Faq

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.