Stanglein Veterinary Clinic FAQs

We suggest yearly wellness exams for healthy pets, with more frequent checkups recommended for seniors or pets with ongoing health concerns.

Our doctors select anesthetic protocols based on each pet’s health and individual needs. Throughout the procedure, we provide continuous monitoring to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort.

We occasionally see rabbits and other pocket pets. Please call our office so we can discuss and accommodate your appointment needs.

Stanglein Vet is not authorized to collect or dispose of unused medications. Unwanted or expired medicines, including controlled substances, should be taken to authorized take-back or mail-back programs, or designated collection receptacles. You can also check with local pharmacies, your DEA field office, or search online for disposal sites. Visit UnwantedMeds.org for more information.

Yes. We issue both interstate and international health certificates for dogs, cats, and other small mammals. Interstate certificates typically require just one visit. International certificates, however, can be more complex—sometimes requiring multiple visits and tests over six or more months, depending on the destination country. Since requirements are set by the importing country, we recommend reviewing details at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel before scheduling. We can also complete re-entry paperwork for pets returning to the U.S. from high-risk Rabies countries. Please call our office with any additional questions.

A microchip is a permanent form of identification, not a tracking device. Most veterinary clinics and shelters can scan for it. We can place a microchip in our office, often during a spay/neuter procedure when your pet is already under anesthesia for added comfort.

In Pennsylvania, dogs and cats must be vaccinated by three months of age. A booster is required one year later, then every three years. Only a licensed veterinarian may administer the vaccine, and proof is provided with a tag and certificate.

Please bring any previous vaccine records (if available), a current list of medications, diet information, and a comfort toy or treats. When scheduling, we can let you know if a stool sample is needed to check for intestinal parasites.

Routine refills are typically ready within 24–48 hours. For new prescriptions, wait times may vary depending on the day.

Yes. Heartworm disease is present in all 50 states and continues to increase. It is transmitted by mosquitoes, whose season is unpredictable, so annual testing and preventatives are essential. Heartworm is life-threatening and costly to treat. Call our office to learn how to best protect your pet.

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets. Heartworm disease is present in all 50 states and continues to increase. It is transmitted by mosquitoes, whose season is unpredictable. Heartworms live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs in the body. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats and ferrets, but heartworms also live in other mammal species.

*This information is based on recommendations from the American Heartworm Society*

Even when your dog receives heartworm prevention throughout the year, annual testing is still an important part of protecting their health. While heartworm preventives are very reliable, no medication can guarantee 100% protection.

A dog can become vulnerable to infection if a monthly dose is missed, given late, or not fully absorbed. For example, a dog may spit out or vomit an oral medication, or a topical product may not be applied correctly or may be rubbed off before it has been absorbed. Yearly heartworm testing helps confirm that your dog's prevention plan is working as intended. If an infection does occur, early detection allows treatment to begin as soon as possible, helping prevent more serious health complications.

**This information is based on recommendations from the American Heartworm Society*

ProHeart 12 is an injection that prevents heartworm disease in dogs 12 months and older. The veterinarian or certified nursing staff gives the injection, and it protects your dog from developing heartworm disease for 12 full months. Talk with the veterinarian about side effects and if ProHeart 12 is right for your dog.

Bravecto Quantum is an injection that delivers 12 months of uninterrupted flea and tick protection. Used in dogs and puppies 6 months and older. Bravecto protects dogs from fleas, Brown dog ticks, Black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks.

Leptospirosis is a serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection in dogs, caused by Leptospira spirochetes. Dogs typically contract the disease by walking through, drinking, or swimming in contaminated water, or by coming into contact with the urine of infected wildlife. The bacteria attack the liver and kidneys and can be transmitted to humans. The leptospirosis vaccine is classified as a core vaccine for all dogs by major veterinary organizations, including the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).