Frequently Asked Questions

Animal Hospital of Ludington provides veterinary services for dogs and cats in Ludington, MI, and the surrounding communities. This FAQ page answers common questions about appointments, emergency care, diagnostics, early detection screening, surgery, pain management, wellness, and other services.

New Clients and General Care

Where is Animal Hospital of Ludington located in Ludington, MI?

We are located at 917 E. Ludington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431. Our veterinary hospital provides comprehensive medical, dental, diagnostic, and surgical care for dogs and cats. Call us at 231-845-7719 with questions about our location, services, or scheduling.

What are your veterinary clinic hours?

We are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed Saturday and Sunday. 

If your pet becomes sick or injured outside our regular hours, call us at 231-845-7719 for guidance about non-urgent care, triage assistance, or after-hours emergency care.

How do I contact Animal Hospital of Ludington?

You can reach Animal Hospital of Ludington by calling 231-845-7719 or by using our contact Animal Hospital of Ludington page. 

What pets do you treat?

We treat dogs and cats. Our veterinary services include preventive care, diagnostics, dentistry, surgery, pain management, and treatment for illnesses and injuries throughout all stages of life. Our goal is to provide ongoing care that supports your pet from puppy or kittenhood through the senior years.

Emergency and Urgent Care

What should I do if my pet has an emergency?

If your dog or cat has a veterinary emergency during our regular hours, call 231-845-7719 for directions and emergency guidance. 

If your pet needs urgent attention outside regular hours, contact an urgent care veterinary clinic. We recommend the following urgent care and emergency veterinary hospitals for after-hours care: 

• Bay Area Pet Hospital in Traverse City at 231-922-0911
• Animal Emergency Hospital in Grand Rapids at 616-361-9911

What signs mean my dog or cat needs immediate veterinary attention?

Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet experiences difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, severe weakness, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, inability to stand or walk, severe or worsening pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen or painful abdomen, difficulty urinating, suspected poisoning, or another sudden and serious change in health. When you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency, call us for guidance rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Can you diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses in dogs and cats?

Yes. We evaluate pets with illnesses, injuries, and other concerning health changes using a thorough physical examination and diagnostic testing. Depending on your pet’s symptoms, we may use bloodwork, urinalysis, digital radiographs, ultrasound, or other diagnostic tools to help identify the underlying problem. Once we understand the cause, we can develop an appropriate treatment plan. Our injury and illness diagnosis and treatment services are designed to help us identify problems and begin appropriate care as efficiently as possible.

Services and Medical Care

What veterinary services do you offer?

We provide comprehensive veterinary services for dogs and cats, including wellness and vaccinations, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, early detection screening, pain management, laser therapy, after-hours emergency services, ultrasound and radiographs, and injury or illness diagnosis and treatment. We also provide internal medicine, dermatology, eye and ear care, behavioral counseling, end-of-life hospice care, microchipping, and cardiology.

What diagnostic testing is available for dogs and cats?

Our Veterinary Diagnostic Services include bloodwork, urinalysis, digital radiographs, and other in-house diagnostic testing. Diagnostic tools allow our veterinarians to investigate clinical signs, evaluate injuries, monitor ongoing health conditions, and identify problems that may not be apparent from a physical examination alone. Timely diagnostic testing is key to identifying medical issues. It’s also extremely useful for developing targeted treatment plans. 

How can ultrasound and radiographs help diagnose my pet?

Ultrasound and digital radiographs provide different types of information, but both help our veterinarians investigate illness and injury. Ultrasound produces real-time images of internal organs, tissues, and blood flow and can help identify subtle changes that may require further evaluation. It can also help evaluate organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, and lymph nodes and can assist with minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided tissue sampling. Radiographs provide valuable images of internal structures and help evaluate many medical and orthopedic concerns. Our ultrasound and radiograph imaging services can provide important information when a physical examination alone does not reveal the cause of your pet’s symptoms.

What are early detection screens, and when does my pet need them?

Early detection screening helps identify disease and other health problems before your pet develops obvious outward signs. We offer screening for pediatric, adult, and geriatric pets, with the type and frequency of testing based on your pet’s age, risk factors, and medical history. Younger pets may be screened for anemia and parasites, while older pets may be screened for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, cancer, kidney disease, and liver disease. Our early detection screening services can also establish a health baseline that helps us identify changes over time.

What should I expect if my dog or cat needs surgery?

With the exception of spay/neuter surgery, which is standard, surgical procedures are always offered on a case-by-case basis, after a pet has been thoroughly diagnosed. Before surgery, we carefully screen your pet to make sure they are healthy enough for the procedure. We also develop a customized aftercare and pain-management plan. During the procedure, we closely monitor your pet’s blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. 

After surgery, we review the procedure and provide updated information on when your pet can go home and how to provide appropriate post-surgical care and pain management. We are here with you every step of the way. Our veterinary surgery services support your pet before, during, and after the procedure.

How can pain management help my pet?

Pain can develop suddenly after an injury or surgery or occur gradually because of conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia. Signs can include behavioral changes, hiding, trembling, limping, restlessness, excessive panting, loss of appetite, or other changes from your pet’s normal behavior. We evaluate the underlying cause of pain and may use veterinary pain management options such as physical therapy, medication, laser therapy, or other treatments.

How can laser therapy help dogs and cats?

Laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment option that is helpful in treating a variety of conditions, including arthritis, nerve damage, and more. It does not require sedation or shaving and is completely painless. It also has no known side effects. 

In veterinary medicine, laser therapy is often used as part of a broader pain-management or healing plan. Contact us for more information.

Do you provide veterinary dental care?

Yes. Our Veterinary Dentistry Services are part of our comprehensive approach to pet care. We provide professional pet dental care, including routine preventive dental care, cleanings, examinations, and treatment for existing oral health conditions. Regular dental evaluations can help identify, prevent, or treat problems that may cause pain or affect your pet’s overall health. 

Preventative Care and Ongoing Support

What happens during a veterinary wellness visit?

A wellness visit includes a thorough physical examination and an assessment of your pet’s overall health. We may discuss your pet’s weight and nutritional needs, parasite prevention and treatment, behavior, vaccinations, and other factors that affect your pet’s health. 

Your pet’s wellness care needs will change as they age. We tailor wellness and vaccination care to your pet’s life stage, lifestyle, and individual risk factors. Puppy and kitten wellness care may be different from those of adult and senior pets. We will discuss your pet’s health and care with you during your appointments. Regular visits also allow us to document your furry friend’s health history, which can be extremely helpful for identifying changes and spotting developing conditions early. 

How often should my dog or cat have a wellness examination?

Most pets should have wellness visits once a year. However, puppies, kittens, senior pets, and animals with ongoing medical conditions may need more frequent monitoring. The appropriate schedule will depend on your pet’s age, health, lifestyle, and individual risk factors. 

Regular examinations allow us to track changes over time and identify potential health concerns before they become more serious. Please contact us at 231-845-7719 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Can you help with my pet’s nutrition, weight, and behavior?

Yes. Wellness visits include discussions about your pet’s weight, nutritional needs, parasite prevention, behavior, and other factors that can affect overall health. We use information about your pet’s age, health, size, and lifestyle to develop a customized nutritional plan. 

If you notice a change in appetite, weight, behavior, or activity level, let us know right away. Underlying health concerns may contribute to these issues.

How can regular veterinary care help my pet stay healthy?

Regular veterinary care allows us to monitor your pet’s health over time, rather than waiting until an illness becomes advanced. Wellness examinations, vaccinations, preventive care, early detection screening, and appropriate diagnostic testing can help identify health changes sooner. Our goal is to build a long-term relationship with you and your pet so we can support their health from their earliest years through their senior life stages.

If you are looking for a veterinarian in Ludington, MI, Animal Hospital of Ludington provides comprehensive care for dogs and cats, including wellness care, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, early detection screening, pain management, laser therapy, and emergency support. Call us at 231-845-7719 or visit our Contact Animal Hospital of Ludington page to ask a question or request an appointment.