Harvester Veterinary Hospital of Burr Ridge

Harvester FAQs

Have a question you'd like to ask? Read our FAQs below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you taking new patients?

Yes, we are currently accepting new patients. We would love to welcome you and your pet into our family.

What’s the best way to schedule an appointment?

To schedule an appointment, you can fill out the form here or give us a call at 630-448-8268. We look forward to seeing you.

Why can’t my pet see the same veterinarian/veterinary technician each time we visit?

Although we always try to accommodation client request, there can be a variety of reasons that you cannot see your previous veterinarian or veterinary technician:

  • Scheduling conflicts
  • Emergency situations
  • Vacations or time off
  • Availability

When making an appointment in advance, please let us know if you have a specific veterinarian request and we will do our best to accommodate. We are so glad that you connected with a member of our team, but we assure you at every member of our team is more than capable of treating your pet with excellent care.

My pet feels better but I still have medication left. Do I really have to keep giving it?

We are so glad to hear that your pet feels better. As with humans, it is important to finish all prescribed medication. If you stop medication before you are finished, your pet can relapse in their illness or cause the disease to last longer. If you have any questions about your pet’s medication, do not hesitate to give us a call.


What constitutes a pet emergency situation? What do I do in case I have an emergency and Harvester is closed?

An emergency situation is one that requires immediate attention. Possible symptoms can include:

  • Inability to urinate or pass waste (could be due to a blockage)
  • Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea
  • Uncontrolled breathing
  • Seizures
  • Any trauma, like lacerations or punctures
  • Unconsciousness
  • Changes in respiration

If you believe you are experiencing an emergency during office hours, please call us immediately and head to our clinic. If it is after hours, please visit the closest emergency animal hospital.

Please visit this page for a list of animal hospitals we trust with our patients after business hours.

I think my pet ate something that is poisonous, but he/she seems fine. What should I do?

If you think that your pet ate something poisonous and it is during business hours, please bring them in immediately. Give us a call when you are on your way so we can prepare for your arrival. If it is after hours, visit the closest animal hospital or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435.

I just got a new pet, what do I do next?

Congratulations! We are so excited for you and your family. We recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as possible so we can get to know you and your pet. At your first appointment, we will have you fill out some paperwork with as much information as you have. If you adopted from a shelter or breeder, please bring this paperwork with you.

We will conduct a full exam and administer any necessary vaccines, as well as discuss future treatment and answer any questions you may have about life with a new pet.

How much exercise does my pet need?

Each animal will need a different amount of exercise. It is largely dependent on the breed, age, and health of your pet. In general, an adult dog will need anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours of playtime per day. Puppies will need less, with around five minutes of exercise per month of age. Consult with your veterinarian about exercise needs for senior dogs.

Most animals do best when playtime and exercise is spread out throughout the day rather than one long playtime. Avoid strenuous exercise, especially with puppies, as this can damage joints and bones while growing. Exercise can include fetch, walks, running around the house, obedience training, agility training, and more. Try to vary the kind of exercise throughout the day to keep your pet engaged.

Do pets get stressed when traveling?

Pets can certainly get stressed when traveling, but there are ways to minimize the stress if a trip is necessary. For especially anxious pets, we can prescribe some calming medications to be used during travel.

Otherwise, follow these simple steps:

  • Make sure they have access to food and water throughout the travel journey
  • If in a carrier, make it comfortable with favorite blankets or toys
  • If traveling on a plane, try to have them in the cabin with you rather than in the cargo hold

There might be a time when you need to travel with your cat or dog, and we are happy to provide guidance on the best course of action. We also provide pet travel health certificates if you are leaving the state or country.

Join the Harvester Veterinary Hospital of Burr Ridge Family Today!

Phone: 630-819-5831

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