Veterinary Services

At Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, your pet is in good hands.

APPOINTMENT

We’re Here For Your Pet!

Hardin County Veterinary Clinic welcomes both emergency treatment cases during office hours as well as pet patients in need of routine medical, surgical, and dental care.

Wellness Care & Exams

Just as a person would have a yearly exam at their own doctor’s office, we recommend annual physicals for all patients. Routine health exams are one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your cat or dog’s health. At Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we recommend that your cat or dog has a routine wellness check-up once a year to ensure your pet is happy and healthy.

Our wellness check-ups are a simple and effective way of monitoring your cat or dog’s health. In addition to a full snout to tail exam, we may customarily recommend the following for your pet:

  • Fecal parasite testing
  • Vaccinations
  • Baseline bloodwork and/or urine screening
  • Heartworm and tick panel screening tests
  • Preventative medicine (such as heartworm, flea, and tick preventions)

Pets age differently for every human year, so an annual physical is an equivalent of a human check-up every five, seven, or even ten years! Our pets often can’t express themselves when they are suffering from an illness or disease and may not present symptoms with the onset of an illness or disease. These routine check-ups help the doctor to recognize early signs of illness that may otherwise not necessarily be noted at home. Remember, for an owner that sees the pet every day, gradual changes aren’t as easily noticeable. Some pets may need exams more often, such as seniors or those with chronic diseases.

Some signs that your pet may be suffering from an illness or disease include but are not limited to:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Decreased activity or lack of appetite
  • More or less frequent urination
  • Coughing
  • Hair loss/itchy skin
  • Difficulty moving – stiffness or lameness
  • Increased appetite or thirst

 

Dentistry

 

Periodontal disease is the most common illness in dogs and cats over three years of age. Bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gum tissue, leading to infection and loss of bone surrounding the teeth.

“Bad breath” is the first sign owners often notice at home. Inflamed gums are painful, but some cats and dogs will not show dental pain. Meanwhile, bacteria below the gum line can enter the bloodstream, and studies have proven that pets with severe periodontal disease sustain microscopic damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart tissue.

Prevention is the key to managing periodontal disease; daily oral hygiene at home is combined with periodic professional cleaning. When necessary, extraction of diseased teeth will keep your cat or dog’s mouth clean and healthy.

At Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we offer dental care for your pet. Teeth are ultrasonically scaled both above and below the gum line, followed by polishing. The goal is to protect and save healthy teeth, and when necessary, remove diseased, painful teeth. In cats, tooth resorption causes painful teeth that must be extracted for comfort. Most cats and dogs are eating within 24 hours and will eat even dry food following multiple dental extractions.

How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Dental disease (especially periodontal disease) is the most common disease in pet dogs and cats. It is also one of the most preventable diseases with proper dental care, including brushing at home.

  • The first step is to start with a clean, healthy mouth, such as a young pet with healthy new teeth and gums or after your pet had had a professional dental cleaning.
  • You will need a soft-bristled toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste. Human toothpaste and baking soda may cause problems with dogs and cats. Veterinary toothpaste has flavors that are appealing to dogs and cats. Anything other than a bristled toothbrush will not get below the gum line (the most critical area to brush). A finger brush is a good option for introducing your pet to brushing.
  • There are several important facts about our pets’ mouths that tell us when, where, and how to brush. Periodontal disease in dogs and cats usually affects the upper back teeth first and worst. Plaque builds up on the tooth surface daily, especially just under the gum line. It takes less than 36 hours for this plaque to become mineralized and harden into “tartar” (calculus) that cannot be removed with a brush. Because of this progression, brushing should be done daily to remove the plaque from under the gum line.
  • Pick a time of day that will conveniently become part of your pet’s and your daily routine. For dogs, just before a walk and for both dogs and cats, before a daily treat can help your pet actually look forward to brushing time. Take a few days to let both of you get used to the process. Follow with praise and a walk or treat each time. Start by offering them a taste of the veterinary toothpaste. The next time, let them taste the toothpaste and then run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth. Repeat the process with the toothbrush. Get the bristles of the brush along the gum from back to front, making small circles along the gum lines. It should take you less than 30 seconds to brush your pet’s teeth. Do not try to brush the entire mouth at first. If all that your pet lets you brush is the outside of the upper teeth, you are still addressing the most important area of periodontal disease prevention. If your pet eventually allows you to brush most of their teeth, so much the better.
  • Even with the best tooth brushing, dogs and cats will still need occasional professional cleaning, just like humans. By brushing your pet’s teeth daily, curtailing the amount of periodontal disease, you may reduce the frequency and involvement of dental cleanings and provide your pet with a healthier, sweeter smile.
On-Site Pharmacy

We have an in-house pharmacy to help serve you and your pet. We offer prescriptions on request. If we don’t have a medication that you need, we will work with you to find the best solution for your pet.

Surgery

Pets need surgery sometimes, just as we do. Bringing your pet in to undergo surgery can be difficult for you and your pet. This is why at Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we strive to meet the highest level of patient care while providing your pet with surgical diagnostics and treatment in our surgical suite. Some of our common surgeries include, but are not limited to:

  • Routine spaying/neutering
  • Mass removal
  • Cystotomy
  • Enucleation
  • Hernia repair

Pre-Surgical Steps

To reduce patient risk, it is recommended to run pre-surgical blood screens. This screening is essential as it can reveal an underlying illness or disease, especially in older pets. All patients are monitored with EKG leads and blood oxygen levels.

Pain Management

Pain management is evaluated on a patient-by-patient basis. We strive to provide a comfortable recovery for your pet. When your pet is discharged, we may send additional pain medication for your pet at home. Our staff will go through the post-care procedure for your pet and dosage information on any medications.

Post-Surgery Care

When it is time for your pet to be discharged, our staff will provide you with detailed information with instructions on how to care for your pet properly post-surgery. It is important to follow instructions to help assist your pet in their speedy recovery.

When should I spay/neuter my dog or cat?

We offer spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs starting at four months of age. For canines, spay and neuter recommendations vary based upon breed and size of the pet. Your vet will provide you with recommendations based upon the individual patient during an exam.

Chronic Disease & Pain Management

What is a chronic disease?

A chronic disease is a condition that has a slow progression over a long period of time and can often be maintained with treatment.

Some types of chronic diseases include:

  • Dermatological conditions
  • Kidney disease
  • Thyroid disease
  • Degenerative joint disease

Does your cat or dog suffer from a chronic illness and require specialized care? At Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to helping you provide the proper treatment for your pet. On occasion, this means medications or fluid therapy, which may need to be routinely given at home with follow-up appointments done in the hospital. Discussing long-term care and disease management options is an essential step in disease management. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Puppy/Kitten Care

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting time for your family. Our team can help you start your new puppy or kitten off right!

First Vet Visit

Our vets recommend that you set up your pet’s first visit with us soon after adoption. It’s important to get your new pet set up with a good parasite and vaccination program as well as a thorough examination to assure your puppy or kitten is healthy and prepared to stay that way.

Vaccinations

Starting puppy and kitten vaccinations while keeping them on a schedule is critical to protecting their fragile systems from the most common diseases.

Parasite Screening

Puppies and kittens eat or sniff at many things that can carry the eggs for internal parasites. Checking yearly for intestinal worms and administering necessary treatments is an essential means for assuring your puppy or kitten will absorb nutrients and grow from the food you provide. 

Spay/Neuter

Our team usually recommends spaying or neutering at six months of age to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of other health problems. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, and our veterinarians will have an open discussion with you to decide on the best time to spay your neuter your particular dog or cat.

Radiology (X-Rays)
At Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we offer digital radiology services. We will use our veterinary experience and expertise to obtain prompt and accurate images of your pet to help in diagnosing any health issues. We love animals, and it will show as our professionally trained staff provide these top-notch imaging services.

Outpatient service offers :

  • Digital radiology
  • Prompt review of scans
  • Anesthesia monitoring
  • Online radiology consultation available, appointment, and follow-up veterinary services

To provide clients and patients with even more diagnostic tools, our X-rays have more detail than ever. Also, being fully digital means that patients referred out can bring their X-rays with them on a CD or be emailed ahead. We strive to ensure that all patients get the best treatment available to them promptly and efficiently.

What are some reasons that my pet may need x-rays?

  • Foreign objects
  • Broken or dislocated bones
  • Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other chest related issues
  • GI upset
  • Heart conditions
  • Masses/cancers
Euthanasia Guidance & Services

What is my pet’s quality of life? When will I know it’s time? What happens during this process? Will my pet feel pain? These are all questions we get on a regular basis, and we’re here to help. Hardin County Veterinary Clinic will be here to provide compassionate guidance and support during the difficult end-of-life decisions you have to make. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Laboratory Testing & Diagnostics
Hardin County Veterinary Clinic is proud to offer laboratory testing with our in-house equipment. 

This helps us provide same-day results for your pet when needed and start treatment during that same visit. For the more complicated cases, we work with a handful of outside laboratories to get answers with a speedy turnaround.

Some of our common laboratory tests include:

  • Urinalysis
  • Complete blood counts (CBC)
  • Pre-operative screenings
  • Major organs including liver and kidney functions
  • Thyroid levels
  • Skin fungal cultures
Vaccinations

Did you know that many of the diseases and illnesses that can affect dogs and cats are preventable through proper pet vaccinations? There are a variety of diseases that can affect cats and dogs, but most pets can be protected from the worst of them if they are appropriately vaccinated. We will vaccinate your cat or dog against all preventable diseases deemed appropriate for your individual pet to keep them safe and healthy.

When vaccinating, we evaluate on a case-by-case basis to ensure no over-vaccination of pets at low risk for certain diseases. Talking with the veterinarian about home life, hobbies, and exposure to wildlife will help to ensure that the proper measures are taken to vaccinate your pet. At Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we currently vaccinate for these common diseases below.

Canine:

  • Rabies
  • DA2PP (Parvo/Distemper)
  • Lyme
  • Leptospirosis
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
  • Canine Influenza

Feline:

  • Rabies
  • FVRCP (Feline Distemper)
  • Leukemia
Microchipping

Microchips are designed to help identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners. One in three pets become lost during their lifetime, and only one in ten are ever found. By microchipping, you can help ensure a pet’s safe return in the event that the pet is lost or separated from its owner. It also acts as a permanent identifier for your pet and is also required for any international travel with your pet.

Parasite Prevention & Control
At Hardin County Veterinary Clinic, we’re committed to giving every patient the customized, comprehensive care they deserve. Our goal is to spare you and your pets from preventable pain and suffering while enriching your lives with many healthy, happy years together. Preventative care is essential to this mission, and it’s not limited to wellness exams and vaccinations. We also offer products and treatments that prevent parasites from infecting your pets.

Because every patient is unique (and we treat them as such), we can’t predict exactly what products your pets will need until we meet them. Parasite exposure risks depend on species, breed, age, exercise habits, geography, and a variety of other factors. However, we think it’s important for every pet owner to understand the following basics of pet parasite prevention.

Our veterinary hospital is equipped to prevent and treat parasite infestations, but prevention is always better and more effective. We carry a variety of parasite prevention products at our hospital, including prescription and non-prescription products, oral and topical application methods, and preventatives for internal and external parasites.

Here are the most common external parasites for dogs and cats:

  • Fleas
  • Ear Mites
  • Mange Mites
  • Ticks

Other parasites actually infest the intestinal system or other major organs. When pets have external parasite infestations, they may accidentally ingest eggs or larvae, causing infestations within their bodies. These internal parasites include:

  • Heartworm
  • Hookworm
  • Roundworm
  • Tapeworm
  • Coccidia
  • Giardia

If your pet already has parasites, they may be suffering in ways you don’t notice yet. If you suspect your dog or cat already has worms, it’s essential to seek treatment right away. Symptoms of worms in dogs include coughing, vomiting, appetite loss, weight loss, and low energy levels. Cats don’t always exhibit the same symptoms, but cats may have worms in their stool, and kittens with hookworms may have bloody stool, diarrhea, weakness, and stomach pain.

We also treat flea infestations, ear mites, mange, and other external parasites. Ask your vet about shampoos and ointments if your pet has external irritation or you’re struggling to eliminate pests from your home.

No pet owner wants to see their dog or cat suffer because parasites have taken over their body. Protect your pets from fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites by ensuring they receive consistent doses of preventative products. Each veterinarian at our hospital offers customized parasite prevention for their patients.

Talk to your veterinarian about parasite prevention today. They will consider your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle before recommending the products they need to minimize risks and avoid painful, debilitating infestations later. We encourage you to act quickly to protect your new pets, then keep up with a lifelong schedule of regular parasite prevention.

Sometimes the key to keeping a healthy pet is to avoid issues from the beginning. Many simple, routine treatments can be done in the comfort of an owner’s home to help manage a pets’ health and well-being.

We routinely recommend the use of heartworm preventatives and flea and tick control. Due to the area we live in, these preventions are best done year-round, even for indoor-only pets. For many patients, routine screening blood work such as heartworm/tick panels or major blood chemistries are advised as well.

Flea Prevention

When your cat or dog has fleas, you will often notice they may appear restless and are continually scratching. It is essential to provide your pet with a flea preventive since those fleas can bite humans and can carry or cause diseases that can be life-threatening to your pet!

Tick Prevention

Ticks can spread diseases, including Lyme disease, tick paralysis, and other serious diseases. If your pet spends time outdoors, it is crucial to invest in a tick preventative to keep them safe. After you and your pet spend time outdoors, you must check both yourself and the pet to catch any ticks that may have found their way onto you and your pet.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm disease is a serious disease that can be fatal. It is carried by mosquitoes and caused by heartworms that live in the lungs and heart. Protecting your pet is easy. Products like Heartgard® help protect your pet from this disease.

Emergency Care
In the event of an after-hours emergency, it is recommended to go to one of the below clinics:

Jackson Pet Emergency Clinic
731-660-4343
2815 N Highland Ave Suite D
Jackson, TN 38305

Shoals Area Veterinary Emergency
256-740-4800
310 W Dr Hicks Blvd
Florence, AL 35630

Please note, our clinic is not staffed after hours.

Senior Care

Sometimes the golden years aren’t so golden.

As your pet ages, it’s important to pay special attention to their overall health and happiness. For some pets, this means just occasional blood screenings, but there may be the necessity for more frequent visits to Hardin County Veterinary Clinic for others. Most older cats or dogs can be helped with medications alone or in conjunction with natural supplements.

Some common ailments that we screen for include:

  • Heart issues
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Dental concerns
  • Hearing and vision loss
  • Major organ functions

How do you know if your pet is a senior?

Most pets are considered seniors at around eight years, but some larger breeds like Great Danes are considered seniors around six or seven years of age.

Does my senior pet require extra tests?

Once your pet is eight years of age or older, we recommend getting baseline bloodwork and urine in order to screen for underlying conditions that may not be noticeable at home yet. Many slow to progress issues are hard to recognize at home since owners see their pets every day.

Are there symptoms and changes I should look for in my senior pet?

If your senior pet develops any of these symptoms, you should call us at 731-925-1462 to schedule an appointment:

  • Extreme weight loss
  • Difficulty climbing stairs
  • Loss of house training
  • Changes in activity level
  • Loss of hearing or vision
  • Increase in thirst /urination

Payment Options

We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and CareCredit.

CareCredit

CareCredit

CareCredit helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for your pets! Once you are approved, you can use it, again and again, to help manage costs not covered by insurance.

From routine appointments to emergency situations or surgeries, the CareCredit card gives pet owners the peace of mind needed to care for big and small pets.

Unlike traditional pet financing or veterinary payment plans, the CareCredit credit card gives you the flexibility to use your card again and again for your pet’s procedures.