Copper Basin Veterinary Clinic FAQs
There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. We have answers to some of our most common questions.
Copper Basin Veterinary Clinic FAQs
What are your hours and location?
Copper Basin Veterinary Clinic (CBVC) is open by appointment on:
Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Wed & Sat: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sun: Closed
We are located at 163 East Tennessee Ave, McCaysville GA 30555
What type of payments do you accept?
Payment is due at the time of service, and we accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and CareCredit for payment. We do not allow billing or charging on accounts, but we do accept Blue Ridge Humane Society vouchers.
Learn more about our payment options here.
How do I schedule an appointment?
We provide online scheduling for appointments. Click here to make an appointment!
What vaccines do you recommend for dogs and cats?
For our canine patients, we recommend yearly Rabies and DA2PP (which includes Distemper, Parvo, Parainfluenza, and Adenovirus type2). Leptospirosis and Bordetella are also recommended depending on your pet’s exposure level which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
For our feline patients, we recommend yearly Rabies and FVRCP (which includes Rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus, and Panleukopenia). We also recommend yearly FeLV (Feline Leukemia) for our outdoor patients.
Learn more about our pet vaccination services here.
What are the most common Intestinal Parasites?
The most common intestinal parasites are Hookworms, Roundworms, Coccidia, Whipworms, Giardia, and Tapeworms. These are treatable infections when given specific prescription deworming medications. Some are also preventable by staying on monthly Heartworm prevention.
Why should I test my dog for heartworms if I am giving heartworm prevention?
Annual testing is necessary, even when dogs are on heartworm prevention year-round, to ensure that the prevention program is working. Heartworm medications are highly effective, but dogs can still become infected. If you miss just one dose of a monthly medication—or give it late—or your pet experiences a weight change, it can leave your dog susceptible to infection. (heartwormsociety.org)
Why should I spay or neuter my pet?
Spaying and neutering your pet not only helps to control overpopulation and unwanted breeding, it also helps to prevent numerous potential health issues and behavior problems. Spaying can help prevent mammary tumors common in unspayed females, as well as uterine infections (Pyometras) and false pregnancy. Neutering can help to prevent testicular and perianal tumors as well as potential prostate problems. It also helps prevent and sometimes treat behavioral aggression and marking.
Do you have an online pharmacy I can order food and prescriptions through?
Yes! You can access our online pharmacy Vetsource by clicking the link here.
What type of pets do you treat?
CBVC is a small animal practice that focuses mainly on dogs and cats who need routine, emergency, and long-term care.
Do I need to make an appointment to be seen?
Yes, CBVC does operate on scheduled appointments. We do however understand that emergencies happen and try to fit them to the best of our abilities. Depending on the severity of the situation, there may be an additional fee for work-ins and emergencies.
To schedule an appointment, you can call our clinic at 706-492-4234.
Do I need to leash my dog or kennel my cat?
Yes! For their safety, we require all dogs to be leashed and all cats to be in carriers unless otherwise instructed by the Veterinarian. If you do not have a leash, come into the office before bringing your pet in we can provide one for you to use for the visit. If you do not have a carrier, one will be provided for you for a small fee.
Do you recommend checking stool samples routinely?
Why should I give my pet Heartworm prevention?
Heartworm disease is a serious disease that results in severe lung disease, heart failure, organ damage, and death in pets, mainly dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The worms are spread through the bite of a mosquito which is prevalent in most areas all year round. (FDA.gov)
Due to the severity of Heartworm Disease, we recommend year-round prevention even for indoor animals.
Another benefit to keeping your pet on Heartworm preventative is the additional prevention of many intestinal parasite infections.
Why should I keep my pet on flea and tick prevention?
Fleas and ticks can cause numerous health issues for pets and people alike. Flea bites can cause flea allergy dermatitis — an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. A pet’s constant scratching can also cause permanent hair loss or other skin problems. In severe infestations, fleas feasting on your pet’s blood can lead to anemia and, in rare cases, death.
Ticks can also harm your pet, transmitting tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, and Bartonellosis. Pets can also bring ticks into the home, exposing you and your family to illness from a tick bite. (FDA.gov)
What age should I spay or neuter my animal?
We recommend spay or neutering cats at 4 to 5 months of age. The recommendation for dogs is dependent on breed and size but can range anywhere from 6 months for small breeds and up to one year for large breeds. The veterinarians will assess each patient and determine what would be best for their specific healthcare situation.
How do I tell if I have an emergency?
While medical problems come in a wide range of severity, some are more serious than others and require immediate care. If your pet has experienced any of the following, please seek immediate medical attention:
- Trauma (i.e., hit by car or animal attack)
- Difficulty breathing
- Profuse vomiting
- Extreme lethargy or tiredness
- Has stopped eating for greater than 24 hours
- Bleeding more than a couple of drops
- Having seizures
- Unable to walk or stand
- Unable to pass urine
- Having difficulty giving birth
- Has a “bloated” abdomen
If your pet does not have any of the above symptoms but you are still concerned, please call the office and one of our medical professionals will be happy to help you.