biopsies
- Foreign body removal from the stomach or intestines
- Cruciate ligament (knee) repair in dogs
- Cesarean section when needed
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is done before any surgery to confirm the liver and kidneys are functioning normally.
Microchipping
A microchip is a small implant placed under the skin between the shoulder blades. It carries a unique ID number that any vet or shelter can scan. It does not replace a collar and tags, but it is a permanent backup if the collar is lost.
Keep your contact information current in the microchip registry — this is the most common reason chips fail to reunite pets with owners.
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Year-round prevention is standard in most of the U.S. Products fall into two categories: those that require a prescription (most heartworm preventatives, some combination flea/tick products) and over-the-counter options.
Our pet products guide covers how to choose a product, what each type actually does, and what requires a vet visit versus what you can buy at a pet store.
Emergency and after-hours care
Know your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital before you need one. Keep the address and phone number saved in your phone.
Most general-practice clinics have an after-hours message that forwards to an on-call vet or a partner emergency hospital. Ask about after-hours procedures when you establish care with a new clinic.