What can I expect on my first visit to your office?
As a new client to our practice, we wish to welcome you warmly and make you and your pet feel as comfortable as possible. We know this can be a stressful time for pets, as well as their owners, and we take every measure to ensure a calm and happy visit.
When you arrive, you will be greeted warmly and escorted into one of our examination rooms by one of our veterinary assistants. There you will briefly discuss your pet’s history and any concerns you may be having regarding your pet’s health or behavior.
The veterinarian will see you next. She will examine your pet, answer any questions you may have, and discuss any further necessary tests or treatments.
Upon exiting the exam room, our client care specialists at the front desk will schedule any follow-up appointments and handle the financial details of your visit.
We look forward to meeting both you and your animal family.
Why is my pet being referred to a specialist?
Our number one concern at Cohutta Animal Clinic is the well-being and health of your pet. We want our patients to receive the highest standard of care. Occasionally, it is necessary to refer patients to veterinary specialists or clinics that have additional, advanced training or equipment in specific areas. These board-certified specialists have extensive training and experience in a particular field, as well as equipment that may not be used routinely for general practitioners.
My pet does not seem to be improving after our visit to your clinic. What should I do?
Call us. Just like human doctors, veterinarians sometimes need to try more than one treatment or medication to find the answer to your pet’s health needs. Please let us know if the treatment decided upon with you and the veterinarian does not seem to be helping you pet. We want to work with you and find the solutions to your pet’s health problems.
Is it OK to call the clinic with health concerns and questions about my pet?
Of course! Although we cannot diagnose your pet’s condition over the phone, we welcome your questions and concerns. Besides being unethical and illegal, diagnosing your pet without doing a physical exam could result in a wrong diagnosis, and could potentially be harmful or even fatal to your pet. However, you are welcome to give us a call and we would be happy to set up an appointment for your pet at a time that is convenient.
Why is my pet weighed during each visit to the veterinarian?
Just like your doctor keeps a record of weight and height each time you visit, your veterinarian keeps a record of your pet’s. This is to ensure that any medication prescribed will be the correct dose. It also can help your veterinarian notice any clues to potential health concerns.
My pet is hard to control when around other animals. Are there any special arrangements I can make for this?
We would be happy to accommodate your pet’s needs in this situation so as to make your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible. When you are scheduling your appointment, please let us know about any potential concerns you have, and we will make sure to have proper arrangements made upon your arrival.
Our office uses specialized products in our exam rooms specifically designed to calm nervous pets when they visit. For our feline room, we use Feliway, and for our canine room, we use Adaptil. Both of these products are safe and natural products that release pheromones that mimic the animal’s own scents and calm your pet in stressful situations. We also sell both of these products for use in your home or anywhere that your pet might need them: a new home, during transport, boarding, introducing a new pet, new furniture, unfamiliar people, presence of other animals. Feliway can help with certain unpleasant behavior in your cats like urine marking and scratching. Adaptil can help calm your dog with anxiety-related conditions and stressful situations. Both products are not only safe for your pet, but they are also safe for you and your family. They are odorless and non-sedative.
We also recommend Composure, a product designed to calm your pet down in stressful situations given orally as a treat. Please call our office if you have any questions about these products, or if you would like to try them to see if they may help your pet!
My dog is really well trained. Does he/she need to be on a leash or in a carrier when we come for our appointment?
Yes. For the safety of all pets, clients and our staff, we require ALL pets to be restrained while at our clinic, either on a leash or in a carrier. With the excitement of unfamiliar surroundings and new smells and animals, pets (even well-trained ones) often can become anxious or uneasy. Our staff will let you know when it is safe for you to let your pet off of his/her leash or out of his/her carrier. Until this happens, we ask all our clients to please respect our policy.
My pet needs to come in for a wellness visit or minor procedure, but I don’t have time to wait around. Can I drop my pet off and pick him/her up later in the day?
We do offer drop-off appointments for our client’s convenience. Please let us know you have this special need when scheduling your appointment and we would happy to arrange it. We usually ask that you drop off your pet in the morning. We will call you when your pet is ready to be picked up.
I have decided it is time to let my pet go, but she/he cannot move very well, and I would really prefer to have this done at my home. Can you come to my house?
Unfortunately, we are not able to make house calls at this time. Please call our office to discuss options for your pet.
What is the easiest way to schedule an appointment for my pet?
Please call us at (706) 946-7387 to make an appointment that is convenient for you. You may also use our online appointment scheduler found in your personal Petly page.