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VETERINARY CARE FAQs


Keeping your furry friend happy and healthy is our top priority. Professional veterinary care is crucial in keeping them healthy. At Small Medical Center, we provide a full breadth of veterinary care services such as pet dentistry, spaying/neutering, annual wellness exams, and vaccinations. Below are some of the most common questions that we get regarding our services and animal care.

  • HOW CAN I STOP MY DOG FROM EATING ITS STOOL?

    Poop eating is a common occurrence among dogs, especially puppies. There are several ways to combat stool eating, such as medication and behavior modification. The solution ideal for your furry friend will depend on the cause of stool consumption. For example, if your dog has a parasite that is causing them to eat poop, medication may be appropriate.

  • ARE RAWHIDE CHEWS SAFE FOR DOGS?

    Rawhides are made from the inner hides of cows and horses. They are a by-product of the leather industry. Dogs tend to love chewing on them, but you should be cautious when using them. They can cause intestinal blockages and choking hazards for puppies.

  • WHEN SHOULD I NEUTER MY CAT?

    The ideal time to neuter a cat is around the age of four months, and they have had their primary vaccinations. Sometimes you may have to wait, as some vaccinations may take longer than six months to complete. This will help prevent unwanted pregnancies.

  • HOW CAN I PREPARE MY PET FOR SURGERY?

    Surgery is scary for everyone, including pets. The best thing you can do is do your best to keep them calm and follow your veterinary team’s instructions. They may instruct you to administer medications before surgery, not feed them, and drop them off early. Follow their instructions carefully to ensure that surgery is a success and that there are no issues during the procedure.

  • MY PET FEELS BETTER, BUT I STILL HAVE MEDICATION LEFT. SHOULD I KEEP GIVING THEM THEIR MEDICATION?

    Yes, you should always finish the course of the medication prescribed, unless told otherwise. Veterinarians prescribe the dosages and the supply based on the illness, its severity, and other factors. They are calculated to give your pet the appropriate amount of medication without overprescribing and ensure the issue is dealt with effectively. If you are unsure, you can always contact your local veterinarian.

  • WHAT IS CARECREDIT?

    CareCredit is a credit card that is designed to cover the cost of medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. They cannot be used at retailers, restaurants, and gas stations like traditional credit cards. These cards allow you to pay for medical expenses and have more time to pay them back.

  • HOW CAN I PREPARE MY DOG FOR PET BOARDING?

    You can prepare your dog for pet boarding by making sure their vaccines are up to date, updating their ID tags, getting them experience socializing with other dogs, giving your pet boarding staff familiar items for your furry friend, and keeping your goodbyes quick and brief. This will help make the boarding experience less stressful for your dog.

  • SHOULD I BRUSH MY DOG’S TEETH DAILY?

    Yes, you should brush your dog's teeth daily. Ideally, you should do it twice daily. This will ensure they have good dental health and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. You should also schedule annual professional dog dentistry services.

  • WHY IS TRIMMING MY DOG’S NAILS IMPORTANT?

    As nails grow long and hit the ground, they put extra pressure on the dog’s foot and leg. This can lead to arthritis and ongoing pain developing.

  • WHY ARE PET VACCIATIONS IMPORTANT?

    Pet vaccinations are essential for protecting your pet from a variety of serious and potentially fatal diseases. Vaccines help their immune system build up protection against these illnesses. Keeping up with a vaccination schedule is one of the most effective ways to ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life.

  • HOW OFTEN DOES MY PET NEED A WELLNESS EXAM?

    We recommend an annual wellness exam for most adult dogs and cats. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets may require more frequent visits. These exams are crucial for early detection of potential health issues and allow our veterinarians to provide preventive care tailored to your pet's specific needs.

  • WHY IS PET DENTISTRY NECESSARY FOR MY DOG OR CAT?

    Pet dentistry is a vital part of your pet's overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to painful conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, and infections. Bacteria from the mouth can even enter the bloodstream and affect major organs. Regular professional cleanings and at-home care, like daily brushing, prevent plaque and tartar buildup and help avoid these serious health problems..

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PET SPAYING AND PET NEUTERING?

    Pet spaying is the surgical procedure for female animals to remove the ovaries and uterus, which prevents them from getting pregnant. Pet neutering is the procedure for male animals, where the testicles are removed to prevent them from fathering offspring. Both are common types of pet surgery that offer significant health and behavioral benefits.

  • WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PET SPAYING OR PET NEUTERING

    Besides preventing unwanted litters, these procedures can reduce the risk of certain cancers and uterine infections in females. In males, it can decrease aggression, roaming, and the risk of testicular cancer. It is a responsible choice for both your pet's health and the community..

Contact our veterinarian clinic today!


Small Animal Medical Center proudly provides veterinary care to the Brownwood, TX area. Your furry friend is another member of the family and their health is of the utmost importance. Our staff works diligently to provide your pet with the care they deserve and that you expect. Whether it is an annual wellness exam, pet dentistry services, vaccinations, or anything else, we will always do our best. Contact us today to schedule your furry friend's veterinary appointment!