Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page! We understand that caring for your companion’s health can raise many questions, especially when exploring holistic and alternative treatments. This page is designed to provide you with clear and concise answers to the most common inquiries we receive. Whether you’re curious about our services, treatment processes, or what to expect during your visit, you’ll find the information you need right here.
At Flathead Veterinary Wellness & Rehabilitation Center, we’re committed to creating a supportive and informed experience for both you and your pet. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!
At Flathead Veterinary Wellness & Rehabilitation Center, we’re committed to creating a supportive and informed experience for both you and your pet. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!
How do dogs/cats handle acupuncture?
Generally, very well. We offer a fear-free environment from start to finish and take our time to get to know each patient and their needs at every visit. There are calming and welcoming points that we use to introduce acupuncture, and from there, we try to read the patient, ensuring a well-tolerated and enjoyable treatment session. Most patients experience an endorphin rush about two minutes into the session, resulting in a very restful experience. However, some may stay quite alert and require treats and encouragement to relax.
Do you have to sedate for procedures?
We only sedate for our intra-articular joint injections. The rest of our procedures, like acupuncture, laser, shockwave, ozone, and chiropractic, do not require sedation. We offer licky mats, treats, and a lot of praise for those requiring a bit more encouragement. We also offer a variety of modalities that may be better tolerated at different stages in their recovery.
What services do you offer?
Please see our services tab.
How long does an acupuncture treatment take?
Anywhere from about 20-40 minutes.
Do you do titers?
Yes. We offer both feline and canine core vaccine titer testing.
Are you a full-service veterinary hospital?
No. We are a Veterinary Wellness and Rehabilitation Center offering complementary and alternative therapies to address pain, injury, cancer, and other disease processes, as well as to provide preventative wellness holistic consultations.
What if I already have a vet?
That is great and highly recommended. We are not a full-service veterinary clinic and work together with your primary veterinarian to support your companion.
Why is the water in the Underwater Treadmill heated?
Much like a hot tub the underwater treadmill, this is used to warm the tissues and bring in blood flow to help promote healing and improve movement.
Why should I bring my pet to see you?
We offer a variety of unique and supportive modalities that go beyond what conventional treatments are able to provide. We become another member of your companion’s medical team to help support any issue that your companion may be suffering from, particularly pain and mobility issues.
Why do you want to see past medical records and x-rays prior to my initial consultation?
We address each patient individually and holistically, taking into account their entire life history, including all previous medical issues. Previous medical records give us necessary information regarding the onset of issues and what diagnostics and treatments have been done. X-rays provide detailed information on diagnosis and lesion location, allowing us to maximize our treatment efficacy. It is best for us to have these ahead of time so we are not spending our valuable time together going over them.
Are there medications other than NSAIDs that can help my pet live a more comfortable life?
Most definitely! We specialize in pain and mobility and provide consultations on a full multimodal approach, offering a multitude of options that can help support your companion in living their best, pain-free life.
Do you see animals other than dogs and cats?
Yes. We can see birds, pocket pets, reptiles, and exotics—really, anything that can cleanly come into our center! The same parameters apply, including needing a primary full-service veterinarian and gathering medical records and any diagnostics prior to the visit.
How soon after surgery can my companion come to see you?
It is best to follow your surgeon’s recommendations on recheck visits and their approval for rehabilitation. While we are able to see patients as early as one week after surgery, we generally wait until about three weeks after surgery to move forward with any rehabilitation treatment plans. Each condition is a bit different and may have varying time frames.
Where are you located?
We are on the east side of Hwy 93, south of the town of Whitefish and just south of the Hwy 40 intersection. We share the building with Celebrate Party Store and are in the north half of the building. We are directly across the highway from the Montana Coffee Traders calistoga wagon. Please see our contact us page for more infomation.
Do I have to fill out the intake forms?
Yes. We need to have information to establish a patient-client-veterinary relationship and input you into our medical records. Additionally, we strive to work with you as a team and get to know your companion as the unique individual that they are. These forms provide us with valuable information to best do that.
What if my pet is healthy? Can I still come see you?
Yes. We do offer preventative wellness consultations, discussing nutrition, lifestyle, emotional, and physical elements that may help to maximize your companion’s health. Additionally, we offer preventative bodywork and chiropractic sessions that can help keep your companion moving smoothly.
What is the best way to contact Flathead Veterinary Wellness & Rehabilitation Center?
Please choose one method of communication—either email, text, or voicemail—and allow up to 24 hours for a response. We are committed to providing the best care for all our patients, and your patience is appreciated. Please visit our contact us page for all of our contact information.
What should I do if I have an urgent issue?
If your matter is urgent and cannot wait for our 24-hour response time, please contact your full-service veterinary practice.
Why does it take up to 24 hours for a response?
We are a small, appointment-only practice dedicated to providing personalized care. The 24-hour response time allows us to manage our caseload effectively and give each patient the attention they deserve.
Can I use multiple communication methods to ensure a faster response?
No, to help us manage communication efficiently, please use only one method—either email, text, or voicemail—and allow up to 24 hours for a response.
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