Frequently Asked Questions

Modern Medicine, Old-Fashioned Care

Family-owned and operated since 1972, Doylestown Veterinary Hospital is a trusted resource for pet parents across Doylestown and Bucks County.

Here, you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often — on everything from scheduling your first visit to our integrative and holistic care options.

Browse by category to find quick answers on wellness care, dental, nutrition, holistic therapies, surgery, and what to do in an emergency. And if your question isn’t here, we’re always just a phone call away at (215) 345-6000.

New Clients & Appointments
Wellness, Vaccinations & Preventative Care
Common Pet Health Concerns (From Our Blog)
Dental Care
Nutrition & Weight Management
Holistic & Integrative Care
Surgery & Anesthesia
Emergency & After-Hours Care

New Clients & Appointments

How do I become a new client at Doylestown Veterinary Hospital?

Visit our New Clients Center or call (215) 345-6000 to schedule an introductory visit. We’re a family-owned and operated practice, and we take the time to get to know you and your pet before recommending a care plan.

What are your hours?

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday

Where are you located?

Our hospital is located at 380 N Shady Retreat Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901. We serve Doylestown and surrounding Bucks and Montgomery County communities, including Buckingham, Chalfont, Horsham, Lansdale, New Hope, Warrington, and Warminster.

How can I reach the care team between visits?

Through the Vitus Vet app, you can message our team directly, send a photo of a symptom or healing incision, request records, or ask a quick question — without needing to call in.

Wellness, Vaccinations & Preventive Care

What’s included in a wellness exam?

A comprehensive exam covers your pet’s health history, vital statistics, and an evaluation of all major body systems — dermatological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, gastrointestinal, and urogenital/reproductive — plus nail care and nutritional counseling.

How often does my pet need vaccines?

It depends on age, lifestyle, and risk factors. We tailor a schedule of core and lifestyle vaccinations to each pet’s life stage, from the first year through the senior years, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all protocol.

What diagnostic testing can you do in-house?

Our diagnostics include complete bloodwork and blood chemistry analysis, parasite and infectious disease screening, urinalysis, electrolyte analysis, radiographs and ultrasound imaging, and tissue sample and aspirate analysis — complemented by outside labs and specialist referrals when needed.

Common Pet Health Concerns (From Our Blog)

Our veterinarians regularly write about frequent concerns we discuss in the exam room. Here’s a look at a few of the most common — with a link to the full post for more detail.

My dog has a cough. Should I be worried?

Not every cough is serious, but persistent, worsening, or wet-sounding coughs — especially alongside lethargy, poor appetite, or changes in breathing — are worth a visit. A “goose honk” cough often points to a respiratory infection or, in small breeds, a collapsing trachea, while a wet or productive cough can signal something deeper, like pneumonia or heart disease. Read the full post.

Why does my dog’s eye look red?

Red eyes can stem from something as minor as dust or pollen, or something more serious like conjunctivitis, a corneal ulcer, or glaucoma — conditions that can look similar but require very different treatment. Because eye problems can worsen quickly, redness paired with squinting, discharge, cloudiness, or light sensitivity is worth a prompt visit. Read the full post.

How can I protect my pet’s heart health?

Heart disease often develops quietly, showing up as subtle shifts in energy, breathing, or behavior rather than dramatic symptoms. Annual wellness visits — twice yearly for senior pets — let your vet listen for early murmurs or rhythm changes, and daily walks, portion control, and consistent dental care all support long-term heart health. Read the full post.

My pet keeps scratching or has recurring skin issues. Could it be allergies?

Pet allergies are increasingly common and rarely have a single cause — food, pollen, dust mites, and household irritants can all play a role, sometimes together. Diagnosis usually starts with an elimination diet or allergy testing, and treatment focuses on lowering a pet’s overall allergen exposure rather than a one-time cure. Read the full post.

These posts are meant to help you recognize when a symptom deserves a closer look — not to replace a diagnosis. Because so many of these issues develop quietly and can look alike in their early stages, the best safeguard is a relationship with a family veterinarian who knows your pet’s history and can catch small changes before they become bigger problems. Regular wellness visits remain the most reliable way to keep pets healthy and out of the emergency room.

Dental Care

Why does dental care matter so much for pets?

Good dental health is linked to a better quality of life and longevity. It starts at your pet’s first visit and includes at-home brushing guidance, dietary recommendations, and regular oral exams.

What dental services do you offer?

We offer non-anesthetic dental cleanings through Pet Dental Services, as well as pain-free dental exams under anesthesia, which include dental radiographs, thorough cleaning, and extraction of diseased teeth when necessary.

Nutrition & Weight Management

Does my pet’s food need to change as they get older?

There’s no single age when every pet automatically needs a new diet — it depends on the individual. The standard markers of a healthy diet, such as adequate protein and appropriate carbohydrate levels, matter throughout life, and our team can help you evaluate whether your current food still fits your pet’s age and lifestyle.

My pet seems to have allergies. Is that something you can help with?

Definitely. Food allergies are typically identified through a strict elimination diet, while environmental allergies — from pollen to dust mites — are managed through testing, hygiene changes, and targeted treatment. Since allergies rarely have a single cause, we start with a proper workup rather than guessing.

Holistic & Integrative Care

What is integrative veterinary medicine?

It’s the thoughtful blending of conventional veterinary medicine with holistic therapies, chosen based on what will help your pet’s body respond and heal most effectively. It’s an individualized approach rather than a standard protocol.

What holistic therapies are available at DVH?

We specialize in veterinary acupuncture, traditional Chinese and Western herbal medicine, classical homeopathy, veterinary chiropractic care, nutritional counseling with carefully selected supplements, and cold laser therapy.

Is acupuncture safe for my dog or cat?

Yes. Every session is performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist in a quiet, comfortable environment and is used to restore energy, improve mobility, reduce pain, and support digestive health.

What is veterinary chiropractic care used for?

It focuses on the connection between the spine and central nervous system to help the body maintain overall wellness. It’s commonly used to support joint health and pain management, and can help with bladder or bowel disorders, minor injuries, and post-surgical healing.

Surgery & Anesthesia

What surgical procedures do you perform?

Our veterinarians and veterinary technicians are expertly trained in spay/neuter, microchipping, abdominal surgeries including foreign body removal, mass removals, urogenital surgeries, and advanced dentistry, along with therapies supporting recovery from osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries, degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, and wound care.

How do you keep my pet safe during anesthesia?

Our doctors and veterinary technicians follow modern anesthetic protocols and comprehensive pain management, including pre-anesthetic bloodwork and consistent monitoring throughout every procedure.

Emergency & After-Hours Care

Do you offer 24-hour emergency care?

No — Doylestown Veterinary Hospital does not provide 24-hour emergency services. For after-hours emergencies, we maintain a trusted network of nearby 24-hour hospitals, including BluePearl Pet Hospital (Conshohocken and Levittown), Hickory Veterinary & Specialty Hospital, and Metropolitan Veterinary Associates. See our full Emergency & Specialty Centers directory for the complete list.

What should I do after my pet has been seen at an emergency hospital?

Message us through the Vitus Vet app once your pet is stable. We’ll coordinate records with the ER, review the workup, and schedule a follow-up recovery visit — usually within 24 to 48 hours — to plan rechecks, rehab, or integrative support.