FAQ

Here are some of the faq we’ve received through the years.

We recommend bringing your puppy or kitten in before eight weeks of age for their first visit.

If you bring the pet in, we can use a microchip scanner to see if the pet is microchipped. If the pet has a microchip and if it is registered, then you will be able to contact the microchip company to help reunite the pet with their owner. If the pet is not microchipped, then there are some decisions that could be made about how to home the pet.
Even the most well trained and obedient of dogs and cats may decide to help themselves to an adventure beyond the home. In the event that your pet gets out on their own, a microchip can help to increase the chances of your pet returning home. Microchips can have invaluable information connected to them such as your name, phone number, and address; this can help expedite their return home.
It is very safe for your pet to receive multiple vaccines in one visit, especially if your pet has had these vaccines prior and are in tip-top shape. If you have concerns about your pet receiving multiple vaccines during a single visit or has had a reaction previously, just let us know and we can always make separate appointments for your pet.
Common symptoms your pet may experience after receiving vaccines include a mild fever, decreased social behavior and/or activity, minimal appetite, and soreness and/or swelling at the vaccine site. It is always a good idea to keep an eye out for uncommon symptoms regardless of whether your pet has received the vaccine before, and let us know right away when the following symptoms are noticed: facial or leg swelling, repeated vomiting and/or diarrhea, hives, labored breathing, and collapse.
After a puppy’s final round of vaccines, including rabies, it is safe for them to go out into public spaces after 2 weeks. This 2 week period allows their immune system to get stronger from the last round of vaccines.
Despite being an indoor/backyard only pet, they can still be exposed to viruses and bacteria. Simply going on a walk on the common sidewalk or having a second pet exiting and entering the home can expose pets to viruses, bacteria and parasites. Sometimes, we can even bring them home with our shoes! Vaccinations are a great preventative measure to help keep our pets safe from certain diseases.
Have a nervous pet? Don’t worry! Our doctor and technicians are here to provide a safe space and plenty of love and treats. If interested, you can always go over any anxiety issues with the doctor to see what he best recommends!
Annual blood work and fecal tests ensure that our pets are in the best shape and lets us know if there is something wrong before we can visually see any symptoms. Dogs and cats age much quicker than humans do, so their bodies are changing much faster than we think. With annual preventative diagnostics, we are able to detect issues early and get your pet started on the necessary medications/diets to slow the issues down or diminish them altogether.
Over the years, we have seen an increase in tick-borne diseases, fleas and heartworms in Southern California. Treatment for infections can be more costly than the preventative care itself and not to mention an uncomfortable experience for your fur baby. Like all medications, these are a preventative measure and not a guarantee against fleas, ticks and heartworm. But it is crucial to administer these preventatives to your pet in the time frame instructed. Annual heartworm test is required to continue heartworm prevention. And who doesn’t like a flea-free home!
If your pet’s stool isn’t extremely water, contains fresh blood or is black and tarry, then try fasting your dog for 12 hours. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and start back up on a bland diet of chicken breast and white rice. If loose stool persists or you notice any of the symptoms above, call to schedule an exam with our veterinarian. Do not give your pet Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate; not all medicine made for humans is safe for our pets.
Are there other symptoms you are noticing along with loss of appetite, such as lethargy, decreased water intake, diarrhea and/or vomiting, abnormal behavior/activity, coughing and/or sneezing? If so, contact us so we can help assess the situation further!
It is required by a State law that the doctor establishes a valid client-patient-doctor relationship before treating an animal and/or sending your pet home with treatment. This also applies to preventative care prescriptions like flea/tick and heartworm preventions; exams must be current within the past year.
We understand that veterinary care can appear to be very expensive. At LBVMC, our goal is to help better your pet, not go after your wallet. Unlike human medicine and insurance, vet bills must be paid upfront and most pets are not covered by insurance. Our doctor has an extensive education, including 4 years of veterinary school where Doctor has acquired a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and is also required to complete 20 hours of continuing education a year. Our facility is more than just a patient’s office; we have a variety of advanced equipment so that we can offer the best of care. We have a dental suite with dental x-rays, Full body x-ray machine, Surgery suite with laser for surgical procedures, an oxygen therapy chamber and much more. The technology and sophistication of the veterinary field is expanding quickly and often is on par with human medicine so that we can offer the best care for your fur babies.
We are currently partnered with CareCredit and Scratchpay. These services can be used to pay your vet bills in installments. This allows you to be able to pay off your vet bills how you like. We also strongly recommend pet insurance.
Every company offers different coverage plans. Some plans can be breed specific, some can be for emergencies and others can cover the basic general care for your pet. With pet insurance, you pay the upfront and then you send your invoice to your insurance company for a reimbursement.

Comprehensive Wellness Vet Exam for Your Pet

Why Choose Laguna Beach Veterinary?

Laguna Beach Veterinary Medical Center has strict guiding principles that we all adhere to. It is the little things that make the difference.
Compassionate Care

We understand that pets are your family members and we provide them the love and care that they deserve.

Holistic Medicine

We specialize in integrative medicine, combining both holistic and conventional treatment methods to ensure your pet receives comprehensive care.

Walk-ins/Urgent Care

We welcome walk-ins and are ready to cater your emergency and urgent care needs. We do have advanced equipment to help your pet in an emergency.

Laser Surgery Suite

CO2 surgical laser helps reduce bleeding, infection, pain and inflammation at surgery site along with quick recovery.

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