What We Offer

 Your pet’s health care begins with a regular wellness checkup with the veterinarian. At Good Ground Animal Hospital, we recommend all animals receive a physical exam once every year, although it’s better to visit the veterinarian more frequently. The annual exam is most important to help the prevention of rabies, fleas, ticks, and parasites. (such as heartworm, and many other treatable illnesses & conditions.) Regular visits allow us to detect symptoms of disease or illness in your pet, so we can treat them before your pet becomes sick or feels pain.  

 Our pets can also be exposed to many diseases, some of which can be prevented by vaccinations.  At Good Ground, our veterinarians will ask questions to personalize vaccination schedules for your pet based on age, environment, and risk level to make sure your pet is protected!

During your pet's exam, we provide plenty of time for the veterinarian to discuss your pet's condition and answer your questions. If a wellness exam reveals potential problems or uncertainty, our advanced diagnostic equipment helps your veterinarian make a complete and accurate diagnosis. Good Ground Animal Hospital has the following equipment and services:

In-House Laboratory: Our in-house diagnostic lab performs CBC (Complete Blood Count) tests, chemistries,electrolytes, parasite/virus tests and microscope exams. Having an in-house lab makes it easier to treat sick/ill pets in a more timely manner.

Reference Laboratory: For more routine or specialized testing, our practice has a working relationship with a reference lab. Our veterinarians usually get results in one day or less, so you don't have to wait and worry about test results.

We at Good Ground Animal Hospital are very concerned about pain management in pets. In keeping with this theme in our hospital, we have the latest technology for joint and soft tissue pain problems for Laser Therapy. This Laser reduces inflammation in joints and soft tissues which dramatically reduces pain. More importantly, though, is that Laser therapy is “bio-stimulatory”. This means it actually aids in repairing the damaged tissues and therefore improves strength and provides greater mobility. And there are no side effects!  

Treatments last 3 to 8 minutes per site and require no anesthesia. Your pet will be very comfortable as this laser produces only a soothing warmth in the inflamed tissue. Laser Therapy for chronic conditions can require 5 or 6 treatments initially to bring your pet to a more pleasant and comfortable functionality. Booster treatments may then be administered every 3 to 4 weeks to maintain the reduced pain and improved mobility. Has your pet shown an intolerance to a medication, has your pet been lethargic or, has your pet shown incomplete pain reduction? Is your pet still having difficulty getting around? Then your pet is a candidate for this therapy. 

Pet grooming is not simply a luxury, but a tool for overall health. Regular grooming promotes a healthy coat, reduces odor, and shedding, and helps your pet feel their best. And while a healthy outside contributes to a strong inside, our assistants will leave your pets feeling comfortable and looking their best. We are trained to identify external parasites and detect problems with the skin and coat.  If necessary, the assistants will recommend a visit to the veterinarian if needed. 

 Services Include:

• Bath with professional shampoo and conditioner
• Anal gland expression
• Nail trimming
• Ear cleaning

Specialized Shampoos Available

• Medicated
• Oatmeal & Aloe
• Soothing

Digital radiographs (X-rays) and in-house ultrasound help veterinarians diagnose many potential health problems, leading to faster diagnosis and quicker treatment. For the more challenging cases, we may consult with a board-certified radiologist. 

When your dog or cat needs surgery, it can be a trying and stressful time for you too. Good Ground Animal Hospital strives to alleviate the stress for you and avoid discomfort for your companion. Your pet's safety during surgery, and recovery is our highest priority. Whether your pet needs a spay, or neuter procedure or requires removal of a mass, the veterinarians and staff at Good Ground provide gentle care using advanced veterinary surgical techniques. We use the most up-to-date pain management protocols, advanced monitoring equipment, and the safest anesthesia available, all while under the supervision of our veterinarians and highly trained technical staff. During your pet's procedure, a trained staff member stays by your pet's side to monitor anesthesia, respiration, blood pressure, and temperature. With our heated surgery table your pet is as comfortable as it can be! All of our patients are connected to IV fluids and an EKG machine, and pain medications are administered before the operation as well as post-op to be sure your animal does not experience any discomfort. Some of the surgical procedures we commonly perform include:

-Dental cleanings and extractions for dogs & cats.

-Surgical removal of lumps or masses

-Spaying and neutering

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical therapy. Acupuncture usually involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into discrete and specific points on the body in order to cause a therapeutic effect. Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels. Most acupoints are motor points. A great number of studies indicate that stimulation of these acupoints induces the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. Each sessions runs around 20-45 minutes; the first session usually takes longer than follow up treatments. Some results can be seen immediately but others will require several treatments. Generally a minimum of 3 to 5 treatments, 1 to 2 weeks apart for chronic conditions are needed before one can expect notable improvement. Acupuncture rarely hurts! Doctors use needles that are as fine as a piece of hair. over 95% of patients are comfortable with this therapy. Due to the relaxation effect, some animals will even fall asleep!

Acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:

• Musculoskeletal problems (muscle soreness, back pain, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease)
• Neurological disorders (seizures, intervertebral dic disease, and facial /radial nerve paralysis)
• Other chronic conditions: (asthma, skin problems, heaves, cough, uveitis, renal failure, chronic liver diseases, Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, quality of life, cancer, and hospice care)

Studies show that acupuncture stimulation induces the following physiological effects:

• Pain Relief
• Promotion of tissue healing process
• Regulation of gastrointestinal motility
• Anti- Inflammatory effects
• Immunoregulation
• Hormone and reproductive regulation
• Antifebrile effects

You want what’s best for your pet, but sometimes work or an errand takes you away for a while. That’s why Good Ground Animal Hospital offers loving care for your companion while you’re occupied that is both convenient, and affordable. We know you have a lot of choices, including pet sitters, but day care  with us offers much, much more! Allow our staff of experienced and trusted professionals to give your pet the best care possible. Whether dog or cat, your pet will enjoy the perfect balance of TLC and exercise. (Not together of course, as we keep pups and kitties separate.) We provide a safe, fun environment for group play, while also offering all dogs their own room for privacy, comfort and a little “me time.” Good Ground Animal Hospital is fully staffed, so pets get the attention and care they truly need. Your pet will enjoy the opportunity to meet other dogs, all day play is available for well-mannered, socialized dog boarding guests that are either spayed/neutered. Individual Play is also available for companions that prefer more specialized attention. Your dog’s needs and wants are met and surpassed by a staff of caring professionals. We want nothing more than to make your dog’s time away from home memorable. You can choose to bring their own food or we’ll supply our own premium kibble at no additional charge! Your pets are walked individually more than three times a day for their time to do their personal business.

Focus on Safety
We take note of your pet’s special needs and we monitor each guest closely throughout the day. We require proof of vaccinations for all of our dog and cat guests. Dogs must be current on Rabies, Da2pp (distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus) and Bordetella(Kennel Cough). Cats must be current on Rabies and FVRCP (Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia).

Any medical needs or medications must be disclosed to our staff in advance so that we can provide the best care for your pet. Please note that while we welcome all breeds, any pet showing aggression will not be able to participate in any socialization with the other pets for their safety. Please call our office for availability and pricing. 

For the convenience of pet owners, Dr. Swanson has fulfilled her USDA APHIS Category I Accreditation Certification Requirements. This allows her to evaluate animals for health status, & complete relevant Travel Health Certificates!

We recommend that our clients research the requirements for the selected destination prior to their visit.

Please click here to review more information about health certificates:

Good Ground Animal Hospital is proud to offer House Call services to all our clients living in the areas of Hampton Bays, Southampton, Quogue, East Quogue, Flanders, Westhampton, & Westhampton Beach. House calls are excellent to help maintain the health of your pet when there are situations that prevent you from bringing your pet into our practice. During house calls, we can perform some services that we do at our practice such as, Physical exams, nail clips, vaccines, ear cleaning, euthanasia, etc. If you have difficulty bringing your pet to our practice because you don't have a car, your pet is too stressed, or your pet is too big to handle, it would be our pleasure to make your life easier! Contact our practice today to find out more information.

Just as in dogs and cats, regular medical care for your exotic family member is an important part of keeping your pet healthy.  Physical examinations allow for early detection and treatment of disease. Dr. Spanbock can answer any health or behavioral questions that you may have. Depending on the age and medical history of your pet, we may recommend wellness exams more frequently.