FAQ

Your Veterinary Questions Answered in Columbus, MS

Allergy FAQ

  • What Are Pet Allergies?

    Pet allergies are an immune response to a foreign substance, such as food, dust, mold spores, or pollen. These substances can trigger a mild or severe allergic reaction in pets (sneezing and itchy skin).

  • How Can Animal Health Services Help?

    At Animal Health Services, we take pet allergies seriously. We can help diagnose and manage your pet's allergies with our practice's treatment. We might also recommend allergy tests to determine what your pet is allergic to and help provide you with the best treatment options.

    We can also provide tips and advice on reducing your pet's exposure to allergens.


  • What Are the Signs of a Pet Allergy?

    Common signs of pet allergies include excessive scratching, rubbing their face or body on furniture or carpets, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, runny nose, and/or skin inflammation or lesions. If you notice these signs in your pet, contact us for proper diagnosis and treatment.

  • What Are the Benefits of Allergy Testing?

    Allergy testing can be beneficial for pets suffering from allergies. It can help determine which substance is causing the reaction, leading to more targeted treatments and fewer side effects. Allergy testing can also help identify other potential triggers for your pet, such as environmental allergens like dust mites or pollen. This information can be used to create an allergy management plan to help manage your pet's symptoms and reduce their exposure to the allergen.

  • Can Pet Allergies Be Cured?

    Unfortunately, pet allergies cannot be cured. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, they can be managed to help reduce symptoms and make your pet more comfortable.

Boarding FAQ

  • What Are the Benefits of Pet Boarding?

    Boarding your pet with us ensures their safety, comfort, and happiness. It also reduces the stress of being left behind and will keep your pet entertained during their stay. When you leave your pet at home alone, it puts them at risk of many things. They may choke on something, and your animal may be in great danger if no one is there to notice. But when you take them to a boarding facility, someone will always watch them throughout the day.

  • What Happens to Animals With Medical Concerns During Pet Boarding?

    Our goal is to ensure the comfort of all pets in our care. When you check-in, please let us know if your pet has any medical concerns. We can discuss their treatment plan with our veterinarian and ensure they are comfortable boarding with us. If something comes up during the stay, we can promptly provide them with the medical attention they need. And if your pet takes medications, our staff is always keen to administer them as necessary.

  • How Will I Know My Pet Is Safe and Comfortable at the Boarding Facility?

    When you arrive, we'll go over your pet's thorough background. You can look around, meet the veterinarian and other staff, and learn more about the environment your pet will be boarding in. Many pets are initially shy, so we understand if they're reluctant to board.

Dermatology FAQ

  • Why Do Pets Need a Dermatologist?

    Your pet's skin is beneath the fluffy fur you love to rub your hands over. And where there is skin, there can be skin conditions. One of the downsides to your pet having fur is that they can have a large rash or infection, and you do not even notice it as it’s covered up. Unfortunately, this can lead to a great deal of pain and suffering. A pet dermatologist looks beneath the fur, diagnosing and treating skin conditions.

  • What Types of Skin Conditions Do Pets Typically Suffer From?

    A pet’s body is as complex as a human's, so the types of skin conditions they might suffer from are varied. However, some include allergic reactions to things they've eaten or played in, flea and tick bites that become infected, rashes or dry skin due to hormonal imbalances, and more. These tend not to go away without proper care.

  • When Should We Schedule a Pet Dermatology Appointment?

    It’s always good practice to schedule a pet dermatology appointment at least once a year to monitor regular conditions. If you notice your pet suffering between visits or your veterinarian suggests it, you might need to make an appointment more often.

    Remember that some veterinarians specialize in pet dermatology, meaning they can provide comprehensive pet care. Others can diagnose and treat some conditions but might refer you to a specialist in specific situations. In either case, working with your regular veterinarian closely can ensure your pet gets the best possible treatment method.  


  • What Should I Expect When We Visit a Pet Dermatologist?

    It will be like your first appointment with a new doctor or specialist. Information about your pet is collected from you and your veterinarian. An exam is completed to give the pet dermatologist an understanding of what might happen. When necessary, testing is ordered. Typically, you’ll leave with recommendations, information on how to proceed, and possibly a prescription.  

Microchipping FAQ

  • How Is a Microchip Inserted?

    A microchip is injected under the skin using a needle. This is not painful for your pet; once the chip is inserted, it won't need additional care or treatment. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and won't cause discomfort. It will begin working immediately. 

  • Can a Microchip Track My Pet?

    A microchip is not a tracker and does not work as GPS. Instead, it contains a serial number that can be read with a scanner. This serial number matches the information about your pet and the contact information you provide to a pet registry.

  • How Do Microchips Help?

    If you and your pet are separated, any veterinarian or shelter can scan him to check for a microchip. This is painless and can instantly identify your pet as yours. The chip will also include your contact details and your veterinarian's information, making it easy for you to be reunited with your pet. In rare instances, a chip can even confirm pet ownership.

  • How Can I Get a Chip?

    Just schedule an appointment at our Charlotte office. The insertion takes under a minute and can be done in a single visit. Once inserted, your pet’s microchip is active, and you will receive all of the benefits of microchipping.

Vaccination FAQ

  • Why Should Pets Get Vaccinated?

    Vaccinations protect your pet from contagious and potentially fatal diseases. By immunizing your pet, you're keeping it healthy and preventing the spread of these illnesses to other pets.

  • What Vaccines Does My Pet Need?

    Your pet's vaccination requirements vary depending on age, lifestyle, and previous health problems. We recommend discussing your pet's specific vaccination needs with our veterinarian. We can also make recommendations based on your individual pet's risk factors. Core vaccines are recommended for all pets, while non-core vaccines are those pets that can receive vaccines based on personal risk factors.

  • What Is a Vaccination Schedule?

    A vaccination schedule is a recommended timeline for your pet's vaccinations. Puppies and kittens typically receive vaccinations starting at around 6-8 weeks, with booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they are around 16 weeks old. After that, they will need booster shots yearly or every few years, depending on the vaccine. Adult dogs and cats also need booster shots regularly, typically every one to three years. Whether you have a puppy, kitten, or a senior pet, we ensure they get the needed vaccines.

  • Why Do Pets Need Booster Shots?

    Booster shots help protect your pet against diseases. Over time, a pet's immunity to a disease can decrease, and it may no longer be fully protected. Booster shots help maintain this immunity and keep your pet protected.

Get Help for all Your Pet Questions From a Veterinarian on Our Team in Columbus, MS

At Animal Health Services in Columbus, MS, we are dedicated to caring for our furry patients. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's allergies, please call us at (662) 328-2821 for more information.

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