How often should my pet have a wellness exam?

We recommend annual exams for healthy adult pets, and bi-annual exams for puppies, kittens, and senior pets (7+ years for dogs, 10+ for cats).

What vaccines does my pet need?

Core vaccines include Rabies and DHLPP for dogs, and Rabies and FVRCP for cats. Additional vaccines may be recommended based on lifestyle and risk factors.

Is microchipping painful?

Microchipping is quick and causes minimal discomfort—similar to a routine vaccine. No anesthesia is required.

Do you offer payment plans?

We accept CareCredit and offer flexible payment options. Ask our team for details.

What does a wellness exam include?

A thorough physical exam covering eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, joints, and weight. We also review nutrition, behavior, and parasite prevention.

Does my pet need heartworm prevention year-round in Florida?

Yes! Florida's warm, humid climate supports mosquitoes year-round, so heartworm prevention should never be skipped. We recommend monthly prevention for all dogs and cats.

When should I bring my new puppy or kitten for their first visit?

We recommend scheduling a first visit within a few days of bringing your new pet home, or at 6-8 weeks of age for their first vaccine series.

At what age is a pet considered senior?

Dogs are generally considered senior around age 7 (earlier for large breeds), and cats around age 10. Senior pets benefit from twice-yearly exams to catch age-related issues early.

Why does my pet need parasite prevention?

Florida's climate is ideal for fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes year-round. Monthly prevention protects your pet from these parasites and the diseases they carry.

What should I feed my pet?

Nutritional needs vary by age, breed, size, and health status. We provide personalized nutrition counseling at every wellness visit to help you choose the best diet for your pet.

How do I know if my pet is a healthy weight?

We assess your pet's body condition score at every visit. We'll show you what to look for at home and recommend dietary adjustments if needed to maintain an ideal weight.

Can you see both dogs and cats?

Yes! We provide comprehensive wellness care for both dogs and cats of all ages, from puppies and kittens through their senior years.

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

We typically recommend spaying/neutering between 6-9 months of age, but timing can vary by breed and health. We'll help you decide the best time.

Yes! We use modern anesthesia protocols and continuously monitor heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure throughout the procedure.

How long is recovery?

Most pets recover within 10-14 days. We provide pain medication and detailed instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Do you perform ACL/orthopedic surgeries?

Yes! We perform ACL (cruciate ligament) repairs and other advanced orthopedic surgeries in-house with our visiting orthopedic specialist. This saves you money compared to specialty hospitals while keeping your pet in a familiar, less stressful environment.

What surgical procedures do you perform?

We perform spay/neuter, mass removals, wound repairs, bladder stone removal, gastropexy, foreign body removal, soft tissue surgeries, and advanced orthopedic procedures like ACL repairs.

Does my pet need to fast before surgery?

Yes. No food after midnight the night before surgery. Water can be offered until morning. This reduces the risk of aspiration during anesthesia.

What pre-surgical testing is required?

We require pre-anesthetic bloodwork to check organ function and blood cell counts. This helps us identify hidden health issues and choose the safest anesthesia protocol.

How will my pet's pain be managed after surgery?

We use a multimodal pain management approach that begins before surgery and continues through recovery, including injectable and oral pain medications and anti-inflammatories as needed.

Will my pet need to stay overnight?

Most routine surgeries (spay/neuter, mass removals) are outpatient—your pet goes home the same day. More complex procedures like ACL surgery may require an overnight stay.

How much does spay/neuter surgery cost?

Costs vary by pet size, age, and health. The price includes pre-surgical exam, anesthesia, surgery, pain medication, and follow-up care. Call (727) 327-5141 for a personalized estimate.

When can my pet eat after surgery?

We typically recommend offering water 2-3 hours after coming home, followed by a small meal that evening. Full portions can resume the next day if your pet is alert and interested.

Do you offer payment plans for surgery?

We accept CareCredit and other financing options. We also provide detailed cost estimates before any procedure so there are no surprises.

Why does my pet need anesthesia for dental cleaning?

Anesthesia allows us to safely clean below the gumline, take X-rays, and perform a thorough exam without causing fear or pain.

How often does my pet need dental cleanings?

It varies by pet, but most benefit from annual or bi-annual cleanings. Regular at-home brushing can extend the time between cleanings.

Can I brush my pet's teeth at home?

Absolutely! We'll show you how and recommend pet-safe toothpaste. Daily brushing is the best way to prevent dental disease.

What if my pet needs a tooth extraction?

Extractions relieve pain and prevent infection. We use local anesthesia and pain medication to keep your pet comfortable.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

Under anesthesia, we perform a full oral exam, take dental X-rays, use ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar above and below the gum line, polish the teeth, and treat any problems found.

How much does a dental cleaning cost?

Dental cleanings start at $350, which includes anesthesia, full-mouth X-rays, scaling, polishing, and recovery care. Extractions and additional treatments are priced separately.

What are dental X-rays and why are they important?

Digital dental X-rays reveal problems below the gum line—root abscesses, bone loss, fractured roots, and tumors. Without X-rays, up to 60% of dental problems would be missed.

How do I prepare my pet for dental day?

No food after midnight the night before (water is okay until morning). Bring your pet at the scheduled drop-off time and continue regular medications unless we advise otherwise.

What should I expect after the procedure?

Your pet may be groggy that evening. We provide pain medication and possibly antibiotics. Soft food is recommended for a few days. Most pets return to normal within 24-48 hours.

Do dental treats really work?

VOHC-approved dental treats can help reduce plaque and tartar, but they're not a substitute for brushing or professional cleanings. Think of them as a helpful supplement to dental care.

My pet won't let me brush their teeth. What can I do?

Start with just letting them taste the toothpaste as a treat. Gradually work up to touching their lips, then teeth. Dental wipes, water additives, and dental diets can also help.

What dental products do you recommend?

Look for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal on products. We recommend specific dental diets, chews, and water additives. Avoid hard bones and antlers that can fracture teeth.

Why does my pet need bloodwork?

Bloodwork helps us see what's happening inside your pet's body—checking organ function, detecting disease, and guiding treatment decisions.

How long do results take?

Most in-house tests provide results within 15-30 minutes. Some specialized tests are sent to outside labs and take 1-3 days.

Is sedation required for X-rays?

Usually not! Most pets tolerate X-rays well. Sedation may be needed if your pet is in pain or too anxious to hold still.

Do you perform ultrasounds?

Yes! Ultrasound is a non-invasive way to examine internal organs and is especially useful for abdominal and cardiac concerns.

Does my pet need to fast before bloodwork?

For most routine bloodwork, fasting for 8-12 hours is recommended for the most accurate results. We'll provide specific instructions when you schedule your appointment.

What does a Complete Blood Count (CBC) check?

A CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can detect anemia, infection, inflammation, blood clotting issues, and some cancers.

What is a blood chemistry panel?

Chemistry panels measure substances in the blood that reflect organ function—liver enzymes, kidney values, blood sugar, proteins, and electrolytes.

What can X-rays detect?

X-rays show bones, joints, the chest (heart and lungs), and abdominal organs. They're useful for detecting fractures, arthritis, heart enlargement, tumors, and foreign objects.

How much does bloodwork cost?

Basic bloodwork panels start around $85-150 depending on the tests needed. Comprehensive panels for sick pets or pre-surgical screening may be more. We provide estimates before testing.

Digital X-rays typically range from $150-300 depending on how many views are needed. We'll discuss the recommended imaging and provide an estimate before proceeding.

Do you accept pet insurance?

Yes! We accept all major pet insurance providers. We provide detailed invoices that you can submit for reimbursement. Diagnostics are often covered under illness benefits.

When is urinalysis needed?

Urinalysis is used to detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and other conditions. We may recommend it for changes in urination habits or as part of a wellness screen.

What constitutes a pet emergency?

Difficulty breathing, seizures, severe bleeding, inability to urinate, ingestion of toxins, trauma, or sudden collapse are all emergencies. When in doubt, call us!

Do you offer 24/7 emergency care?

We provide same-day sick visits during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend VEG St. Petersburg at (727) 342-4334, which is open 24/7.

Should I call before bringing my pet?

Yes! Calling ahead allows us to prepare for your arrival and provide guidance on immediate care you can administer at home.

Dental Services

Healthy Smiles for Happy Pets

Dental disease affects 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age 3. Our comprehensive dental care keeps your pet's teeth healthy and prevents serious health problems.

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80%Pets Need Dental Care

65+Years Experience

Dental Exams & X-Rays

Professional Cleanings

Tooth Extractions

Veterinarian performing dental care on a pet at Skyway Animal Hospital

Digital X-Rays

Full Mouth Imaging

Our Dental Services

Complete dental care to keep your pet's mouth healthy and pain-free.

Skyway Animal Hospital exam room where dental assessments are performed

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Free Dental Exam

Comprehensive Dental Exam

Thorough oral examination to assess teeth, gums, and overall mouth health.

Digital Dental X-Rays

Full-mouth radiographs to detect problems below the gum line that aren't visible during exam.

Professional Cleaning

Ultrasonic scaling and polishing under anesthesia to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Tooth Extractions

Safe removal of damaged, infected, or painful teeth when necessary.

Pain Management

Nerve blocks and multi-modal pain control for comfortable procedures and recovery.

Home Care Education

Guidance on brushing, dental diets, treats, and products to maintain oral health at home.

Why Dental Care Matters

Benefits of Professional Dental Care

Dental health is essential to your pet's overall wellbeing—don't let hidden problems cause pain and disease.

Prevent Disease

Regular dental care prevents periodontal disease, which affects 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age 3.

Protect Overall Health

Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Eliminate Pain

Pets hide dental pain well. Professional care identifies and treats painful conditions.

Fresh Breath

Bad breath isn't normal—it's often a sign of dental disease that needs treatment.

Save Money Long-Term

Preventive dental care costs less than treating advanced dental disease and its complications.

Longer, Happier Life

Good oral health is linked to better overall health and quality of life for your pet.

What to Expect on Dental Day

We make the dental cleaning process smooth and stress-free for you and your pet.

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Pre-Dental Exam & Bloodwork

Physical exam and blood tests to ensure your pet is healthy for anesthesia. We discuss findings and treatment plan.

Morning Drop-Off

Bring your pet in the morning after fasting. Our team admits your pet and prepares them for the procedure.

Anesthesia & Full Oral Exam

Under anesthesia, we perform a complete oral exam and take full-mouth digital X-rays to assess all teeth.

Cleaning & Treatment

Ultrasonic scaling removes tartar, teeth are polished, and any necessary extractions or treatments are performed.

Recovery & Discharge

Your pet recovers in our care, and we provide pain medication, antibiotics if needed, and home care instructions.

Dr. Jones reviewing digital X-rays at Skyway Animal Hospital

Early Detection

Don't Wait Until It Hurts

80% of pets show signs of dental disease by age 3. Early detection prevents pain and costly treatments.

80%

of dogs affected

70%

of cats affected

Veterinarian examining a pet's teeth during a dental checkup

Signs Your Pet Needs Dental Care

Pets are experts at hiding pain. Watch for these signs that may indicate dental problems.

Visible Signs

Bad breath (halitosis) that persists
Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Visible broken, loose, or missing teeth
Drooling more than usual

Behavioral Signs

Difficulty eating or dropping food
Chewing on one side of the mouth
Pawing at the mouth or face
Reluctance to play with toys
Decreased appetite or weight loss

Prevention is Key

We recommend annual dental exams for all pets, and professional cleanings as needed—typically every 1-3 years depending on your pet's oral health. February is National Pet Dental Health Month!

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Dental Care FAQ

Everything you need to know about dental care at Skyway Animal Hospital.

Just like humans, pets develop plaque and tartar that can lead to periodontal disease, pain, tooth loss, and even organ damage from bacteria entering the bloodstream. Professional cleaning removes buildup that brushing alone cannot address.

Most pets benefit from professional cleanings every 1-3 years, depending on their oral health. Some breeds and individual pets may need more frequent care. We'll recommend a schedule based on your pet's specific needs.

Anesthesia allows us to perform a thorough cleaning below the gum line, take X-rays, and treat any problems—all while keeping your pet comfortable and still. Awake cleanings only address surface tartar and miss 60% of dental disease.

Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe. We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork, use individualized protocols, and monitor vital signs throughout the procedure. The risk of untreated dental disease far outweighs anesthesia risks.

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For emergencies, please call us directly at (727) 327-5141

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