What does the first exam include?

A first exam includes a comprehensive nose-to-tail physical examination, a review of your pet’s medical history, discussion of nutrition and lifestyle, and recommendations for vaccines or preventive care. If needed, diagnostic testing may also be discussed to establish a strong health baseline.

Do you provide emergency or after-hours care?

South Putnam Animal Hospital does not provide emergency or after-hours care on site. For emergencies outside regular hours, we recommend contacting a local 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital. Our team can provide referrals and share records for continuity of care.

What kinds of veterinary services do you offer?

We are a full-service veterinary hospital offering wellness care, vaccinations, diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, laser therapy, puppy and kitten care, senior pet care, and chronic disease management to support pets at every life stage.

Can I schedule an appointment with a specific vet?

Yes, clients may request appointments with a specific veterinarian based on availability. Our team works collaboratively to ensure consistent, high-quality care for every patient.

What can I expect during my pet’s first visit?

During your pet’s first visit, we review medical history, perform a thorough physical exam, discuss preventive care, and address any concerns. We focus on creating a calm experience while developing a personalized health plan.

Do you offer spays/neuters?

Yes, we provide spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats using modern anesthesia and monitoring protocols to ensure safety and comfort while preventing unwanted litters and certain health issues.

Where are you located?

South Putnam Animal Hospital is located at 230B Baldwin Place Road, Mahopac, New York, providing convenient access for clients in Mahopac and surrounding communities.

Why are annual wellness exams important for my pet?

Annual wellness exams help monitor overall health, detect early changes, and prevent illness. They ensure vaccinations and parasite prevention remain up to date, supporting a longer and healthier life.

How often should my pet get vaccinations?

Vaccination schedules depend on age, lifestyle, and health. Puppies and kittens need initial series, while adults typically receive boosters annually or every three years based on individual risk.

What types of diagnostic tests does your clinic offer for pets?

We offer in-house lab testing, bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, digital radiography, and advanced diagnostics to quickly evaluate health and guide treatment plans.

How quickly can I expect to receive diagnostic test results?

Many in-house diagnostic results are available the same day. Specialized tests sent to external labs may take a few days, and our team will communicate results promptly.

Are any wellness plans available for puppies and kittens?

While packaged wellness plans are not offered, we provide tailored puppy and kitten care including exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and nutritional guidance.

When should I schedule my puppy or kitten’s first vet visit?

Puppies and kittens should have their first veterinary visit between six and eight weeks of age to begin vaccinations, check for parasites, and assess overall health.

How often should senior pets see the veterinarian?

Senior pets should visit the veterinarian at least twice a year to monitor health changes, detect issues early, and adjust care plans for comfort and quality of life.

What is included in a senior wellness exam?

A senior wellness exam includes a physical exam, medical history review, discussion of behavior and mobility changes, and recommended diagnostics such as bloodwork to detect age-related conditions.

Do you provide pet dental cleanings?

Yes, we provide dental cleanings under anesthesia, including oral exams, scaling, polishing, and evaluation for dental disease to support overall health.

How long does a pet dental cleaning take?

Dental cleanings typically take several hours, including preparation, the procedure, and recovery time. Duration depends on dental condition and need for extractions.

Do you perform surgeries on pets at your clinic?

Yes, we perform a range of surgical procedures on site using modern equipment, anesthesia, and monitoring to ensure patient safety and comfort.

What types of pet surgeries do you offer?

We offer routine procedures like spays and neuters, along with soft-tissue surgeries such as mass removals and other medically necessary procedures.

How long does it take for a pet to recover after surgery?

Recovery varies by procedure, but many routine surgeries require one to two weeks of restricted activity. Detailed post-operative care instructions are provided for smooth recovery.

Do you serve pets in Carmel, Yorktown Heights, Putnam Valley, and Somers?

Yes, South Putnam Animal Hospital serves Mahopac and nearby communities including Carmel, Yorktown Heights, Putnam Valley, and Somers. We are located at 230B Baldwin Place Rd, Mahopac, NY 10541 and welcome new patients.

Top 7 Signs Your Pet Needs Behavior Counseling

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By South Putnam Animal Hospital | December 11, 2025

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Pets are usually great friends, and in some cases, their behavior may be tough to handle. It could be over-barking, aggression, or nervousness, but all of these behavioral patterns are likely to be stressful to both the owner and the pet. It is essential to realize when your pet requires behavior counseling to ensure their health. Here are the top 7 signs it may be time to consider pet behavior counseling.

1. Excessive Meowing or Barking

Excessive vocalization is one of the most common signs that your pet will benefit from behavior counseling. When your dog is barking uncontrollably, or you find yourself listening to your cat meow nonstop, this may be an indication of underlying stress, anxiety, or frustration.

However, occasional barking or meowing within the normal range may indicate that your pet is:

Seeking attention
Uncomfortable
Responding to a specific stimulus.

By identifying the root of the vocalization and providing a strategy to reduce the behavior, pet behavior counseling may provide a solution to this vocalization issue.

2. Violence Against Individuals or Animals

Another red flag indicating that your pet should undergo behavior counseling is aggression, which can be indicated by their behaviors if they:

Growl
Snap
Bite people or other animals

Aggression may stem from fear, territoriality, or a lack of socialization. Behavioral counseling for pets can help control the expression of these emotions in confined spaces, leading to safer interactions with other people and animals. The problem of aggression can be addressed earlier to avoid more serious problems in the future.

3. Separation Anxiety

Pets showing extreme distress when alone may be experiencing separation anxiety. Signs often include destructive behavior such as chewing furniture, scratching doors, or urinating indoors when their owner leaves. Such behaviors clearly indicate your pet is having difficulty being apart from you.

Behavioral counseling for separation anxiety can help your pet develop coping strategies and lessen their anxiety when left alone. Treatments may involve desensitization techniques and crate training to calm their nerves.

4. Destructive Behavior

If your pet is chewing furniture, digging, or tearing household items, they might be acting out due to boredom, anxiety, or poor training. This behavior can damage your home and harm your pet if they ingest harmful items. Behavior counseling can help teach your pet positive outlets, enrichment activities, and proper training to prevent these actions.

5. Fear or Phobias

Does your pet appear fearful of specific noises, situations, or people? Behaviors like trembling, hiding, or cowering may indicate a phobia.

Some of the common triggers include:

Thunderstorms
Fireworks
Unfamiliar visitors.

While some fear is normal, excessive reactions can be harmful to your pet’s health. Pet behavior counseling can help your pet gradually become desensitized to their worries, reducing their anxiety and helping them feel more comfortable in potentially frightening situations.

6. Uncontrolled Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity can be exhausting for both pets and their owners. Your pet may benefit from behavior counseling if they are:

Unable to settle down.
Having difficulty following commands.
Constantly on the move.

Hyperactive pets may struggle with impulse control or have an excess of pent-up energy. Behavior counseling can teach your pet how to focus, settle down, and behave appropriately in various situations. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a structured routine can also help manage hyperactivity.

7. Inappropriate Elimination

Inappropriate elimination, like urinating or defecating inside the house or outside their designated bathroom area, can indicate stress, anxiety, or behavioral issues. While medical issues should always be ruled out first, persistent accidents can indicate a deeper behavioral issue. Pet behavior counseling can help address this by teaching your pet proper bathroom habits and helping them feel more comfortable in their environment. Techniques such as crate training and positive reinforcement can be effective in addressing this issue.

Help Your Pet Live Happily

If you notice any of these behaviors in your pet, it may be time to seek professional Veterinary care with pet behavior counseling and address your pet’s behavioral issues early to help improve their quality of life and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Remember, your pet’s mental well-being is just as important as their physical health, and behavior counseling can provide them with the tools to live a happier, more balanced life.

If your pet is located in Mahopac, NY, and you are concerned about your pet’s behavior, South Putnam Animal Hospital is here to help. We offer personalized pet behavior counseling to help manage challenging behaviors and improve your pet’s overall well-being.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my pet needs behavior counseling?

Ans: Signs that your pet might need behavior counseling include excessive barking, aggression, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior. If your pet’s behavior is causing distress, professional help can be beneficial.

2. What causes aggressive behavior in pets?

Ans: Aggression in pets can stem from fear, territorial instincts, past trauma, or lack of proper socialization. Professional counseling can help manage and reduce these behaviors.

3. Can behavior counseling help with separation anxiety?

Ans: Yes, behavior counseling is highly effective for pets with separation anxiety. Techniques like desensitization, crate training, and positive reinforcement can help reduce anxiety when left alone.

4. How can I stop my pet from being destructive?

Ans: Destructive behavior is often caused by boredom, anxiety, or lack of training. Behavior counseling helps address these issues through positive reinforcement and providing mental stimulation.

5. Is it normal for my pet to be afraid of loud noises?

Ans: Some fear of loud noises is normal, but extreme reactions can be a sign of a phobia. Behavior counseling can help desensitize your pet to these noises and reduce their anxiety.