Q: What if my pet has an after-hours problem?
A: For small animal emergencies that occur after hours, please contact:
Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital
8144 E. Oaklawn Rd.
Biloxi, MS 39532
Phone: 228-392-7474
or
MedVet Mobile
2573 Government Blvd.
Mobile, AL 36606
Phone: 251-706-0890
For large animal emergencies that occur after hours, please call the clinic at 228-475-8881 and leave a slow and detailed message with your full name, phone number, and the reason for your call. Dr. McCoy checks the messages throughout the weekend.
Q: What financing options do we offer?
A: We accept cash, major credit and debit cards including American Express, checks, and Care Credit the medical credit card.
Q: How often should my pet have an exam and blood work?
A: After your pet's first vaccinations Escatawpa Animal Clinic recommends annual blood work and check-ups.
Q: Does my pet really need a dental procedure?
A: The overwhelming answer is absolutely yes! Tartar is loaded with bacteria that gets into the blood stream transmitting harmful bacteria to your pet's internal organs. This bacteria source can limit the lifespan of your pet.
Q: At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
A: At six months old cats and dogs are mature enough to be spayed or neutered. We recommend that all pets should be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted behaviors and minimize the potential of health issues such as infections or cancer.
Q: How long should I wait to bring my pet to the veterinarian if I notice a change in their behavior?
A: It is always important to call Escatawpa Animal Clinic immediately to schedule an appointment when your pet exhibits a change of behavior or sudden weight gain or loss.
Q: What if I begin to notice visible parasites for the first time on my pet?
A: The flea and tick preventatives have improved greatly in recent years. These preventatives are safe and effective in a wide variety of forms. At Escatawpa Animal Clinic we fit the preventative product to the pet's problem and environment. Parasite control is of great importance to eliminate disease carrying parasites.
Q: What are heartworms, and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?
A: Heartworms are a serious, year-round parasitic threat to your pet’s health. After an infection occurs, treatment is not only very expensive, but can also be life threatening. Heartworms can infect both our canine and feline companions. Heartworms are spread when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then transfers the juvenile worms when it bites a healthy animal. Unless your pet is taking a heartworm preventative, these immature worms will grow into adults that can cause serious damage to your pet’s blood vessels, lungs and heart, and possibly result in their death.
There are several options available for prevention of this potentially life-threatening disease. Preventatives can keep your dog or cat healthy and are much less expensive than having to treat adult heartworms. Our veterinarian will determine which preventative is right for your pet, based on needs and lifestyle.
Q: How important is nutrition for my pet?
A: Feeding your pet good, balanced dry/wet food that is suited for their stage in life is very important. Puppies and kittens expend a greater amount of energy, therefore they require small amounts of food often. When pets are overweight, it creates a tendency towards diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, and other chronic health conditions. Using our nutritional counseling services at Escatawpa Animal Clinic will help simplify just what your pet should be eating and how much.