Winterville Animal Clinic
Your pet’s health and happiness deserve exceptional veterinary care backed by years of experience and real compassion. Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital serves as the dedicated Winterville animal clinic, where Dr. Mandy Cox and her skilled veterinary team provide comprehensive medical services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets throughout the Athens-Clarke-Oconee area.
With over 20 years of veterinary practice experience and recognition as the 2019 & 2020 Best of the Best Veterinarian of the Year, Dr. Mandy Cox leads a locally owned vet clinic that provides advanced diagnostic imaging, modern surgical capabilities, and personalized attention. From routine wellness exams to complex internal medicine cases, our Winterville animal clinic offers the complete spectrum of veterinary care your beloved companions need to thrive at every life stage.
Meet Our TeamOur Mission
Dr. Mandy Cox founded our veterinary practice with a strong commitment to treating every pet and family with the same care and attention we give our own beloved animals. Our Winterville animal clinic’s vet team believes that exceptional veterinary care goes beyond medical expertise—it requires building genuine relationships, understanding each pet’s unique personality, and supporting families through every stage of their companion’s life. We operate as the neighborhood Winterville animal clinic, where emergency services, preventive wellness programs, and specialized treatments are delivered with the personal touch that only a locally owned veterinary team can provide. Our mission centers on maintaining the highest standards of veterinary care while ensuring that no pet or family ever feels like just another appointment in our schedule.
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 Doctor
Dr. Mandy Cox founded Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital with a vision of providing exceptional, personalized veterinary care to the pets and families of Watkinsville and surrounding communities. A Lilburn, Georgia native, Dr. Mandy Cox earned her DVM from UGA College of Veterinary Medicine as a magna cum laude honor graduate in 2003. Her impressive credentials include being voted 2019 & 2020 Best of the Best Veterinarian of the Year and receiving the National Young American Award in 1998. Living in Watkinsville with her husband, two daughters, and their own pets, Dr. Mandy Cox understands the deep bond between families and their pets, bringing both skill and compassion to every visit.
Our experienced veterinary team in our Winterville animal clinic includes additional skilled doctors who bring specialized expertise in emergency medicine, Fear Free certified care, and exotic animal treatment. With over 44 years of combined veterinary experience, our team includes graduates from UGA’s veterinary program with honors distinctions, Phi Zeta Honor Society membership, and specialized training in areas like senior pet wellness and critical care. This depth of knowledge ensures your pet receives complete care from professionals who understand the importance of the human-animal bond and live it in their own lives as pet owners.
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 Physical Exams
We believe routine pet wellness exams are designed to give the vet a good understanding of your pet’s general health and wellness. It is recommended that all pets get an exam at least once a year, though how often your pet needs an exam can vary depending on age, health history, and other factors. Puppies and kittens need more frequent checkups, while senior pets or those with health concerns often need exams two or more times per year.
Our examination approach includes observing how your pet moves and walks around the exam room while assessing your pet’s alertness and general body condition. We rub through your pet’s fur and examine their skin, look into your pet’s eyes, ears, nose, and face, then open your pet’s mouth to examine teeth and tongue. At Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital, we examine skin folds and muscles, assess bumps, growths, or skin irritation, and check the stomach and abdomen for tender or swollen areas.
Wellness Lab Work
We recommend annual wellness lab work as a cornerstone of your pet’s healthcare routine to identify potential health concerns early. Laboratory testing reveals valuable insights about your pet’s internal health, including blood sugar levels, protein counts, and signs of infection or autoimmune conditions. Pets aged seven and older benefit from increased screening frequency, with testing every six months helping us monitor age-related changes before symptoms appear.
Our advanced diagnostic laboratory in our Winterville animal clinic provides same-day results using cutting-edge technology for immediate health assessments. We conduct comprehensive blood work including complete blood panels, organ function evaluations, and point-of-care SNAP testing for diseases like heartworm and Lyme. At Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital, our in-clinic testing capabilities ensure your pet receives prompt medical attention based on accurate, timely laboratory findings.
Pet Vaccinations
We schedule pet vaccinations commonly at the time of wellness examinations to maintain your companion’s health protection. During your visit, the vet may check the immunization records to determine if there are vaccinations your dog or cat are due to have. This approach allows us to provide preventive care that protects against diseases while monitoring your pet’s overall wellness status.
Our vaccination planning process begins when your pet appears healthy enough for routine preventive care during wellness examinations. Your veterinarian will discuss which immunizations are advised based on your pet’s individual assessment and health evaluation. At Southern Hearts Veterinary Hospital, we maintain and review immunization records to track vaccination schedules so pets receive timely updates when they need them.
Why Choose Us
Choosing the right veterinary practice for your pet is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. Our commitment to excellence and personalized care sets us apart in the veterinary field.
FAQs
What should I bring to my pet's first appointment?
Please bring any previous medical records, vaccination certificates, and a list of current medications or supplements your pet is taking. It’s also helpful to prepare a list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss, and bring any behavioral observations you’ve noticed that might be relevant to your pet’s health.
How often should my pet have wellness examinations?
Most adult pets should have comprehensive wellness examinations at least once per year, while senior pets (typically over 7-8 years old) benefit from twice-yearly checkups to monitor age-related changes. Puppies and kittens require more frequent visits during their first year for vaccinations and developmental monitoring. We’ll work with you to establish an examination schedule that’s appropriate for your pet’s age, health status, and risk factors.
Can you help with nutrition and diet recommendations for my pet?
Absolutely! Proper nutrition is a cornerstone of good health, and our veterinarians can provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your pet’s age, weight, activity level, and any medical conditions. Our Winterville animal clinic offers therapeutic diets for pets with specific health needs and can advise on portion control, treats, and supplements. Our team stays current on pet nutrition research to provide evidence-based feeding recommendations.
Do you provide dental care services for pets?
Our Winterville animal clinic offers comprehensive dental care including professional cleanings under anesthesia, tooth extractions when necessary, and digital dental radiography to evaluate tooth roots and surrounding bone structure. Dental disease affects the majority of adult pets and can lead to serious health complications if untreated. We also provide guidance on home dental care and recommend products that help maintain your pet’s oral health between professional cleanings.
How do you handle referrals to specialists when needed?
When your pet needs specialized care beyond our capabilities, our Winterville animal clinic works closely with trusted specialists throughout the region and provides detailed referral information including medical records and our recommendations. We maintain communication with specialists to coordinate care and ensure smooth transitions. After specialist treatment, we’re happy to resume your pet’s regular care and help implement any ongoing treatment recommendations.
Couldn’t find the answer you’re looking for?
Contact Our Winterville Animal Clinic Today!
Your pet deserves veterinary care that combines skill and compassion, and our team delivers both every day. Whether you need a routine wellness exam, emergency services, or specialized internal medicine consultation, our practice provides the expert care your furry family member needs.
Connect with us on Facebook to stay updated on pet health tips and community events. Ready to experience the difference personalized veterinary care makes? Call us today at 706-769-3113 to schedule your pet’s appointment and discover why families throughout the area trust us with their most precious companions.
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