FAQ

Why You Must Vaccinate Your Pet?

Vaccinations protect pets from highly contagious—and often fatal—diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and feline leukemia. By priming your pet’s immune system before exposure, vaccines dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness, costly emergency care, and long-term health complications.

At Griffith Pet Hospital, we tailor vaccine schedules to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors, ensuring maximum protection with minimal stress.

How long should my dog be sleeping?

On average, healthy adult dogs sleep 12–14 hours per day, split between overnight rest and daytime naps. Puppies, large-breed dogs, and senior pets often need even more—up to 18–20 hours—because their bodies are growing, working harder, or recovering from daily activities.

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

Most dogs and cats benefit from being spayed (females) or neutered (males) between 5–6 months of age, before sexual maturity. Doing the surgery early prevents unplanned litters, reduces hormone-driven behaviors (roaming, marking, vocalizing), and lowers the risk of serious diseases like mammary cancer, pyometra, and prostate enlargement.

We’ll review age, breed, lifestyle, and any pre-existing health concerns, then tailor an anesthesia plan with pre-op bloodwork and pain management so your pet recovers quickly and comfortably. Ask us about same-day admission, e-collar alternatives, and post-op activity guidelines.

Your New Puppy or Kitten Needs Care

Schedule your puppy or kitten’s first veterinary visit within 7–10 days of bringing them home. A comprehensive nose-to-tail exam lets us check for congenital issues, parasites, and early signs of disease while answering all your “new-parent” questions.

We’ll build a personalized vaccine calendar, set reminders for booster appointments, and discuss timing for spay/neuter (usually 5–6 months, with large-breed exceptions). Think of this first visit as your roadmap to a healthy, well-adjusted adult pet—Griffith Pet Hospital will guide you every step of the way.

What is the right food for my dog?

The ideal diet depends on your dog’s age, breed size, activity level, and health status. Start by choosing a food labeled complete and balanced and formulated to meet the AAFCO standards for your dog’s life stage (growth, adult maintenance, or all-life-stages).

Still unsure which bag or can to pick? Bring a photo of the label to your next visit or email it to us. Griffith Pet Hospital’s veterinarians and certified nutrition counselors will calculate precise daily portions and recommend trusted brands that fit both your dog’s needs and your budget.

Can you take my dog to the dog park?

Yes—but only after a few health and behavior boxes are checked to keep your pup (and everyone else) safe.

At the park Scan for hazards—standing water, broken fencing, unattended waste. Keep a short leash handy for quick exits if play gets too rough. Bring fresh water and avoid shared bowls to reduce germ spread. Limit visits during extreme heat; Glendale summer pavement can burn pads.

If your dog is coughing after a visit, develops diarrhea, or shows new behavioral changes, schedule a check-up at Griffith Pet Hospital. We’ll rule out infectious diseases and help your pup get back to joyful (and safe) socializing.

Does my dog need flea and tick protection around the year?

Yes—Southern California’s mild winters mean fleas can thrive all twelve months, and ticks remain active in foothill and hiking areas around Glendale even during cooler seasons. Year-round prevention is the easiest way to stop itchy infestations, protect against tick-borne illnesses, and avoid costly home treatments down the road.

Dogs vary in lifestyle, size, and skin sensitivity. We’ll recommend an oral chew, topical solution, or long-lasting collar that fits your dog’s needs and checks for interactions with current meds. Set a recurring reminder or enroll in our auto-refill pharmacy program so a dose is never missed.

What is the best boarding option for my dog?

The “best” boarding choice depends on your dog’s age, health, temperament, and daily routine. In general, dogs that need medication, have separation anxiety, or thrive on structure do best in a veterinary-supervised facility like our on-site boarding at Griffith Pet Hospital. Social, easygoing pets might enjoy a boutique daycare-plus-overnight setup, while senior or medically fragile dogs should stay where a veterinarian is only steps away.

Our boarding wing features Fear-Free suites with soft bedding, separate ventilation for cats and dogs, and twice-daily wellness checks by a veterinary nurse. Optional add-ons—like extra playtime, nightly tuck-ins, or rehab exercises—let you customize your dog’s “vacation” while ensuring medical expertise is on site 24/7.

Are there any extra fees on nights and weekend visits?

Yes—appointments outside our regular weekday hours carry a modest after-hours surcharge to cover extended staffing, on-call veterinarians, and the additional diagnostics we keep ready for urgent cases.

These charges ensure we can keep a fully equipped team on standby, prioritize critical patients, and provide in-house lab results within minutes—services that aren’t required during routine daytime visits.

Why is my puppy biting my hands and legs? How do I get them to stop?

Mouthing is normal puppy behavior. Young dogs explore the world with their teeth, and teething (12–24 weeks old) makes gums sore—so chewing and nipping feel soothing. Play bites also teach bite inhibition during rough-and-tumble games with littermates. When your puppy nips you, they’re practicing the same play skills they’d use with their siblings.

What not to do: Don’t slap, alpha-roll, or muzzle-clamp your puppy. Harsh corrections can create fear or escalate aggression. Consistency, redirection, and positive reinforcement work faster—and keep your bond strong.

If biting intensifies after 6 months, breaks skin regularly, or pairs with growling over food or toys, schedule a behavior consult at Griffith Pet Hospital. We’ll rule out pain issues, assess temperament, and design a customized training plan so tiny teeth turn into polite “adult” manners.

How frequently should I take my dog for vet check-ups?

The rule of thumb is at least once a year for healthy adult dogs, but the exact schedule changes with age and medical needs.

Recommended exam timeline

• Puppies (under 1 year): Every 3–4 weeks until all core vaccines are complete (usually 16 weeks), then a final spay/neuter or growth check at 5–6 months.
• Adults (1–6 years): Annual wellness exam with vaccine boosters, heartworm test, fecal screen, and dental review.
• Seniors (7+ years, or 5+ for giant breeds): Twice-yearly exams plus baseline bloodwork and blood-pressure check to catch early kidney, liver, thyroid, or heart changes.
• Chronic conditions: Dogs with diabetes, allergies, arthritis, or heart disease may need re-checks every 3–6 months to adjust medications and monitor lab values.

Why frequency matters

Dogs age roughly 5–7 human years for every calendar year. Regular exams let us detect subtle weight shifts, lumps, dental disease, or lab changes before they turn into costly emergencies.

Not sure when your dog’s next visit is due? Call Griffith Pet Hospital or check your last invoice—we’ll review vaccine dates, email a personalized reminder, and keep your pup on the path to a long, healthy life.