Have a question? You’re not alone. Below, we cover many of the things pet parents ask us most.
Yes. Ridgewood Animal Hospital provides comprehensive veterinary care exclusively for dogs and cats at all life stages.
Yes. We provide urgent veterinary care during our regular business hours. For overnight or weekend emergencies, we refer patients to Animal Emergency and Critical Care.
We accept CareCredit, which allows qualified clients to manage veterinary expenses with flexible financing options.
Applications can be completed online, and our team is happy to answer questions or help guide you through the process during your visit.
At participating veterinary hospitals, CareCredit may be used for a wide range of services, including wellness care, diagnostics, surgery, and other medical treatments.
No. CareCredit is also accepted by many human healthcare providers, making it a flexible financing option for both pets and people.
No. Pawlicy Advisor is completely free to use.
Most plans reimburse you after you pay for services and submit a claim, though coverage details vary by provider.
Enrolling earlier in your pet’s life often results in broader coverage and fewer exclusions later on.
Yes. Our veterinarians can issue both domestic and international health certificates, as well as vaccine titers, to help pets travel safely and smoothly.
Yes. Many conditions develop gradually and show few outward signs early on, making routine exams an important preventive tool.
Visit length can vary, but appointments are designed to allow time for a thorough exam, discussion, and questions.
Absolutely. Cats are especially skilled at hiding illness, and regular exams help catch issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Yes. These appointments are a great time to discuss nutrition, activity level, weight changes, and behavior shifts.
Many pets are considered seniors around 7 years of age, though this varies by breed and size, and may include more frequent monitoring.
We use a comprehensive pain management approach that includes pre-anesthetic medication, intra-operative monitoring, and post-operative pain control to support comfort and healing.
While anesthesia always carries some risk, careful patient evaluation, tailored drug selection, and close monitoring help us minimize complications and maximize safety.
Because we often know our patients’ medical histories in detail, we can adjust anesthesia and surgical plans to accommodate sensitivities or chronic conditions.
Yes. We welcome referrals and second opinions and are happy to discuss all available options, medical or surgical, to determine the best path forward.
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, but we’ll provide clear expectations, home-care instructions, and follow-up guidance to support healing.
Most pets benefit from dental cleanings every 1–3 years, though frequency depends on tartar buildup, breed, age, and overall oral health.
Unlike people, pets cannot remain still for thorough cleaning and polishing, and anesthesia allows us to clean safely below the gumline without stress or pain.
We use modern anesthesia protocols, pre-anesthetic bloodwork, IV catheterization, and continuous monitoring to support patient safety throughout the procedure.
Most pets recover quickly, and pain management, including local nerve blocks and take-home medications, is used to support comfort during healing.
Yes. Depending on your pet’s needs, we may recommend dental diets, enzymatic treats, water additives, or brushing to help slow plaque buildup between cleanings.
Most pets tolerate acupuncture very well, and many find sessions calming or relaxing once treatment begins.
The number of treatments varies based on the condition being addressed, with some pets benefiting from short-term therapy and others from ongoing sessions.
No. Acupuncture is typically used alongside conventional treatments to enhance comfort and overall outcomes.
Chronic pain, mobility issues, gastrointestinal concerns, and allergy-related conditions are among the most common reasons acupuncture is recommended.
Some pets show improvement after the first few sessions, while others experience more gradual changes over time.
