Frequently Asked Questions

How safe is my pet’s procedure?

There are many factors when determining the risk of a procedure that may be necessary for your companion. The age and health of an animal, as well as the complexity of the treatment are considerations when evaluating overall risk. The experienced veterinarians at Lewis Animal Hospital can provide a risk assessment after an examination of your precious companion. Regardless of the inherit risk that can be associated with any procedure, each and every pet companion treated at Lewis Animal Hospital is provided the same loving care as if they are our own. Call the caring professionals at Lewis Animal Hospital at 513-871-1114 for our 2116 Madison Road location or 513-821-1101 for our hospital at 451 E Galbraith Road.

How often should my pet have an exam and blood work?

A general rule is that most animals age approximately seven years for each single human year, so it is very important to have your pet examined yearly, especially after they reach the age of five years. Puppies and kittens require vaccinations and are often neutered early in their lives, and a regular examination schedule can be determined at that time. Regardless of the life stage of your pet, our experienced doctors will develop a life-treatment plan for your furry companion based on their individual needs. Please call one of our two convenient locations at 513-821-1101 for our hospital at 451 E Galbraith Road, or 513-871-1114 for our 2116 Madison Road location.

Why does my pet need a dental procedure?

Our pet companions require oral health care for the same reasons as humans: without proper dental care their teeth can begin to deteriorate, and over time bacteria left in the mouth can cause damage to the liver, kidney and heart. Proper dental care should begin early in the life of a pet, but our experienced doctors can care for your furry family member regardless of their current age or dental condition. Please call one of our two hospitals at 513-821-1101 for our facility 451 E Galbraith Road, or 513-871-1114 for our 2116 Madison Road location.

How important is nutrition for my pet?

Proper nutrition and portion control is as important for our pet companions as it is for us as people. Overweight pets face the same conditions as people, including arthritis, joint pain, diabetes and heart disease for example. The experienced veterinarians at Lewis Animal Hospital can evaluate your pet to determine their individual nutritional needs, as well as the proper portions to maintain a healthy body weight. Affordable prescription diets are available at both our locations for your convenience. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend regardless of their life stage or current health condition. Lewis Animal Hospital can be reached at 513-821-1101 for our 451 E Galbraith Road clinic, or 513-871-1114 for our hospital located at 2116 Madison Road.

How long should I wait to bring my pet in if I notice a change in their behavior?

Behavior that is unique to your pet could mean a large variety of possibilities ranging from completely normal, to possible illness or pain. At Lewis Animal Hospital, we are extremely cautious with our own furry family members, and would have our pets evaluated right away if we see a change in behavior, and strongly recommend you do the same. We have two convenient locations to serve you in the greater Cincinnati area at 451 E Galbraith Road (tel. 513-821-1101), or 2116 Madison Road (tel. 513-871-1114). Please call to have one of our experienced veterinarians evaluate your companion in the event you notice a change in their behavior.

What should I do if I notice visible parasites on my pet?

There are a number of parasites in the Cincinnati area that are commonly seen by our veterinarians at Lewis Animal Hospital. We often see fleas, ticks, and ear mites, as well as parasites that are cannot be seen with the naked eye. Please remember that these parasites may carry harmful diseases including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. If you see parasites on your precious pet, please call one of our locations at Lewis Animal Hospital right away for treatment. Our hospitals carry preventatives for most of these parasites in both of our practices, and recommend using these medications to stop parasite infestations before they can begin.

What if my pet has an after-hours problem?

For After-Hours Emergencies, please contact one of the following Emergency clinics:
Medvet
Phone: 513-561-0069
Address: 3964 Red Bank Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227


CARE Center
Phone: 513-530-0911
Address: 6995 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249

 

At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

Spaying or neutering our precious pets not only prevents unwanted pregnancies and litters, but can also prevent the onset of certain cancers and disease later in their life. The experienced veterinarians at Lewis Animal Hospital generally recommend spaying or neutering all pets not used for breeding at six months of age. Please call one of our caring professionals and do the responsible thing for your puppy or kitten! Lewis Animal Hospital can be reached at 513-821-1101 for our 451 E Galbraith Road clinic, or 513-871-1114 for our hospital located at 2116 Madison Road.

What are heartworms, and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?

Heartworms are an internal parasite that can affect the heart, lungs and other organs of both dogs and cats. Heartworms are transmitted when an animal it bitten by an infected mosquito, which transmits immature heartworms when they bite our pets. If not prevented or left untreated, heartworms can cause severe coughing, exercise intolerance, and even heart failure. Heartworm disease is much easier and less expensive to prevent than it is to treat. Lewis Animal Hospital only carries products proven to be safe and effective for pets in our care. For your convenience, these products are affordable and available at both of our clinics. We have two convenient locations to serve you in the greater Cincinnati area at 451 E Galbraith Road (tel. 513-821-1101), or 2116 Madison Road (tel. 513-871-1114).

When is pain management recommended for my pet?

Our furry companions feel pain in much the same way that human beings can hurt. For this reason, our compassionate veterinarians include pain preventatives in all surgical procedures. Other issues that may warrant pain may include trauma, arthritis, and many disease states. If your pet is facing an issue that you feel may cause them pain, please schedule an evaluation with one of the doctors at Lewis Animal Hospital. Please call 513-871-1114 for our hospital located at 2116 Madison Road or 513-821-1101 for our clinic at 451 E Galbraith Road.

What financing options do you offer?

At Lewis Animal Hospital, we understand that not all expenses associated with veterinary care can be planned. We are pleased to accept CareCredit when the unexpected arises with your precious pet. CareCredit is a veterinary healthcare credit card that can be used just like a standard credit card. To apply, please visit http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, we see our clients by appointment only. We may even be able to get you scheduled for an appointment on the same day of calling.

Do we have clinic days or shot clinics?

No. We feel for your pet’s health and well-being that they receive a physical annually. We build the cost of the exam into the cost of the vaccines. Keeping an eye on your pet’s health and building a strong doctor/patient relationship benefits everyone.

Can you get your prescriptions online?

Yes, we even have an online pharmacy. Please be sure to check with us on our prices, as our pharmacy offers coupons and rebates that are not available at other online pharmacies. These rebates often make our pricing less expensive than other online pharmacies.

How often should my new puppy or kitten be vaccinated?

Our veterinarians recommend that you bring in your new puppy or kitten in for a series of 3 shots at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age.

Can I give my dog or cat Ibuprofen or Tylenol?

No, these could be toxic to your pet. You should contact our office before giving your pet any over the counter medications.

Who should I call if I am concerned that my dog or cat may have eaten something that may be poisonous?

You can feel free to call our office during regular business hours. You may also call MedVet or CARE center. You may be referred to call the Pet Poison Helpline or ASCPA Poison Control. Both of these centers require a nominal fee for their expertise. We also have links to these organizations on our website.

What vaccines and testing do you require each pet to have in order to board or groom at your facility?

We require dogs to be up to date on Distemper, Kennel Cough, and Rabies in order to both board and groom at our facility. Cats are required to be current for FVRCP and Rabies to board and groom at Lewis Animal Hospital.