FAQs inLarchmont Animal Hospital + Urgent Care
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I bring my pet to the vet?
You should bring your pet to the veterinarian anytime you notice changes in their behavior, appetite, energy level, or physical condition. Pets are very good at hiding illness, so even subtle changes can be important. Common reasons for a visit include vomiting, diarrhea, limping, coughing, skin problems, changes in drinking or urination, or if your pet simply seems “not like themselves.”
When in doubt, it is always better to have your pet evaluated early. Many medical conditions are easier and less expensive to treat when they are detected in the early stages.
Why does my pet need dental cleanings?
Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen in dogs and cats, affecting the majority of pets by the age of three. Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth lead to gum inflammation, infection, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated.
Professional dental cleanings performed under anesthesia allow us to thoroughly clean both the visible surfaces of the teeth and the areas below the gumline where most dental disease develops. Maintaining good dental health helps prevent pain, infection, and bacteria that can spread to vital organs such as the heart and kidneys.
When should I seek emergency veterinary care?
You should seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet experiences any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
- Collapse or severe weakness
- Seizures
- Severe trauma (such as being hit by a car)
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Bloated or painful abdomen
- Ingestion of toxins or foreign objects
- Pale gums or signs of severe pain
If you are ever unsure whether something is an emergency, it is always safest to contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away for guidance.
How often should pets receive wellness exams?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats should receive a wellness examination once per year. These visits allow us to monitor your pet’s health, maintain up-to-date vaccinations, and screen for early signs of disease.
Senior pets, generally those over the age of seven, benefit from wellness exams every six months. As pets age, medical conditions such as kidney disease, arthritis, heart disease, and hormonal disorders can develop more rapidly. Regular checkups allow us to identify these conditions early and begin treatment before they become more serious.
What should I do if my pet is vomiting or not eating?
Occasional mild vomiting may resolve on its own, but persistent vomiting or loss of appetite should be taken seriously. If your pet vomits repeatedly, refuses food for more than 24 hours, appears lethargic, or shows signs of abdominal pain, it is best to contact your veterinarian.
These symptoms can be caused by a wide range of conditions, from simple dietary upset to more serious problems such as intestinal obstruction, infection, pancreatitis, toxin exposure, or organ disease. Early evaluation helps determine the cause and allows treatment to begin before complications develop.
Common Pet Health Questions
Why is my dog eating grass?
Many dogs occasionally eat grass, and in most cases this is normal behavior. Some dogs simply enjoy the taste or texture, while others may eat grass when they have mild stomach upset. Most dogs that eat grass do not become sick afterward.
However, if your dog is eating grass frequently and vomiting regularly, it may indicate gastrointestinal irritation or another underlying issue. If the behavior becomes persistent, a veterinary examination is recommended.
Why is my pet scratching so much?
Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing is often a sign of allergies, parasites, or skin infections. Fleas are a common cause of itching, but many pets also develop environmental allergies to things like pollen, grasses, or dust mites.
Secondary bacterial or yeast infections can develop as a result of chronic skin irritation. A veterinary examination can help identify the underlying cause and provide treatment that brings relief to your pet.
Why does my dog have bad breath?
Persistent bad breath is often a sign of dental disease. Plaque and tartar buildup allow bacteria to accumulate under the gumline, which leads to gum inflammation and infection. Over time, dental disease can cause pain, tooth loss, and bacteria that may affect the heart, kidneys, and other organs.
Routine dental care, including professional cleanings and home dental hygiene, plays an important role in maintaining your pet’s overall health.
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
A healthy pet should have a visible waist when viewed from above, and you should be able to feel the ribs without excessive fat covering them. Obesity is very common in pets and increases the risk of conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and reduced lifespan.
Your veterinarian can help determine your pet’s ideal body condition and develop a safe nutrition and exercise plan if needed.
Why is my cat not using the litter box?
Changes in litter box habits are a common concern for cat owners. Medical issues such as urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation, kidney disease, or pain can cause cats to avoid the litter box. Stress, environmental changes, or issues with the litter box itself—such as location, cleanliness, or type of litter—can also contribute.
Because urinary problems can become serious quickly, especially in male cats, it is important to seek veterinary care if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box.
Why is my pet drinking so much water?
Increased thirst and urination can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition. Common causes include kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or hormonal disorders such as Diabetes or Cushing’s disease.
If you notice that your pet is drinking significantly more water than usual or needing to urinate more frequently, it is a good idea to schedule a veterinary exam. Early testing can often detect medical conditions before they become severe.
Why is my pet suddenly limping?
Limping can occur for many reasons, including soft tissue injuries, arthritis, ligament damage, fractures, or joint disease. Some pets may also limp due to spinal issues or nerve-related conditions.
If the limping persists for more than a day, worsens, or is associated with swelling or significant pain, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Why is preventive care important for pets?
Preventive care helps detect health problems before they become serious or difficult to treat. Regular examinations, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and routine blood testing allow veterinarians to monitor your pet’s health over time.
Early detection of disease often leads to better outcomes and helps pets live longer, healthier lives.
Symptoms Guide
My dog is vomiting. When should I worry?
Occasional vomiting can happen with minor stomach upset, but repeated vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, or inability to keep water down should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Vomiting can be caused by dietary indiscretion, infection, toxins, pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, or systemic disease. If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, veterinary care should be sought promptly.
My dog is limping. Should I wait or see a vet?
Minor strains can sometimes improve with rest, but persistent limping may indicate ligament injury, arthritis, fractures, or joint disease. If the limp lasts more than 24 hours or worsens, a veterinary examination is recommended.
My pet seems tired and less active than usual
Lethargy or decreased activity can be an early sign of many medical conditions including infection, pain, heart disease, anemia, or metabolic disorders. If your pet appears unusually tired for more than a day or two, veterinary evaluation is recommended.
My cat is not eating. Is that an emergency?
Cats that stop eating can quickly develop serious health problems, especially if they go more than 24 hours without food. Loss of appetite may be caused by dental disease, infections, organ dysfunction, gastrointestinal problems, metabolic disease, hormonal imbalances, cancer, toxin ingestion, autoimmune diseases, and more.
Because prolonged fasting can lead to hepatic lipidosis, cats should be evaluated by a veterinarian if they refuse food for more than a day.
My pet is itching constantly. What could be causing it?
Chronic itching is commonly caused by allergies, fleas, mites, skin infections, and hormonal imbalances. These conditions are very common in pets and are often associated with hair loss, irritated/painful/itchy skin and significant discomfort if left untreated.
Conditions We Treat
Our hospital provides comprehensive medical care for dogs and cats and treats a wide range of medical conditions, including:
- Allergies and chronic skin conditions
- Ear infections
- Gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting and diarrhea
- Diabetes and other hormonal disorders
- Seizures and neurological disorders
- Kidney and urinary tract disease
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Arthritis and mobility issues
- Dental disease
- Respiratory disease
- Infectious diseases
- Parasite infections
- Preventive care and wellness medicine
Our goal is to provide accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and compassionate care for every patient.
Why Choose Our Hospital
Choosing the right veterinarian is one of the most important decisions you can make for your pet’s health. Our hospital is dedicated to providing exceptional medical care, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate service.
- Experienced Veterinary Care
Our veterinary team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions in dogs and cats, with a strong focus on both preventive care, emergency medicine, and advanced medical treatment.
- Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care
We believe that pets are members of the family. Our team takes the time to explain diagnoses, discuss treatment options, and partner with pet owners to make the best decisions for their pets.Our mission is simple: to help pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
- Advanced Diagnostics
We utilize modern diagnostic tools including digital radiography, ultrasound, and comprehensive laboratory testing to help detect health problems early and guide effective treatment.
- Comprehensive Medical and Surgical Care
From routine wellness exams to complex medical and surgical procedures, our hospital provides a full range of services designed to keep pets healthy throughout every stage of life.
After-hours / Emergency Care Outside of Operating Hours
MASH
Mail: reception@mash.vet
Call: (855) 350-7387
Address: MASH MAIN HOSPITAL
6565 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA, 90038
MASH Outpatient Facility
6611 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA, 90038
ACCESS
Culver City: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/locations/california/culver-city/access-animal-hospitals-los-angeles?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=web
ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals:
Address: 9599 Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City, California 90232
Call: (310) 997-1543