Frequently Asked Questions

 

• How old should my puppy/kitten be to get its vaccines?
• Puppies and kittens receive vaccines at approximately 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks.

 

• Why is a series of puppy/kitten vaccines necessary?
• The series of vaccinations ensures a good level of immunity in a young puppy or kitten. Once they are grown they will need boosters of their vaccines but will not need to repeat the series.

 

• My cat stays inside all the time. Why does it need vaccinations?
• Rabies vaccines are required by law. The Doctor will discuss your cat’s situation and vaccine needs with you during your appointment.

 

• Is FIV in cats the same as HIV in humans? Can I catch AIDS from my cat?
• These are two separate diseases. There have never been any cases of people contracting FIV or HIV from cats.

 

• How can I tell if my pet has worms?
• Certain parasites, such as tapeworms, are visible to the naked eye, but others must be detected under the microscope. If you will bring in a stool specimen we will be glad to examine it to check for worms.

 

• What are heartworms?
• Heartworms are parasites that live in the dog’s heart. They are transmitted by mosquitoes. All dogs should be tested for heartworms yearly and on preventative year round.

 

• I forgot to give my dog its heartworm pill last month. What should I do?
• Give the pill as soon as you remember. Call us to schedule an appointment for a fecal test right away, and a heartworm test in approximately 4 months.

 

• Can I get worms from my dog or cat?
• Under normal sanitary conditions, no. But if people play or work in areas contaminated with feces, they can run the risk of contracting internal parasites.

 

• My dog has been scooting its behind on the floor. Does that mean it has worms?
• Scooting can be a sign of tapeworms, but also can be caused by full or infected anal glands. The Doctor or Technician can check the anal glands and stool to determine the problem.

 

• What do tapeworms look like?
• Tapeworm segments look likes small, white grains of rice.

 

• My dog has fleas, what should I do?
• We recommend Comfortis for flea problems. If you are having a tick problem as well, we recommend Frontline Plus or Vectra 3D instead. If the flea problem is severe we recommend treating the house with Flea Buster’s powder or having a professional exterminator treat the house.

 

• My dog has ticks, what should I do?
• We recommend Frontline Plus or Vectra 3D and a Preventic Collar. If there are ticks on the premises a professional exterminator may be needed as well.

 

• Do you sell Program?
• No, we do not feel Program is very effective in Florida. It prevents fleas from reproducing but it doesn’t kill them. This means the fleas can continue to bite your pet.

 

• Do you sell Sentinel?
• No, Sentinel contains the same flea preventative as Program. It prevents fleas from reproducing but it doesn’t kill them. This means the fleas can continue to bite your pet.

 

• My pet scratches constantly. Does he have fleas?
• Constant scratching can be a sign of flea infestation, but it might also mean your pet has dry skin or possible a medical condition such as an allergy or infection. If the scratching continues despite careful flea control, we recommend an exam to determine the cause of the itching.

 

• At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
• We recommend spaying or neutering your pet at 6 months of age. It is highly Recommended that your pet be spayed before her first heat.

 

• Will my pet get fat if they are spayed or neutered?
• No, excess food and inadequate exercise are what cause obesity.

 

• How long does a female stay in heat?
• Female dogs have a heat cycle that takes about three weeks to complete. Female cats cycle at approximately 21 day intervals during the spring, summer and fall.

 

• How long does a female dog stay pregnant? A female cat?
• Female dogs are pregnant about 62 days. Female cats are pregnant from 59-68 days.

 

• My puppy/kitten is losing its teeth. Is that normal?
• It is normal for pets to lose their “baby teeth” just like humans.

 

• My dog keeps shaking his head and scratching at his ears. Can I come in and pick up some ear medication?
• Ear infections can be caused by a number of different things. The Doctor will need to examine the ears to determine which medication to use. We don’t prescribe medication without a diagnosis.