1823 West 10th St. Laurel, Mississippi 39440
Phone: (601) 649-7738
Fax: (601) 649-7736

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How safe is my pet’s procedure?

    Each procedure is different for each animal and some are more complicated than others. For example, a spay or neuter at Parkside are common and generally performed on younger animals and are generally extremely safe. A more complicated procedure on an older dog or cat is naturally going to have more risk involved. No matter the level of surgery, Dr. Cox recommends preanesthetic bloodwork to help insure there are no unknown conditions prior to surgery. Once the procedure begins, our surgical monitoring equipment helps Dr. Cox and his staff to maintain your pet’s heart rate and blood pressure. Upon completion, your dog or cat will be monitored by our staff to ensure they recover as quickly as possible.

  • How often should my pet have blood work testing and an exam?

    Remember that for many pets, each year is approximately seven years for people. Imagine if you didn’t take your 7-year old dog or cat to the veterinarian for 2 years. This would be the same as a 49-year old person avoiding their doctor for 14 years. Preventative care is always better and generally less expensive than going to the veterinarian when a problem arises. For these reasons, Dr. Cox recommends yearly physical exams and blood work. Uncovering conditions before they become serious can add years to the life of your pet. Call one of our compassionate team members to schedule your pet’s appointment today!

  • Does my pet truly need a dental procedure?

    Your dog or cat needs dental care just as humans do. When pet’s teeth are not cared for, they develop bacteria-ridden plaque which can lead to cavities and painful teeth and gums. When your pet’s teeth and gums hurt, it becomes painful to eat and they can become sick. Over time, these bacteria can cause damage to organs including the heart and kidneys. Proper diet and regular dentals can improve not only the quality, but the length of the life of your pet. Call Parkside Animal Hospital to schedule your dog or cat’s dental procedure today.

  • How important is nutrition for my pet?

    Proper nutrition and weight management is very important for both dogs and cats. Proper feeding without “table scraps” help maintain a healthy weight for our pets. It is estimated that over half of dogs and cats are overweight in the United States. Long-term obesity leads to issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, kidney disease, many forms of cancer and decreased life expectancy. Regular visits to Parkside Animal Hospital will include weighing your pet, and Dr. Cox and our informed staff can let you know whether your pet is overweight or not. Proper nutrition can also maintain your pet at a proper weight, and our doctor and staff can discuss what food Is best for your pet.

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

    The answer to this question will vary, depending on the change of behavior you are noticing. For example, you may notice your dog or cat exercising less even though they are still relatively young. This could mean anything from arthritis to heartworm disease. For Dr. Cox to properly diagnose a significant change in your pet’s behavior, it is best not to wait and schedule an appointment right away!

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

    There are a number of parasites that you may find on your pet in the Laurel area. Fleas, ticks, lice, and scabies are common and should be addressed right away! Parkside Animal Hospital has a complete pharmacy with the most modern medications available today. A consultation is needed to determine which pests your pet may have and which product would be right for them. Another consideration is having your home or the area where your pets live treated with do-it-yourself chemicals or a professional. This additional treatment of your animal’s environment can help eliminate a possible pest infestation, and avoid your pet from becoming contaminated once again.

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

    Parkside Animal Hospital recommends spaying or neutering all pets that you do not plan to use for breeding purposes. Dr. Cox recommends dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered at approximately 4-6 months of age. Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted kitten and puppy litters, but have long-term benefits as well. Spaying female dogs and cats helps prevent infections of the uterus, and can help prevent breast cancer as well. Neutering your male dog or cat will prevent testicular cancer. Finally, a spayed and neutered pet is generally better behaved and are less likely to roam away from your home. Call one of our caregivers at Parkside Animal Hospital to schedule your pet’s spay or neuter today!

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

    Heartworms are internal parasite that infests the heart of infected dogs, and the heart and lungs of an infected cat. These parasites are transmitted to our dogs and cats through mosquitoes that are carrying microfilaria, which are young heartworms. After bitten by the infected mosquito, the dog or cat has the young heartworm in their bloodstream, where they begin to grow. Heartworms can be treated in dogs, but cats that are infected cannot be treated. The best way to prevent heartworms in your dog or cat is to keep them on a monthly preventative, or a 6-month heartworm injection for dogs. Bring your dog or cat in today, and Dr. Cox can determine which heartworm preventative is right for your pets.