Answers to Common Veterinary Questions from Grantsville, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
At Casselman Veterinary Services, we want you to feel confident and informed about the care of your pet or livestock.
Clinic Information
Do you offer emergency veterinary services?
Yes. We provide 24-hour emergency care for established patients, including both small animals and large livestock. If your pet or animal is experiencing a medical emergency, please call us immediately at (301) 895-3109 for guidance.
Do you treat exotic pets?
We primarily care for dogs and cats and provide mobile veterinary services for horses and production animals. At this time, we do not offer care for exotic pets such as birds, reptiles, or small mammals.
What should I bring to my pet’s appointment?
Please bring:
- Your pet’s medical records
- A list of any current medications
- Any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss
Dogs must be on a leash, and cats in a secure carrier.
Do I need an appointment?
Preventive Care & Pet Health
When should my puppy start vaccinations?
Puppies should begin their vaccine series between 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until around 16 weeks. Our veterinarians will create a tailored vaccination schedule based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Should I use flea and tick prevention year-round?
Yes. Fleas and ticks can be active year-round, especially indoors or during mild winters. Year-round protection helps prevent infestations and protects your pet from diseases like Lyme disease.
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
We recommend annual check-ups for most pets. Senior pets or those with chronic conditions may require more frequent visits. Wellness exams help detect issues early and keep your pet healthy long-term.
What are signs that my pet may be sick?
Watch for symptoms such as:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Labored breathing
- Behavioral changes
If your pet shows any of these signs, please get in touch with us promptly for an evaluation.
What should I do if my pet eats something toxic?
Call our clinic immediately at (301) 895-3109. Try to identify what and how much was ingested. Common toxins include chocolate, grapes, xylitol, onions, and household cleaners. Quick response is critical.
Surgery & Procedures
What end-of-life services do you offer?
We provide compassionate end-of-life care, including:
- Hospice consultations
- Euthanasia services
- Cremation options
Our team is here to support you and your pet through every stage with dignity and understanding.
How do I prepare my pet for surgery?
Before surgery, your pet must:
- Be current on vaccinations
- Have a recent physical exam
- Follow the feeding instructions provided by our team
We’ll perform a pre-anesthetic evaluation on the day of surgery. After surgery, you’ll receive clear post-op instructions, including pain management and activity restrictions.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
We conduct pre-anesthetic bloodwork to evaluate your pet’s health and reduce risk. Your pet will be carefully monitored throughout the procedure.
Nutrition & Weight Management
What type of food should I feed my pet?
Diet recommendations vary based on your pet’s:
- Age and life stage
- Breed and size
- Activity level and medical needs
We’ll work with you to select a high-quality diet tailored to your pet’s health and lifestyle.
How can I tell if my pet is overweight?
Signs of excess weight include:
- Lack of a visible waist
- Difficulty feeling the ribs
- Decreased energy
We evaluate body condition at each exam and can develop a custom weight management plan for your pet.
Payment & Policies
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept:
- Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
- Cash
- CareCredit for financing
- Pet insurance reimbursements (client submits claim)
Payment is due at the time of service.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
We accept CareCredit, a third-party healthcare credit card with flexible payment options and promotional financing. Learn more at www.carecredit.com.
We do not offer in-house payment plans.
Spay/Neuter & Reproductive Health
When should I spay or neuter my pet?
We typically recommend spaying or neutering between 6 and 12 months of age, depending on breed, sex, and medical history. This timing will be discussed during early wellness visits.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team at Casselman Veterinary Services is here to ensure your questions are answered and your animals receive the care they deserve.