No matter what question you have about your pet’s care, it is never too small to be asked. Our Roanoke veterinary team is here to answer all your questions, big and small, about how we strive to provide nothing but the best care for your pet.
Yes! We’d love to welcome you and your pet to our Big Lick family. Mention this website offer to receive $50 off your pet’s first wellness visit.
Please bring any previous records, a list of medications, and your pet’s favorite treats or toy—we love helping them feel right at home.
Happy Visits are gentle, no-pressure appointments designed to help pets, especially puppies and nervous patients, build confidence and feel more comfortable at the vet. These visits involve cuddles, treats, and positive reinforcement, with no pokes or procedures, so your pet learns to associate us with safety and fun.
Absolutely. While Happy Visits are especially helpful for puppies and kittens, we welcome anxious pets of all ages. These visits can be a great way to rebuild trust and reduce stress, even for pets with past negative experiences.
Visit carecredit.com to fill out your application securely online. If you need help, our team is happy to guide you through the process in person.
Once you’re approved, simply use your CareCredit account like a regular credit card. If you apply in-clinic, we’ll help access your account and process the transaction on the spot.
CareCredit covers a wide range of services at Big Lick Veterinary Services, including exams, diagnostics, surgeries, medications, and more. It’s also accepted by many human healthcare providers.
In most cases, you pay for care upfront and get reimbursed after submitting a claim. Some providers, like Trupanion, offer direct-pay options. We’re happy to help you gather the documents needed to file your claim quickly.
No, it’s an unbiased resource that helps you explore your options and make informed decisions. They don’t sell insurance directly, and the site is free to use.
Consider your pet’s age, breed, and health history. Do you want coverage for emergencies, chronic conditions, or preventive care? Pet Insurance Review makes it easy to filter plans by what matters most to you.
We offer full-service grooming as well as basic bath and brush services. We do not currently offer boarding.
Even healthy-looking pets can have early signs of illness that are easy to miss at home. Wellness exams help us catch subtle changes before they become serious, and give you peace of mind that your pet’s on track.
Bring any previous medical records, a list of current medications, questions you’d like to ask, and your pet’s favorite treat or toy to help them feel comfortable.
In most cases, we’ll ask that your pet fasts after midnight the night before surgery. We’ll provide all pre-op instructions in advance and are happy to answer any questions you have.
Dr. Nelson performs select orthopedic procedures, and we partner with a skilled mobile surgeon for more complex cases conducted in-house. We’ll always walk you through the process and keep your pet’s care seamless and coordinated.
Anesthesia is never risk-free, but we take every precaution to ensure your pet’s safety. Each patient receives a customized anesthesia plan, and we monitor them closely before, during, and after surgery.
That depends on the surgery. Simple procedures may require a week or two of downtime, while orthopedic surgeries can take longer. We’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions so you know exactly what to expect.
Most pets benefit from professional cleanings once a year, though small breeds, seniors, or pets with ongoing dental concerns like stomatitis or resorptive disease may need them more frequently.
Bad breath, visible tartar, red or bleeding gums, drooling, and difficulty eating are all signs your pet may need dental care.
No. Non-anesthetic cleanings only address surface buildup and can miss serious problems beneath the gums. Anesthesia ensures a safe, thorough, and pain-free procedure.
Absolutely. Brushing your pet’s teeth several times a week with pet-safe toothpaste, offering dental chews, and feeding dental diets can all help slow the buildup of plaque and tartar.
We’ll always contact you before performing an extraction and explain the reasons behind it. Removing painful or infected teeth can improve your pet’s comfort and long-term health, and your pet likely won’t notice they have a tooth missing.
Since the needles are very thin — no thicker than a hair — acupuncture treatment is generally painless, and most pets relax during their session.
When performed by a trained veterinary acupuncturist, acupuncture is safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are rare and typically mild. For example, your pet may seem a bit tired after a session, but that effect passes quickly.
That depends on your pet’s condition and response to treatment. Some pets improve after one or two sessions, while others, particularly those with chronic conditions, benefit most from a series of treatments.
Absolutely. Acupuncture often works best alongside conventional medicine, surgery, physical therapy, or medications as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Many pets show improvement within the first few visits, though chronic conditions may take more time. Our veterinarians will create a personalized schedule to maximize results.
It depends on your dog’s coat type and activity level. Most dogs benefit from brushing and nail trims every 6–8 weeks to maintain a healthy coat and nails.
Absolutely. Our team is experienced with nervous pets and works patiently to create a calm, gentle grooming experience.
Definitely. Regular baths and brushing help remove loose fur and reduce shedding around your home.
To keep all pets safe, we require dogs to be up-to-date on rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella vaccinations before their appointment.
