Welcome to Animal Hospital of Lynnfield ONLINE!

Hold off on giving your pet food, however water is fine, and make an appointment to see a veterinarian. Bring a fresh stool sample if possible so the doctor can see what the diarrhea looks like and test it for parasites. In the meantime, feed your pet a diet of boiled rice and hamburger or chicken (3 parts rice to 1 part meat) in small frequent amounts until they can be seen by a vet. We DO NOT RECOMMEND using Immodium AD, Kaopectate, or other human anti-diarrheal medicines to treat your pet as this may worsen diarrhea caused by infection. (i.e. virus/Salmonella/parasites)

2. What are our business hours?

We have doctors available for appointments Monday 7 a.m. - 8 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. (EMERGENCY ONLY). We have surgical appointments available by request Monday-Friday. Please contact one of our client relations specialists to schedule an appointment at (781) 334-4161 ext 0.

3. Do we board animals?

We accept boarding animals on a LIMITED BASIS based on the necessary care requirements of your pet. If your pet is a special needs case, (i.e. a special diet, needs medication daily, recovering from surgery) we will be happy to accommodate your pet. However, we are not equipped to board large numbers of animals that do not have special care requirements.

4. Do we groom animals?

We do groom animals on a limited basis. Your pet will be evaluated on an individual basis to see if they meet our requirements, please call ahead for an evaluation. Our technicians on staff have taken on the responsibility of grooming animals, as we are still in the process of hiring a groomer who can meet the needs of our clients and pets. In order to currently be groomed at our hospital your pet must fall into one of the below listed categories:

1. Pets needing anesthesia or sedation in order to be groomed

2. Pets with medical conditions in which stress could be life threatening

3. Pets with specific physical limitations

If your pet requires a medicated shampoo bath (i.e. flea dip), the shampoo can be purchased here and brought to your groomer. Thank you for your understanding, we will keep you updated with future changes to our policy.

5. What are the technical capabilities of our practice?

We are a FULLY EQUIPPED ANIMAL HOSPITAL specializing in small animal practice. We frequently use X-Ray and Ultrasound as in-house tools for diagnosis, and are equipped to send out Ultrasound and X-Ray images for comprehensive analysis by specialists if necessary. Most lab work is completed in-house by qualified lab technicians, and again, we can send out complex studies for more comprehensive analysis. We are fully prepared for emergency medical care during business hours, and we are also able to perform routine and extensive surgery on a scheduled basis. To make an appointment for surgery or to request an estimate please call our friendly client relations specialists at (781)334-4161 ext. 0.

6. What if my pet eats chocolate?

Chocolate contains methylxanthine alkaloids that can cause constriction of the arteries, increased heart rate, and central nervous system stimulation. Ingesting chocolate can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, panting, pacing, increased thirst, and increased urination for your pet. Tremors and restlessness may also be noted. Should your pet ingest chocolate, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. It is extremely helpful if you can tell the vet what type of chocolate was ingested, when and how much chocolate was ingested, and if there was a wrapper or container of some sort that may have also been ingested along with the chocolate, as these can lead to gastrointestinal obstructions. The best thing to do is contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

7. Why should I have pre-anesthetic bloodwork done?

We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you have pre-anesthetic bloodwork done for any pets that are undergoing anesthesia. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork can provide the doctor with vital information regarding the health of your pet before they are put under anesthesia. The bloodwork screens for blood clotting ability, anemia, diabetes, and kidney function. Any abnormalities in the blood values would warn the veterinarian ahead of time, so that complications during anesthesia are forewarned. If your pet is older or ill in any way we recommend the use of more detailed bloodwork. The fee for pre-anesthetic bloodwork is small compared to the vast amount of vital information it can provide to the attending veterinarian; thus ensuring the health of your pet, and our patient.

8. What if my dog scrapes his rear end on the floor?

Your dog may either have an anal sac or intestinal parasite problem. Anal sacs are small scent glands inside the rectum that have a tendency to fill up with excess secretions and cause discomfort for some dogs. The veterinarians at our clinic can easily check these glands to see if this may be the source of your dog's scooting. Some pets may also drag their rear end due to discomfort caused by intestinal parasites. We recommend that you have your dog's stool screened if they display this abnormal behavior, and that you also screen their stool annually for parasites.

9. What if my groomer tells me my pet has parasites?

You should ask your groomer to specifically explain what prompted them to reach this conclusion. (i.e. Do they believe it is an intestinal or skin parasite?) Although there are qualified groomers who could probably make such a conclusion, we highly recommend that your pet be seen by a veterinarian so that if any parasites are present they can be properly diagnosed and treated. If you believe that your pet may have an intestinal parasite a fresh stool should also be screened. (see question #8)

10. What if my dog growls at me or the kids if we go near the toys/food?

Your dog is showing signs of a behavioral problem. This is a common but serious concern. You should make an appointment as soon as possible to discuss treatment options with your veterinarian. The vet will examine your pet to look for any physical abnormalities that may contribute to this behavior, and will be able to discuss with you the complex nature of this problem, as well as possible solutions. The appointment will last an hour and will cost $79. There may also be additional charges depending on what tests and treatments the doctor recommends. It is also quite likely that you will have a bit of "homework" to properly modify your pet's behavior at home.

11. What if my dog still urinates in the house after they are 8 months old?

Your dog may have a behavioral or medical reason for this problem. We recommend screening your dog's urine for abnormalities as soon as possible. A fresh first of the morning mid-stream urine sample should be provided for proper testing, however we can collect the sample if you are unable to do so. Your pet should also be seen by a veterinarian for a physical exam and behavioral consultation. This appointment will last one hour at a cost of $79. There may also be additional charges depending on what tests and treatments the doctor recommends.

12. What if my cat has been vomiting on and off?

Your cat may be a serious medical concern. Please make an appointment to see a vet as soon as possible. Also, a fresh stool sample should be checked for parasites. If you are able to describe how long this has been occurring, the cat's diet, and note any additional symptoms such as diarrhea, depression, and increased thirst or urination this is extremely helpful for the vet in diagnosing your cat's illness.

13. What if my dog or cat doesn't eat much anymore?

Your pet may be a serious medical concern. Please make an appointment to see a veterinarian at your earliest convenience. Also, a fresh stool sample should be checked for parasites. If you are able to describe how long this has been occurring, the pet's diet, and note any additional symptoms such as diarrhea, depression, and increased thirst or urination this is extremely helpful for the vet in diagnosing your pet's illness.

Often dogs will start eating less around 6-8 months of age because they are not growing as quickly. Elderly pets rarely have a decreased appetite simply because they are "getting old" - often there is an underlying health problem. See a veterinarian accordingly.

14. What if my older cat is ravenous?

Hyperthyroidism is the most common cause of increased appetite and weight loss in the cat. These pets should come in for an appointment so that they can be physically examined, and so that proper diagnostic tests can be conducted. In addition, a fresh stool sample should be screened for intestinal parasites as they can also cause increased hunger.

15. What if I find a baby bird, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, etc.?

Please call us before you bring in any wildlife. We strongly advise that one takes all the necessary precautions to protect themselves against the external parasites, diseases, and aggressions that most wild animals can exhibit. Please wear gloves, protective eyewear (i.e. herons), and use blankets to collect the animals for transportation. We recommend that you never attempt to capture an adult mammal due to rabies concerns, and that contacting the local animal control officer, who is trained to deal with such situations, is the best option. Donations for the care of dropped off wildlife are greatly appreciated!

BIRDS: If a bird has feathers and can fly to some degree LEAVE IT ALONE, as it is likely a fledgling. If it is a nestling (very few feathers), place the bird into a small box or basket, place it up in a nearby tree, and watch for the parents to return. If the parents do not return, please take the bird to Judy (978) 779-5546.

Please take orphaned and injured waterfowl and pidgeons to Marie (508) 528-7909.

MAMMALS: If you find a small mammal that is clearly an orphan or too young to have much fur or opened eyes, please take it to Danielle (978) 657-5495.

Bunnies are often left all day long by the mother. If a nest is found, please put the bunnies back in the nest and leave them alone for the mother to return. Always bring your dogs and cats inside if you fear that they may find the bunnies. If the bunnies are truly abandoned, please take them to Darlene (508) 226-0233

Bats are a HUGE RABIES CONCERN. Please use a pooper scooper or shovel to lift an injured or dead bat into a box if you happen to find one. If the bat can fly even the slightest distance, an animal control officer or exterminator should be called immediately. We recommend STAYING AWAY from the bat and keeping all pets far away from it as well. Any orphaned or injured bats brought to our clinic will be euthanized and tested for rabies due to humane reasons and legal protocols.

***Please be aware that MOST wildlife have EXTERNAL PARASITES (i.e. fleas, lice, mange)***

16. What if my pet's ears are constantly dirty and I have to clean them all the time?

Your pet may have a serious medical concern. Please make an appointment to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. The doctor can determine the likely cause of this problem and recommend the appropriate treatment. Being able to tell the doctor how long the problem has been occurring, how uncomfortable your pet has been, and whether other concurrent problems have been present is most helpful for the veterinarian.

17. What if my dog had a tick and I think the head is still attached?

It is rare that the head is still attached after removing the body of a tick from your pet, however is can occur. A more likely explanation for swelling or redness around the affected area is due to an irritating saliva that ticks secrete when they are attached to the skin. If the irritation at the site of attachment does not subside overnight, please make an appointment to see a veterinarian so that proper medical attention can be administered if necessary.

18. When and why should I neuter my pet?

Cats and dogs should be neutered between the ages of 6-8 months, but may be neutered earlier under certain special circumstances. The specific reasons for spaying/neutering your pets are listed below by species:

CATS: Male cats that are not neutered are more likely to wander and to fight, therefore drastically increasing their chances of contracting diseases or to be hit by cars. An unneutered male cat's urine is also extremely potent and terrible smelling, and will certainly ruin a carpet or anything else it may contact! In addition, unneutered male cats are more likely to mark their territory by spraying inside and outside the house.

Unspayed female cats are much more prone to mammary cancer, unwanted pregnancies (our country already has an enormous amount of unwanted pets that are euthanized daily), and reproductive diseases and cancers. Unspayed females are also at risk of developing pyometras, which are infected uteruses full of pus. This usually requires an emergency spay, and is more dangerous and expensive than a routine spaying procedure.

DOGS: Unneutered male dogs are more likely to wander, fight with other dogs, be more aggressive, and urinate in inappropriate places. They are also much more at risk of developing prostate disease and testicular cancer.

Unspayed female dogs are much more prone to mammary cancer, unwanted pregnancies (our country already has an enormous amount of unwanted pets that are euthanized daily), and reproductive diseases and cancers. Unspayed females are also at risk of developing pyometras, which are infected uteruses full of pus. This usually requires an emergency spay, and is more dangerous and expensive than a routine spaying procedure.

19. What dog breed is the best?

Please read our article on "Selecting a Dog" written by our staff here at The Lynnfield Animal Hospital.

20. Do you have any rescue breed referral information?

If you are SERIOUSLY interested in adopting rescued animals of a certain breed please contact a client relations specialist by calling our hospital phone line at (781) 334-4161 ext 0. We will be happy to provide you with referral information, however we do not adopt rescued breeds from our hospital.

21. Can I get a pet store puppy?

Pet shop puppies usually come from "puppy mills". These are basically factories where dogs are kept in small cages all their lives and are bred constantly, without regard for their physical or mental health. These dogs live a horrible and short existence. When you buy a pet from a pet store, you are supporting these puppy mills.

Pet shop puppies are usually shipped long distances at very young ages. They are much more likely to have congenital and infectious diseases. They often have behavioral problems and do not act or appear according to breed standards (i.e. a cocker spaniel puppy may grow into an ill-tempered dog that does not resemble a show quality cocker).

If you do acquire a pet shop puppy, realize that you are purchasing a poor quality puppy at an extremely inflated price. You should carefully consider the store's policy on what is done if a pup is unhealthy or returned. Most stores will not support an owner who has a sick pup, but will offer a refund (usually you have only 48 hours to 7 days to claim this refund). As you can imagine, most pet owners get "stuck" with a sick puppy that they then feel too heartbroken to return to the store. If you must get a dog from a pet shop, have the puppy examined by a veterinarian ASAP.

22. How do I apply FrontlineÒ properly?

Try to squeeze the contents of the vial onto the skin of your pet at the nape of the neck between the shoulderblades. You should part the fur so that you can see the skin clearly. You can apply the Frontline® in one large spot or trail it down the neck. If the pet can reach the spot of application, they may be able to lick off the medication thus rendering it ineffective. While this ingestion of the medication will not hurt your pet, it will render the Frontline® useless.

Remember that you should not bathe your pet for 2 days before and 2 days after it is applied. Otherwise, the product is completely waterproof.

23. What is the difference between FrontlineÒ and RevolutionÒ?

Frontline® does a better job of controlling ticks, however both products work well for flea control. Revolution® will control some internal parasites as well as fleas and ticks, and will control some intestinal parasites in cats, and/or heartworm for dogs and cats. Revolution® can be used to treat specific parasite problems such as ear mites in cats and dogs, or sarcoptic mange in dogs.

Both products are applied to the skin over the nape of the neck once a month. Revolution® is absorbed into the pet's bloodstream, while Frontline® is only absorbed into the sweat glands of the skin. Both products however are extremely safe.

24. Should I finish my pet's pain medication after surgery?

We recommend that you complete the full course of prescribed pain medication since it is difficult to assess the pain your pet may be experiencing . However, if you are fully convinced your pet is not in pain, you may discontinue medication after 48 hours. Animals are very god at hiding pain, so we medicate your pet if we believe that the procedure would be be painful if it was performed on ourselves.

25. How does my pet indicate pain?

If your pet is experiencing pain they may react in several different and unpredictable ways. Some pets may vocalize, lick the area, limp, or not eat. Others pets may simply have a different demeanor, or seem less active. Although it is up to you to judge your pet's behavior at home, we recommend continuing pain medication if you have any doubts about whether or not they may be in pain.

26. Is anesthesia dangerous?

Anesthesia in veterinary medicine carries with it some risks, just as it does in human medicine. There is a risk of death, as with any other endeavor in life. However, the risk is extremely small even in very debilitated pets, as we have excellent anesthetic drugs and monitoring devices available at our disposal. Thus, it is for the client to weigh the benefits of a procedure under anesthesia against the inherent risks involved with this operation. Most importantly, we do not feel that living with chronic pain is a quality-life existence. In these circumstances in particular, we believe that if an anesthetic procedure can lessen the pain a pet may be experiencing, even if the pet is elderly or debilitated and thus at "high risk" for anesthesia, it should be performed. Further precautionary measures such as pre-anesthetic bloodwork and intravenous fluids can greatly increase the chances for a successful operation under anesthesia and are highly recommended by our staff.

27. How much should I feed my pet?

We recommend that you base how much you feed your pet upon factors such as age, current weight, species, breed, and nutritional requirements. If you believe that your pet is in need of a special diet (whether it be for weight loss or nutrient deficiencies ect.) we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian or an animal nutritionist to determine the proper feed and diet for your pet. In other words, this is not an easy question to answer without a physical examination of your pet, as each pet will differ individually in their nutritional requirements. Our veterinary staff will be happy to schedule a consultation appointment to determine a proper diet for your pet.

28. My pet eats plants, are they toxic?

Any plant can cause vomiting and diarrhea merely because of the fact that it is a foreign substance to the intestinal tract. However, for a list of truly poisonous plants you can find complete listings in the AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants.