Veterinarian in Watkinsville, GA
Finding the right veterinarian in Watkinsville, GA for your beloved pet means discovering a team that truly cares about animal welfare and understands your concerns as a pet owner. At Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Mandy Cox and our experienced veterinary team provide high-quality veterinary care for small animals including dogs, cats, and exotic pets throughout the local community. Our veterinary hospital combines decades of hands-on experience with modern diagnostic technology, with services including routine wellness exams, dental cleaning, emergency care and specialized surgical procedures. We know that choosing veterinary care for your furry family member is an important decision, which is why we focus on building lasting relationships with both pets and their families while delivering the highest quality medical care your pet deserves.
Meet Our TeamOur Mission
Dr. Mandy Cox established Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital with a clear commitment to revolutionizing how veterinary care is delivered in our community. Our mission centers on providing individualized medical attention that recognizes each pet’s unique personality, health needs, and family situation rather than following generic treatment approaches. As your dedicated veterinarian in Watkinsville, GA, we believe top-notch veterinary care extends far beyond diagnosing and treating illness to encompass preventive medicine, client education, and emotional support for families navigating their pet’s health journey. Our veterinary hospital team works diligently to create an environment where both pet owners and their animals feel comfortable, respected, and genuinely cared for throughout every interaction. We measure our success not just by medical outcomes, but by the trust families place in us and the lasting bonds we form with the pets in our care.
Read More”This was the best vet experience our dog, Leo, has ever had. It was the first time he ever tried to turn around and go back into the vet building. The Vet and tech did an amazing job making Leo comfortable and keeping him distracted. If I lived in this area, this would definitely be my dog's primary veterinarian.
Laura C.
Meet the Team
Dr. Mandy Cox leads our veterinarians with over two decades of experience and a strong passion for treating pets. As a UGA Honor Graduate with magna cum laude recognition, she brings both specialized training and compassion to every patient interaction. Originally from Lilburn, GA, Dr. Cox now calls Watkinsville home, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and one cat. Our team also includes Dr. Julie Moore, a longtime Watkinsville local who spent most of her career in emergency medicine; Dr. Ali Vavlas, our Fear-Free certified specialist in exotic animals and hospice care; and Dr. Blakely Brown, our newest team member who graduated summa cum laude and specializes in preventative care and internal medicine. Together with our experienced support staff, including Operations Manager Tim Wade and Licensed Veterinary Technician Michelle Rampe, we provide the full-service care your pets deserve.
Meet Our TeamDid you know we have an app for that?
Schedule appointments, request refills, track your pet’s care, and view their records all in one place with our PetDesk App! Click below to learn more!
Puppy & Kitten Care
Good health starts at the very beginning of your pet’s life journey. Regular checkups, vaccinations, parasite testing and deworming, and spaying and neutering will get them off to a great start. We can also advise you on proper diet, preventing bad behavior, and potty training. Ask about our new Puppy & Kitten Care Information Package.
Senior Pet Care
Just like their human partners, older pets have special health needs and concerns and should visit their veterinarian in Watkinsville more frequently than in their youth. We are very experienced at treating the physical conditions and ailments that pets often face as they age.
Wellness Care
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is our motto, and we’ll keep your pet healthy through a combination of diagnostic testing, regular physical and dental exams, vaccinations and parasite control, and nutrition and lifestyle management.
Pet Dentistry
Regular dental care is very important for the overall health of your pet. Periodontal disease is common in cats and dogs, and if not treated early the infection can spread throughout the body. Regular dental exams and teeth cleaning will help to keep oral problems at bay.
Surgical Services
We maintain a well-equipped surgical suite and diagnostic lab and can perform surgeries of all types, from minor procedures to major operations.
Emergency & Urgent Care
When the unexpected happens, you can rest assured that you have a veterinarian in Watkinsville who knows your pet and is available and prepared to provide emergency treatment when you need it.
Pet Wellness Evaluations Through Thorough Physical Exams
Our Veterinarian provides thorough examinations to make sure your pet’s health is well-maintained. Having these routine exams means you are taking a proactive approach about safeguarding your beloved pet’s health. Small issues caught during a pet checkup can be addressed early with better health outcomes.
The routine pet wellness exam is designed to give the vet a good understanding of your pet’s general health and wellness. Throughout the exam, we assess several attributes of your pet’s condition and ask questions about exercise, diet, water intake, lifestyle, and any concerns you have about certain symptoms.
What Happens During Your Pet's Wellness Visit
Our examination begins with getting your pet’s weight and observing how your pet moves around the exam room. We look at how the pet moves, whether the pet is alert, and general body condition. During the visit, we rub through your pet’s fur and examine their skin, look into your pet’s eyes, ears, nose, and face, and open your pet’s mouth to examine their teeth and tongue.
We also examine skin folds and muscles while assessing bumps, growths, or skin irritation that may be present.
- Getting your pet’s weight measurement
- Observing movement and walking patterns in exam room
- Assessing your pet’s alertness and general body condition
- Examining fur, skin, eyes, ears, nose, and facial features
- Checking mouth, teeth, tongue, and oral health
Heart, Lung, and Physical Assessment Process
During the exam, our veterinarian uses a stethoscope to listen to your pet’s heart and lungs. This allows us to point out things like abnormal heart beats or respiratory issues. We palpate or physically touch and apply pressure to several areas of your pet’s body to check lymph nodes around the legs, neck, and head for signs of discomfort or swelling.
Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital also checks the stomach and abdomen for tender or swollen areas, plus the legs and paws for signs of muscle or nerve issues, toenail problems, or signs of weakness.
- Stethoscope examination of heart and lung function
- Lymph node assessment around legs, neck, and head areas
- Stomach and abdominal palpation for tender or swollen areas
- Leg and paw examination for muscle or nerve issues
- Toenail inspection and weakness detection
The Evolution of Wellness Lab Work in Modern Veterinary Care
Preventive healthcare for pets has transformed dramatically over the past decades. Where veterinarians once relied primarily on physical examinations, modern wellness lab work now provides crucial insights into your pet’s internal health. This advancement allows us to detect problems before visible symptoms appear, giving your pet the best chance for successful treatment.
Routine wellness lab work serves dual purposes in today’s veterinary practice. We use these tests to obtain accurate diagnoses when issues are suspected and to catch conditions in their earliest stages when treatment is most effective.
Long-Term Health Protection Through Regular Testing
Wellness lab work creates a foundation for your pet’s lifelong health management. Regular testing becomes especially important as pets age or when certain breeds face genetic predispositions to specific diseases. Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital recommends these tests as part of thorough preventive care protocols.
Annual laboratory screening helps establish baseline values for your pet’s normal ranges. These benchmarks become invaluable when evaluating future test results and detecting subtle changes that might indicate developing health issues.
- Complete blood count (CBC) testing available as routine screening
- Chemistry panel testing for comprehensive health assessment
- Thyroid and hormone analysis for metabolic evaluation
- Urinalysis testing for kidney and urinary health
- Fecal analysis for parasite detection and prevention
Benefits of Early Detection Through Laboratory Testing
Wellness lab work provides significant advantages over waiting for symptoms to appear. Early detection means treatment options remain more effective and less invasive. Many serious conditions show no outward signs until they reach advanced stages, making routine screening essential for maintaining your pet’s quality of life.
Laboratory results guide our veterinarians in creating personalized healthcare plans. When combined with physical examinations, these tests paint a complete picture of your pet’s current health status.
- Heartworm testing protects against cardiovascular complications
- Annual lab work serves as preventative health screening
- Testing helps obtain accurate diagnosis of suspected illnesses
- Early condition detection improves treatment outcomes
- X-ray imaging available when bone, joint, or digestion concerns arise
Proactive wellness lab work represents one of the most valuable investments in your pet’s long-term health and happiness.
Essential Pet Vaccinations Protect Your Companion’s Health
Our Veterinarian provides immunization services as part of comprehensive preventive veterinary care. Pet vaccinations are commonly scheduled to be done at the time of pet wellness exams. During your visit, the vet may check the immunization records to determine if there are vaccinations your dog or cat are due to have.
If your pet appears to be healthy enough for routine preventive care, your veterinarian will discuss which immunizations are advised, as well as parasite prevention including heartworm disease, intestinal parasites, and ectoparasites.
Core and Elective Immunization Options
We distinguish between different categories of vaccines to meet your pet’s protection needs. Core vaccinations are essential vaccines for all puppies and kittens. Elective vaccinations are optional vaccines based on individual pet needs and risk factors that we will discuss during your wellness examination.
Regular physical examinations, core and elective vaccinations, fecal testing for parasites, and deworming are all important elements of good health for your puppy or kitten.
- Core vaccinations essential for all puppies and kittens
- Elective vaccinations based on individual pet needs and risk factors
- Regular physical examinations combined with vaccination services
- Fecal testing for parasites and deworming treatments
- Parasite prevention including heartworm disease and ectoparasites
Preventive Care Through Scheduled Immunizations
Our vaccination recommendations are tailored to each pet’s specific needs, lifestyle, and health status during routine wellness examinations. The veterinary team maintains and reviews immunization records to track vaccination schedules and provide timely updates to their vaccinations when pets are due.
Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital presents vaccinations as an integral part of comprehensive preventive veterinary care, typically administered during routine wellness visits and customized based on individual pet assessment.
- Integration with routine wellness examination appointments
- Immunization record maintenance and review by veterinary team
- Vaccination recommendations tailored to each pet’s specific needs
- Scheduling based on when pets are due for vaccinations
- Customized vaccination plans based on individual pet assessment
Why Choose Us
Choosing the right veterinarian for your pet is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. Our promise to high-quality care and personalized attention sets us apart from other veterinary practices in the area.
FAQs
What types of animals do you see?
We see the following types of pets:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Exotics seen by Dr. Vavlas include, rabbits, ferrets, small rodents, ducks, chickens, lizards, turtles, tortoises, etc…
What are your hours?
Mon – Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 8am – 12pm (Every 1st and 3rd only)
Sun: Closed
What makes your approach to pet care different from other practices?
Our veterinarians pride themselves on treating every pet and pet parent as family members rather than just another appointment on our schedule. Our individually tailored approach recognizes that every pet is unique with different needs, personalities, and health considerations. We take time to understand your specific concerns and develop personalized care plans that work for your pet’s individual circumstances and your family’s lifestyle.
How long has your veterinary practice been serving the community?
Dr. Mandy Cox has been providing veterinary care in the Athens-Clarke-Oconee area for over 20 years, establishing Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital as a trusted local practice. Our veterinarians collectively bring more than 44 years of veterinary experience to our community. This extensive experience has allowed us to build lasting relationships with multiple generations of local families and their beloved pets.
Do you offer emergency veterinary services?
We provide comprehensive care for dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and ages. Additionally, Dr. Vavlas specializes in exotic animal medicine, treating rabbits, ferrets, small rodents, ducks, chickens, lizards, turtles, and tortoises. Whether you have a traditional family pet or a more unique companion, our veterinarians can provide the specialized veterinary care they need.
Emergency InformationWhat are your current hours of operation?
We’re open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with Saturday hours from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the first and third Saturdays of each month. We’re closed on Sundays. During our business hours, our veterinarians provide emergency and urgent care services and encourage clients to call ahead when possible so we can prepare for your arrival.
What types of pets do you treat at your practice?
Our veterinarians provide comprehensive veterinary care for dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds, from tiny Chihuahuas to large Great Danes. Additionally, Dr. Ali Vavlas specializes in exotic animal medicine, treating rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles, and small farm animals like chickens and ducks. Our diverse expertise allows families with multiple types of pets to receive all their veterinary care in one convenient location.
What kind of Surgeries / procedures do you perform?
Spay, neuter, mass removals, dental cleanings & extractions and an array of soft tissue surgeries. Any further questions about specific surgeries please call!
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Schedule Today with the Leading Veterinarian in Watkinsville, GA
When you choose Dr. Mandy Cox and Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital as your veterinarian, you’re choosing a team that truly understands the special bond between pets and their families. We’re committed to providing exceptional veterinary care that keeps your furry family members healthy, happy, and by your side for years to come. Ready to experience the Southern Hearts difference for your beloved pet?
Contact us today at 706-769-3113 to schedule your pet’s appointment and discover why so many pet owners in Watkinsville trust us with their most precious companions. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated with helpful pet care tips and the latest news from our veterinary team.