Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect during my vet visit? 

  1. Please fill out the New Client Form prior to visiting us for your first appointment. Due to the ever changing COVID safety requirements, please refer to our Covid Protocol Tab for up to date information prior to arriving at the clinic.

  2. We strive to make sure your pet’s visit with us can be as enjoyable and stress free as possible. Our team members will greet you and check you in when you arrive at Arrowleaf Veterinary. After obtaining your pet’s history and determining any concerns you would like to address at your visit, your doctor will examine your pet with a team member. After the examination, you and the doctor will discuss a treatment plan and determine if additional treatments or diagnostics are needed for your pet. During this time, costs will be discussed and the treatment plan will reflect agreed upon treatments for your pet’s health and lifestyle. 

  3. Some treatments may be performed in the exam room or in the treatment area outside the exam room. At times, team members need certain equipment or extra space in the treatment area to properly care for your pet. 

  4. After the exam and treatments, you will be ready to be checked out by one of our team members. The doctor may send you with additional instructions after your visits through an email.

  5. Please feel free to call or email any questions you may have prior to your visit with us. We look forward to seeing you!

I have a new puppy or kitten, what do I do now?

I have a new puppy/kitten who is under 16 weeks of age

Vaccine timing is the most important part of your new puppy’s/kitten’s veterinary care. Call us, and we will work with you and your new pet’s vaccine history to determine the best time for their first visit. At that visit we will also discuss deworming, parasite prevention, microchip implantation and timing of their spay or neuter surgery, if desired. Until then, it is very important to keep your new kitten indoors and to keep your new puppy away from high traffic dog parks and community spaces to prevent injury and decrease infectious disease transmission risk. 

I have a new puppy or kitten who is over 16 weeks of age

If you have a new dog or cat who is over 16 weeks of age, we recommend making an appointment to discuss their health needs to ensure they can live a long and healthy life in our beautiful Columbia River Gorge!

Is this an emergency?

Situations that need to be addressed immediately:

  • Abdominal distention/bloat

  • Continuous retching

  • Difficulty urinating (male cats)

  • Unproductive pregnancy contractions

  • Prolapsed uterus

  • Pale or blue gums

  • Collapse

  • Paralysis

  • Trauma

  • More than one seizure in a 24 hour period

  • Severe pain

  • Toxin ingestion:

Situations that should be addressed within 24 hours:

  • Lacerations

  • Moderate pain

  • Acute eye pain/discharge

  • Pain with urination

  • Vomiting with absence of bowel movements

  • Puppies: decreased appetite, lethargic with vomiting and diarrhea

Situations that should be addressed on the next business day:

  • Painful ears

  • Painful paws

  • Lethargy

  • Diarrhea

  • Limping

  • Constipation

  • Cough