Pet Care FAQs
Topa Mountain Animal Hospital FAQs
Get answers to all your pet care questions with Topa Mountain Animal Hospital FAQs. Learn about what we offer for wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, emergencies, senior pet care, diagnostics, end-of-life services, and more.
We proudly serve the pets in Oak View, CA, and beyond.
Below are some common FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at (805) 649-4094 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.
What services do you offer at your veterinary practice?
At Topa Mountain Animal Hospital, we offer an extensive number of services for our furry friends, such as puppy and kitten visits, spay and neuters, dental surgery and x-rays, a variety of surgeries, geriatric care, same-day fit-ins, humane end-of-life care, abdominal ultrasounds, radiology, cardiac ultrasounds, and plenty more for cats and dogs of all shapes and sizes. If there is something missing from this list that you are in search of, feel free to call our office and inquire with our front staff.
How often should I bring my pet in for a wellness exam?
Each pet is different, but for most young pets, we recommend annual wellness exams. During an annual wellness exam, each pet receives a nose-to-tail exam, any vaccines they’re in need of, and annually recommended lab work, such as an internal parasite screen, routine blood work, and a tick-borne illness and heartworm test. For our senior pets, we recommend semi-annual wellness exams to make sure they’re in tip-top shape as they age.
What vaccinations does my pet need, and how often should they be updated?
We offer multiple vaccines for both dogs and cats. For dogs, we offer the standard core vaccines (Rabies, DAPP, and Bordetella), as well as the Lepto, Rattlesnake, and Influenza vaccines. For cats, we carry the FVRCP, FeLV, and Rabies vaccines. A vaccine schedule can be discussed with your vet, as each pet has an individualized plan.
Do you offer dental care services for pets?
We take pride in our dental care for our pets. With a new, state-of-the-art dental X-ray machine, we’re able to identify any problems below the gum line and with the jaw to make sure your pet leaves with a clean, healthy mouth. We encourage at-home dental hygiene and can discuss your pet’s plan during a visit. We can provide dental surgery and advanced dental procedures, such as bonded sealants for broken teeth, so they don’t need to be surgically extracted.
Do you offer emergency services or have recommendations for after-hours care?
Topa Mountain Animal Hospital is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. We do not offer after-hour care. There are two emergency clinics in Ventura County, Horizon and VMSG, as well as more in our neighboring cities. These include AVS in Santa Barbara, VCA Care in Santa Barbara, and VSEC in Thousand Oaks. Please see the 24-Hour Info tab for their contact information.
How do I prepare my pet for a surgery or procedure?
Each pet will vary depending on their condition, but for most, please withhold food starting at 8 PM the night before until they arrive for their procedure. Water is OK at all times.
Can you provide information on pet insurance and its benefits?
Health insurance is a great option for every pet. To find an insurance plan that works best for you and your budget, we encourage you to check out Pawlicy Advisors at www.pawlicy.com.
What is your approach to senior pet care?
At Topa Mountain Animal Hospital, we love our senior pets. Our goal is to keep them happy, healthy, and feeling great for as long as possible. We encourage routine bloodwork to make sure they’re as happy on the inside as they are on the outside, especially if they are on long-term medications. We have a plethora of options for comfort for animals dealing with arthritis, including some innovative, new monthly injections for pain relief.
What diagnostic services do you offer, such as X-rays or laboratory testing?
Our in-house diagnostic services are extensive. At Topa Mountain Animal Hospital, we have in-house blood work options (including CBC, Chemistries, Electrolytes, bleeding tests for rat bait exposure or other bleeding disorders, etc), progesterone, thyroid testing, rapid cytology analyzer, dental x-ray, heart blood tests, x-rays, and abdominal and cardiac ultrasound.
Can you provide information on end-of-life care and euthanasia services?
When a pet parent has reached the extraordinarily difficult decision to say goodbye to their pet, we strive to make sure we can accommodate them whenever they’re fully ready. Parents can choose whether or not they wish to be present and can choose aftercare plans as well. If home euthanasia is a better fit for the family, we recommend Lap of Love, which can be contacted at (805) 904-5944 or visited at www.lapoflove.com.