Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions/answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give us a call at (315)446-1200.

1. What are the Hospital hours?
Our hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 9:00pm. On Saturdays we are open from 8:00am until 4:00pm. On Sundays we are open 8:00am to 12:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?
Yes. Appointments should be made in advance. We have a Doctor available Monday - Saturday.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Care Credit

4. Can I make payments?
Payment is required at the time of service.

5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 5 months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

6. What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
This is a blood test that is run here in the clinic prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.

7. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?
Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed in 10-14 days following the surgery.

8. Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter?
No, there is no advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However there are plenty of advantages to having you pet spayed or neutered. These advantages include decreasing the chances of breast tumors later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the incidence of prostate cancer later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.

9. Do you board pets?
Yes, we do boarding for our clients. We have boarding space for both dogs and cats. We also can board birds and other small animals, but you will be required to bring your own cage and food for your pet.

10. What are your kennels like?
Our dog kennels are indoor/outdoor. The dogs are let outside within their individual kennel 3 times daily while they are boarding. The cat boarders are housed in a separate area away from the dogs. Blankets and food are provided for our boarders, but you are always welcome to bring your own.

Sign up for our online pet portal.

 

Did you know you can easily sign up for an online pet portal? This portal gives you access to the pets on your account with our clinic. Here you can find their medical records, Rx refill requests,
information about your pet's breed, and more!  

Give Us Feedback

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Order your pets medication and food online!

Would you like to order your pets medication and food without the hassle of coming into the clinic?
Check out our online store!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

Get her a puppy for Valentine's Day. Wishes for a special Valentine's Day filled with love and happiness.

Discounted Pricing on Spaying and Neutering!

We offer discounted pricing on Spaying and Neutering! Check out the Friends of Animals website for more information.

Donate for the care of the shelter animals

We accept donations through PayPal for the care of the shelter animals.
We are not a 501(c)3 organization therefore these donations are not tax deductible.
No goods or services are exchanged for donations.

Did You Know?

Did you know:
In addition to being a full-service veterinary clinic, we are also the animal shelter for the City of Syracuse! Check our our adoptable dogs and cats on Petfinder!

 

Adopt Java here!

Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement

We have all experienced the pain of losing a pet. The Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement has set up this site for support during this most difficult time. You will find inspirational stories, grief counseling resources, hotline number and many other resources.
www.aplb.org

Things that you should consider when you are thinking about getting a puppy.

The day has come! The new puppy will be at home when you get back from school!

The excitement of a new puppy can go on for a dozen years or more if you and your family take some precautions to keep your pet safe and healthy. Although all accidents and illnesses cannot be prevented, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce chances that your pet will suffer.

This is a nice starter guide of things that you should consider when you are thinking about getting a puppy http://ow.ly/2u1e30huelc

Friends of Animals Program

At the DeWitt Animal Hospital we are proud to participate in the Friends of Animals Spay/Neuter certificate program. This program helps to make spay/neuter surgeries more affordable so that each pet owner can help in the decline of pet overpopulation.

How are we doing?

Please tell us how we are doing and write us a review, we'd appreciate it! http://ow.ly/JEVX30gJEir

Employment Opportunities

 

We are always glad to accept resumes from enthusiastic, hard working, dependable, team oriented people who wish to join our team of veterinary health care professionals.

Positions for which we may have openings include:

RECEPTIONISTS
Responsibilities include scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, setting up new clients and patients, preparation and maintenance of medical records, admitting and discharging patients, filling some prescriptions, over the counter sales, mailings, computer operation, financial transactions, filing, and front office and reception area maintenance.  Receptionists will assume the responsibility for acquiring the medical and legal information necessary for the performance of their duties.

VETERINARY TECHNICIANS
Technicians are responsible for hospital maintenance, assisting the doctors, laboratory procedures, radiology, client communication, medical procedures, pharmacy, operation and maintenance of instruments and equipment, inventory, daily treatment of hospitalized patients, rehabilitation, assisting in the operating room and maintenance of the OSHA and Hazardous Materials programs.

VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Ward personnel are responsible for animal handling, bathing and grooming, cleaning, feeding, laundry, waste disposal, and assisting with animal restraint.

Check out website regularly for open positions here.

We Board Pocket Pets

We offer boarding services for small animals such as rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, etc. We require you bring everything these pets will need during their stay - cage, bedding, food and any special instructions.

While boarding, your animal will be overseen by all members of our staff during hospital hours. Please call the hospital to discuss specific services you would like provided during your animal's stay. All boarding reservations must be made ahead of time, and all new clients must provide current veterinary records before reservations can be made.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is more than the festivities, it gives us time to ponder upon what lessons we learnt and how we can spread happiness around, to look back at all the great memories and good people who came into our lives. We appreciate you so much. Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and your loved ones.

In Case of an Emergency

If you have an emergency outside of our regular business hours, we recommend that you contact one of the following emergency facilities:

Veterinary Medical Center

5841 Bridge Street
Suite 200
East Syracuse, New York 13057 United States
Phone : (315) 446-7933

Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Center

2115 Downer Street Road
Baldwinsville, New York 13027 United States

Phone : (315) 638-3500

Pet Costume Ideas

 Dog Costume

Cat Costume

Are you dressing up your pets for Halloween, like a shark costume for a dog and a lion costume for a cat?

De Witt Animal Hospital wishes you a fun and safe Halloween weekend with your pets!

Why You Should Adopt

 

Because you'll save a life. Each year, 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.

Because you'll get a great animal. Animal shelters and rescue groups are brimming with happy, healthy pets just waiting for someone to take them home. Most shelter pets wound up there because of a human problem like a move or a divorce, not because the animals did anything wrong. Many are already house trained and used to living with families.

See more reasons why.

Dog-Friendly Dates

If you’ve managed to snag a significant other who’s just as in love with dogs as you are, congratulations! But just because your time will be spent going on fun dates doesn’t mean you have to leave your precious pup home alone. There are plenty of fun activities to do with your new human companion that your dog buddy can enjoy, too. And if it doesn’t work out with the new human in your life, you can still try these out with just your dog as your date, instead. The best part is that you don’t even need to spend much to do it. Here are eight great dates that you can go on with your dog.

 

Have a Picnic

For the price of a homemade lunch, you can pack a picnic basket and head to the park to get out in the sunshine and enjoy a meal. It will give you a chance to talk and get to know each other in a peaceful surrounding, and your dog will appreciate the fresh air and exercise. Be sure to pack a chew toy and some treats so your pup can have something to keep him busy while you eat and chat.

 

Go to an Outdoor Movie Night

Lots of parks offer outdoor movie nights with big screens and projectors, and they’re usually free. Check your local park district’s calendar of events and see what activities they have planned. Chances are good that they have something going on that your dog is allowed to attend, and it’s a great way to branch out and meet new people and dog owners. Next time, maybe you can even make it a double date with some new friends.

 

Take a Long Walk on the Dog Beach

You can’t think of dating without the phrase “long walks on the beach” coming to mind. It’s pretty romantic to have the warm sand in your toes and the sound of waves lapping at the shore with you and your partner walking hand-in-hand. But it’s an even more joyful occasion with your pup happily running into the water and making new dog friends. Be sure to bring a ball or a toy to a dog beach near you and have some fun.

 

Hit up the Pet Supply Store

You’re going to need to stock up on supplies at some point, so why not make a date out of it? Your dog is probably allowed to shop with you at your local pet supply store, so bring the pup along and have a chat with your partner about the best ways to spoil your fur baby. This is a great way to test to see just how into dogs your significant other really is.

 

Go for a Pet Charity Walk

There are plenty of charity events for you to attend with your dog like the Strutt Your Mutt charity dog walk run by Best Friends Animal Society in cities all over the United States. Check out local charity walks near you. You and your partner can get out and get some exercise, meet fellow dog lovers, and do it all for a good cause while you’re at it. Your pup will be happy to burn some calories and say hello to some other dogs.

 

Eat and Drink at Dog-Friendly Bars or Restaurants

Al Fresco dining with dogs is becoming very popular with restaurants and bars that have outdoor seating options. Some places even have dog events that let your pup join you indoors. Check your local pub’s calendar or talk to someone who works there about setting up your own event. Always be sure to check with a business before bringing your dog along to see what their rules are.

 

Visit a Farmers Market

An outdoor farmers market is a great place to shop for produce and support local farms, and it’s fun to walk around and talk to people. You and your significant other can stock up on fruits and veggies, and your pup will be happy to get outside and go for a walk. Some vendors may even leave a bowl of cool water out as doggy re-hydration stations, but be sure to bring a water bottle just in case if you plan to stay outside for a long time.

 

Hit the Hiking Trails

If you live close to a hiking trail, take advantage of it and get back to nature. Your dog will be happy to sniff all the new smells, and you and your partner can enjoy exercising and taking in the beautiful scenery, and the great part is that each season of the year has new views to offer. Again, be sure to bring plenty of water so you and your pup can stay hydrated.

Thanksgiving - Dos and Don'ts

The holidays are all about family. And that includes your furry family members. To keep your pets safe, be aware of the dangers of Thanksgiving leftovers. If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don’t offer raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria. Here are their warnings and recommendations:

Fatty Table Scraps
Fatty table scraps like gravy, turkey skin, etc. are potentially dangerous to your dog, as it can result in severe pancreatitis. Certain breeds are especially sensitive, including miniature schnauzers, Shetland sheepdogs, and Yorkshire terriers. Even a piece of bacon can trigger pancreatitis in dogs, so when in doubt, don’t feed it to your dog or cat!

No Bones or Turkey Legs
Feeding your dog bones and turkey legs is risk for a possible foreign body obstruction. The bones can also get stuck in the stomach or intestines, potentially resulting in a perforation (or rupture) of the intestines.

Green Beans are Okay
Plain green beans are a wonderful treat for pets. Fresh vegetables are a great addition to any diet. If the green beans are included in a green bean casserole though, be conscious of the other ingredients in it.

Watch Out for Onions
Nothing with alliums (onions, garlic, leeks, scallions) should be ingested by your pet. While it is true that small, well-cooked portions of these foods can be okay if your pet is used to it, ingesting these foods in large quantities can lead to toxic anemia.

Grapes and Raisins are Toxic
Many people are unaware that grapes, and subsequently raisins, can be toxic to pets. The fruit has been shown to cause kidney failure in dogs.

No Alcohol
Alcohol is definitely a big no for pets. What we people may consider a small amount can be toxic for a smaller animal. Also, keep in mind that alcohol poisoning can occur in pets from atypical items like fruit cake (the recipe may have called for rum or other liquor), as well as unbaked bread.

No Artificial Sweeteners
While you may be making the healthier choice by cooking with artificial sweeteners over the real thing, sweeteners containing Xylitol are poisonous to animals, and potentially deadly to dogs.

Macaroni and Cheese is Okay
If you know your pet’s stomach handles dairy alright, macaroni and cheese is a safe leftover to share. If you are unsure though, it may be best to just give plain macaroni. Cats often develop lactose intolerance when they become adults.

No Chocolate
Chocolate is a well known off limits indulgence for pets. During the holidays however, baking chocolate is used in recipes and sometimes forgotten about by the time the dishes hit the table. Make sure this holiday season that your pet does not ingest any chocolate, especially the baking kind.

A Little Cranberry Sauce is Okay
Cranberry sauce is just fine for pets but watch the amount of sugar in it. It is probably best to only provide a small helping to your pet’s plate.

No Sage
Sage and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.

No Bread Dough
Don’t spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. When raw bread dough is ingested, an animal’s body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.

No Raw Batter
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.

Watch Overeating
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don’t allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.

Wrappings
Dispose of aluminum foil, plastic wrap and wax paper. While licking up food left on these wrappings pets can ingest some of the wrapper, leading to intestinal obstructions. Also, look out for tooth picks, skewers and used silverware.