FAQs
Have questions about your pet's care? You've come to the right place. Our FAQ page is designed to give you quick, helpful answers about our veterinary services, appointment scheduling, what to expect during your visit, and how we handle everything from routine wellness exams to urgent care needs. At Jones Veterinary Clinic, we believe an informed pet owner is empowered to make the best decisions for their animal's health and happiness. Browse the questions below, and if you don't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to contact us. We're always happy to help.
Dental FAQs
Why does my pet need to be under full anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Pet patients are not able to tolerate having their teeth cleaned while awake the way human patients can. Performing the procedure under full anesthesia ensures that it is completely pain free and stress free for your pet, while also allowing our veterinary team to do a thorough and safe cleaning.
Why does my pet need pre-surgical bloodwork before a dental procedure?
Pre-surgical bloodwork is recommended to catch any early or underlying health issues before your pet goes under anesthesia. It also helps us confirm that your pet's organ systems, including the liver and kidneys, are functioning well enough to safely process anesthesia.
Why do some teeth need to be extracted?
Diseased or infected teeth cannot heal on their own and must be extracted to prevent further damage. When left untreated, these teeth can contribute to progressive bone loss, heart disease, and kidney disease in pets.
Why does my pet need professional teeth cleanings?
Bacteria and tartar buildup on your pet's teeth are about more than just bad breath. Over time, this buildup has been directly linked to heart disease and kidney disease in cats and dogs. Regular professional cleanings are one of the most important things you can do for your pet's long term health.
What can I do at home to reduce how often my pet needs professional dental cleanings?
Daily tooth brushing with a fluoride free pet toothpaste is the single most effective thing you can do at home to slow tartar buildup and reduce the frequency of professional dental cleanings. Ask our team for recommendations on pet safe products.
SURGERY FAQS
How long will my pet need to be confined and leash walked after surgery?
For routine surgical procedures such as spays, neuters, and mass removals, we generally recommend a recovery period of 10 to 14 days. During this time, confinement and leash only walks help protect the incision site and support proper healing.
Why does my pet need to be dropped off in the morning on surgery day?
Morning drop off gives our team the time needed to properly prepare your pet before the procedure begins. This includes placing an IV catheter, performing a pre-surgical exam to confirm your pet is healthy for anesthesia, and running any necessary labwork, all before the procedure starts.
Will my pet be in pain after surgery?
Your pet's comfort is a priority. Before going home, your pet will receive a pain injection, and you will also be sent home with pain medication to administer during recovery. Our team will walk you through dosing and what to watch for.
Why does my pet need to wear an e-collar after surgery?
As surgical incisions begin to heal, they become itchy. Pets will naturally try to lick or chew at the area, which can cause the incision to open or become infected. The Elizabethan collar, commonly called an e-collar or cone, prevents your pet from disturbing the incision site while it heals.
WELLNESS FAQS
Why does my dog need a yearly heartworm test?
Each year at your dog's wellness appointment, we take a small blood sample to test for heartworms and to check for any signs of resistance to heartworm prevention medication. This annual test helps ensure it is safe to continue or start your pet on a heartworm prevention protocol and gives us early detection if prevention has failed.
Why do pets need certain vaccines every year?
Different diseases require different vaccination schedules based on the manufacturer's recommendations and your pet's lifestyle. Kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease, requires vaccination every 6 to 12 months. Leptospirosis is a bacteria found in water sources and wildlife that can cause kidney failure in both dogs and people. Parvovirus is spread through contaminated feces and soil and can be fatal. Rabies is a deadly virus spread through bite wounds that puts both pets and people at risk. Keeping vaccines current is one of the most reliable ways to protect your pet and your family.
Why does my pet need to stay on heartworm and flea and tick prevention year round?
Heartworm disease can lead to early heart failure and even sudden death in pets. Flea and tick borne diseases are a real and present threat here in Oklahoma. Common diseases we see in this region include Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, and Bobcat Fever. Year round prevention is the most effective way to keep your pet protected.
Why can't I get a prescription for my pet without bringing them in for an exam?
A valid Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship, or VCPR, is required by state law before any prescription medication can be prescribed. A valid VCPR means that your pet has been seen by one of our veterinarians within the last 12 months. This requirement exists to protect your pet's safety and ensure medications are appropriate for their current health status.
Does my dog really need the leptospirosis vaccine?
Yes, and here is why it matters. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to people. It can cause serious kidney failure in pets and poses a real health risk to the humans in your household as well. We strongly recommend this vaccine for dogs in our area.
Office visits and heartworm prevention can add up. Do you offer payment plans?
We understand that quality veterinary care is an investment, and we want to make it as accessible as possible. Jones Veterinary Clinic accepts Cherry payment plans, CareCredit, and Scratchpay to help you manage the cost of care for your pet.
Is a grain free diet a good choice for my dog or cat?
Current veterinary research shows that fewer than 1% of dogs and cats have a true grain allergy. More importantly, grain free diets have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease in pets. For these reasons, we recommend diets that include grains as part of a balanced nutritional profile. Our team is happy to help guide you toward food choices that are right for your specific pet.
Proudly Serving Jones and the Surrounding Communities
Small Town Vet. Exceptional Care.
At Jones Veterinary Clinic, we provide compassionate care for pets, and both small and large animals in Jones, Choctaw, Harrah, Luther, Arcadia, Guthrie, Edmond, Midwest City, Del City, Nicoma Park, Spencer, and the surrounding areas of central Oklahoma. Small town care means you are not just a number here. You get a team that gets to know you and your pet by name, offers same day appointments that are often available, and an easy in and out experience that metro clinics simply cannot match. No crowded waiting rooms, no week long wait times, and no fighting city traffic just to see a vet. If you are coming from the Oklahoma City metro or surrounding communities, Jones Veterinary Clinic is a short drive that makes a big difference. Quality veterinary care, a friendly familiar team, and a whole lot less stress for you and your animal.