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 NexGard or Frontline Plus for flea problems. 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 NexGard. If there are ticks on the premises a professional exterminator may be needed as well.
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.
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.