FAQS & FORMS

Answers to Your FAQs and Access to Patient Forms

Information About Our Veterinary Services

For the convenience of our pet patients and their humans, we have included answers to some frequently asked questions about pet care and specific services.

If you have any questions that aren't addressed here, please don't hesitate to call Newton Veterinary Clinic at 618-783-3424.

FAQ Responses

I found (or lost) a pet. What should I do?

If you find a pet, or if yours is lost, below are some numbers you can call for assistance:

Jasper County Animal Control: 618-783-8477
Newton Veterinary Clinic: 618-783-3424*

*Our office phone is answered 24 hours a day to help with animal identification when the identification via rabies tag number or permanent microchip originated with our clinic. We have the equipment to scan microchips and provide immediate identification of animals.

I know it is important to spay and neuter pets to prevent unwanted animals, but is it safe for my pets?

It's actually healthier for your pet! Spaying and neutering can help prevent cancer of the reproductive system and can also help curb behavior problems. Cats and dogs can be spayed or neutered as young as six months of age.

It is not necessary for females to go through their first heat, nor will it stunt an animal's growth to do so before it is fully grown.

If you have questions about spaying / neutering your pet, or you would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call. Both surgeries, with the proper safeguards, pre-operative blood tests, and anesthetics, are safe procedures. Your pet can usually return home the day after surgery.

My pet never goes outside. Does he need to have a microchip implanted?

Some form of permanent identification is a good idea for all pets. Every pet owner can recount a time when their animal ran out when a door was opened or when someone came into the house. If your animal is fitted with a microchip, it can easily be scanned by shelters, clinics, and emergency disaster teams.

How do dogs get heartworms and can they be prevented?

Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes and are almost always fatal if not detected and treated early. Fortunately, prevention is easy. We recommend annual testing as well as a year-round program of prevention.

We also recommend a monthly preventative medication that is beef flavored so that your pet will eat it like a treat.

Is it safe to adopt an animal from a shelter or is it safer to purchase an animal from a breeder or pet store?

Adopting an animal that is in need of a home is a wonderful option. There are so many animals seeking homes and you can find the perfect pet for you. Visit a shelter or rescue group and spend a little time with the animal that you like. Adopt a pet and you have the added pleasure of knowing that you rescued an animal that might otherwise have never found a home.

Animals should have all the required shots and be certified as healthy so that you can be confident with the choice you make.

Why should I purchase medications from my veterinarian?

Only your pet's vet knows the animal's medical history and what options are the best. Just as you wouldn't purchase prescription medications for yourself without first consulting your physician, you should never purchase medication for your pet without consulting their vet. The consequences can be very dangerous!