Frequently Asked Questions

• At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

  Dr. Stephenson at Reilly Road Animal Hospital recommends spaying or neutering all pets not used for breeding purposes. Sterilization not only prevents unwanted litters but can also eliminate certain reproductive cancers as well. He also recommends spaying or neutering puppies and kittens between four and six months of age.

• What are heartworms, and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?

  A heartworm is a parasitic roundworm that is transmitted to both AND cats through the bite of an infected mosquito. Safe and effective heartworm preventative medication is available at Reilly Road Animal Hospital, and our caring staff can determine which one is right for you and your pet. Transmission of heartworms can occur to our pets at nearly any time of year in the Fayetteville, North Carolina area, and therefore Dr. Stephenson recommends year-round protection.

• When is pain management recommended for my pet?

  Simply stated, Dr. Stephenson at Reilly Road Animal Hospital recommends pain medication any time your pet may be hurting! Of course, Dr. Stephenson will address underlying reasons for the pain as well. Painful conditions including any surgical procedure, trauma, osteoarthritis, and certain disease condition warrant the use of pain preventatives in pets at Reilly Road.

• How safe is my pet’s procedure?

  Just as in human medicine, the overall safety of any procedure depends on the age of the patient, and the condition treated. For example, a neuter or spay for a young animal carries less risk than a cancer treatment for a senior animal. Regardless of the type of your pet's medical needs, the experienced staff at Reilly Road Animal Hospital take the greatest possible care of your furry family member! Our hospital has the latest technology including digital x-rays, blood work laboratory, anesthesia, and monitoring equipment for the safety of your pet before, during and after a medical event. Contact Reilly Road Animal Hospital at 910-864-0606 to learn more about how we can take care of your pet's surgical needs.

• How often should my pet have an exam and bloodwork?

  A general rule of thumb is that most animals’ age approximately seven years for each single human year. It is crucial to have your pet examined yearly, especially after they reach the age of five years. Spaying and neutering, as well as vaccinations of puppies and kittens, is critical early in their lives, as is the development of a regular examination schedule at that time. Regardless of the life stage of your pet, our experienced staff will develop a life-treatment plan for your furry companion based on their individual needs. Please call Reilly Road Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina at 910-864-0606, and let us be there for the life of your precious pet.

• Why does my pet need a dental procedure?

  Studies indicate that pets can live up to 25% longer when they receive regular dental care throughout their lives. The bacteria that collect on untreated teeth can cause permanent damage to the teeth, gums, and ultimately the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental cleanings keep your pet's mouth feeling their best while promoting their overall health at the same time. Please call Reilly Road Animal Hospital today to schedule a dental evaluation for your pet!

• How important is nutrition for my pet?

  The proper food in the appropriate portions is vital in the life of your pet. Overweight pets are more prone to medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, mobility issues, and osteoarthritis. Dr. Stephenson at Reilly Road Animal Hospital can work with your pet to determine nutritional solution specifically for their individual needs. Please schedule an appointment at Reilly Road Animal Hospital today to have your pet’s nutritional needs evaluated regardless of their age.

• How long should I wait to bring my pet in if I notice a change in their behavior?

  If you see a change in your precious pet's normal behavior, please contact the caring team at Reilly Road Animal Hospital right away. It is a natural instinct of a pet to hide their pain, so if you notice a lack of appetite, lethargy, even aggressiveness, do not hesitate to call Reilly Road Animal Hospital for an evaluation. While there are numerous causes for our pets to behave abnormally, and not all of them may be a reason for alarm. However, we encourage you to schedule an examination to determine the underlying cause.

• What should I do if I notice visible parasites on my pet?

  Contact Reilly Road Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina right away if you see visible parasites including fleas, ticks, lice and ear mites on your pet. Our hospital maintains the latest and most efficient products for treatment and prevention of parasites that can infest your pet. However, you must remember that you may still need to treat your furry friend's environment using either a professional pest control agency or an acceptable at-home treatment. Without an environmental control, you may continue to see certain parasites until the entire area is treated. Schedule an appointment at Reilly Road Animal Hospital today so our staff can help you to determine which preventative is right for your pet.

• What if my pet has a problem after hours?

  If your pet has an emergency situation please contact Animal Urgent Care Fayetteville at 910-864-2844, which is located at 3635 Sycamore Dairy Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303. Specialty veterinary hospitals include NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, located at 4700 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, NC 21606, telephone 919-513-6911. In Cary, North Carolina, please contact Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas, located 6405-100 Tryon Road in Cary, NC 21518, telephone 919-233-4911.