Why do I need to brush my Pet’s Teeth?
Dental disease is the most common preventable disease in dogs and cats. Dogs and cats are commonly bothered by tartar build-up and plaque on the teeth. Plaque and tartar accumulate
on the teeth which lead to irritation and subsequent infection of the gum-line. This bacteria then begins to eat away at the enamel and the root becomes exposed. This condition is not only painful and produces a foul odor, but the bacteria that is accumulating in the mouth is constantly swallowed and can lead to more serious infections of the heart, liver, kidneys and bladder. Small breed dogs and cats are at a higher risk for dental disease due to the production of poor dental enzymes. This disease can start early in life. In order to protect your pet against dental disease, you should brush their teeth a minimum of three times per week. Remember, our pets CANNOT spit so the toothpaste must be for dogs and cats and not
contain flouride.   (See oral care)

Do I need to give my dog the Lyme vaccine?
In our area, there is a high incidence of lyme disease. If the dog is in an area where ticks are prevalent, the lyme vaccine is recommended.  

Why does my cat need vaccines if he is indoors?     
Rabies vaccine is A LAW!! Due to the large rabies epidemic during the past few years in this area, rabies must be given. If your cat gets out by mistake or if a visitor comes in the house and gets bitten or scratched, your cat may have to be euthanized or quarantined for
6 months, and you as the owner, may get heavily fined.

 Why does my pet scoot its rear on the carpet?
This is probably due to full anal glands and is NOT NORMAL.  Once a dog is showing signs of licking his/her backside or ‘scooting’ its rear on the carpet or rug, it means the anal gland is probably full. Expression of the full glands needs to be performed before a possible problem arises (anal gland abscess).

Is it normal for my pet to have brown wax or an odor from its ears?
No, dog’s ears should be clean just like a humans. If after cleaning, a large amount of brown wax is removed, or if there is a strong odor from the ears, this usually indicates an ear infection. This must be treated with appropriate topical ear medications.

 What is heartworm disease and do I have to keep my dog on heartworm preventative year round?
No, but many people do. If the heartworm pills are stopped during the winter months (Dec, Jan, Feb), your dog must be tested before you can begin giving the preventative medication again.  When the dog is on heartworm pills year round, a biannual heartworm test is all that is needed. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. It is NOT transferable from one dog to another through direct contact. Microscopic larvae are injected into a dog’s system and the larvae migrate into the blood stream. For the next 6 months, these larvae grow into large worms and eventually lodge into the heart.

How often due animals shed? Is there anything I can do to stop it?
Each animal has its own schedule. Depending on the breed, some shed more than others. For the majority, most dogs shed at least twice a year. Usually in the spring time, when the winter coat will be replaced by a lighter summer coat. Then again in the fall, when the summer coat is replaced by a heavier, winter coat. Diet is very important factor with a dog or cat’s hair coat. A high quality diet usually leads to a better, shinier coat. Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils can also play an important role in decreasing shedding. 
There are some metabolic diseases that also can increase hair loss and shedding. The number one contributing disease is thyroid disease. This can only be diagnosed with a blood test.

 Can I catch anything or give anything to my pet?
Most of the time, no. There are a limited number of transmissible diseases that humans can get from their pet. Some internal parasites (Roundworms, Hookworms) are transmissible with fecal-oral transmission to children. Ringworm and sarcoptic mange are skin diseases that are transmissible through direct contact. Feline bartonella (cat scratch disease) is also transmissible through cat scratches or bites. Almost no respiratory or gastro-intestinal diseases are contagious.

How often should I bathe my dog?
This is a personal preference. Dogs do not need to get bathed. For those that want to bathe their dog a few times a month, a prescription shampoo should be used to replace the oils that get stripped off the coat during bathing. If bathing is going to be performed every few months, any quality pet store shampoo can be used.

What vaccines/shots does my puppy need?
The routine vaccination schedule helps prevent diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Ideally, they are given at started at about 6-8 weeks of age and continued every 3-4 weeks until approximately 16-18 weeks of age. Then they are given just once a year.

Distemper-Adenovirus Type2 – Parainfluenza-Parvo Vaccine
Distemper – a highly contagious and often fatal virus that first affects the dog’s respiratory system and then progresses to gastrointestinal and nervous system symptoms. It is spread as an airbornes infection or through direct contact with an infected animal, feces, urine or blood.

Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis) – a viral disease that affects the liver, kidneys and cells lining the blood vessels. It is spread by direct contact with infected animals, feces, urine, blood and/or saliva.

Parainfluenza – A highly infectious virus that can be one of the causes of “kennel cough.” It is spread quickly in closed quarters, such as shelters, poor breeding environments and kennels.

Parvovirus – The most common and biggest fatal viral infection puppies can get. This virus causes SEVERE gastrointestinal problems. Profuse vomiting and severe bloody diarrhea are the initial signs that lead to severe/life threatening dehydration and death. It is spread by contact with feces, blood or vomit of infected dogs.

There are two other vaccinations that are recommended as well:
Bordetella – This is used for prevention of kennel cough. Kennel cough is a bacterial infection that causes tracheobronchitis. It is an airborne bacteria and can be passed between dogs without direct contact. Environments such as kennels, groomers, and dog parks are places where the bacteria may be airborne and transmitted. It is recommended that dog’s who will be exposed to these environments be protected and vaccinated a week before possible exposure. This vaccine is a series of 2, given 2-4 weeks apart.

Lyme vaccine - recommended for dogs that can possibly be exposed to ticks

Rabies vaccine is mandatory by law and must be given by 4-6 months of age. 

      How do I housebreak or crate train my puppy?
Housebreaking should begin as soon as your puppy enters his/her new home. Some puppies learn sooner than others. A puppy’s memory is short so patience is very important. We recommend crate training. This is the puppies living quarters when he/she cannot be supervised by an adult. The crate should just be big enough for the dog to get up, and turn around. If the area is too spacious, it allows the pet to defecate or urinate on one side and
sleep at the other. Dogs DO NOT like to sleep in there own urine or feces. So a small living quarters will make them hold it. That is why as soon as they are let out of the crate at ANYTIME, they should be immediately taken to the proper spot for voiding/defecating.

Why does my puppy bite so much?
All dogs loose there puppy teeth usually beginning @ 3-4 months of age. During this time, their gums are sore, making them wanting to chew on anything and everything. By the time that they are 6 months, all the puppy teeth should have fallen out and the permanent teeth should be in place. At this time, teething should be over.

      When does my puppy need to change to adult food?
Diet is very important in the growing of a dog’s life. A premium brand dog food is recommended (Solid Gold, California Natural, Wellness, Merrick, Purina One, and some others..). This should be fed until your puppy is about 12 – 18 months of age, depending on its size. Usually small breed dogs can switch at about a year of age, where as the large breed dog’s should be on puppy food until approximately 16-18 months of age.

Should I feed wet food or dry food to my puppy?
Feeding dry or canned food is both acceptable. Each has some positives and negative. Dry food is less expensive and usually leads to less dental tartar and plaque. Wet foods are most often more appealing for taste because of a higher sugar and salt content. But they are often more expensive and lead to more dental disease if the teeth are not properly brushed. 

      Is it normal for my puppy to have ‘hiccups’?
Yes, puppies frequently have episodes of hiccups. They may occur for 5-10 minutes before they eventually disappear. They are probably related to either eating very quickly or being very excited and swallowing lots of air. Usually hiccups stop as the puppy gets
older. 

       Why does my puppy have to go to the vet so much?
The answer is NOT that we just want your money. There are many diseases that are fatal to dogs, esp puppies that have very weak, compromised immune systems. Fortunately, we have the ability to prevent many of these through a series of vaccines.

     Is it common for my puppy to have diarrhea?
No. A microscopic fecal exam should always be checked during the first veterinary visit. Intestinal parasites are very common in puppies. Puppies can become infected with parasites either by their mother or if they are housed with another dog with parasites. The most common types of intestinal parasites are Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms,
Tapeworms, Coccidia and Giardia.Any change of diet or new food can also lead to loose stool or diarrhea. If the diarrhea persists for more than 2 days, examination of your pet is recommended.

       Is it common for my puppy to defecate so much? It seems like he/she goes at least 3-4 times a day.Yes, puppies go to the bathroom often. Usually at least 3 times daily, and can be up to 10 times a day. Most puppies have to defecate early in the am, and then approximately 30 minutes after each meal. As the puppy gets older and the intestines learn how to properly
digest and break down the diet, the frequency of defecating will decrease.

 When is the best time to have my pet spayed or neutered?
We recommend spaying or neutering at about 6 months of age. The first heat cycle for the female occurs from 6 months to about 10 months. Spaying before the first heat cycle ELIMINATES the chance of mammary cancer and prevents bleeding in the house. Neutering your pet prevents many undesirable behavior problems early on and potential metabolic diseases later on in life.  

1.  What vaccines are necessary for my cat?
Rabies is mandatory by law, for inside or outside cats!! The distemper vaccine is also recommended for indoor or outside cats. Feline Aids and Feline Leukemia vaccines are only recommended for outdoor cats. These diseases can only by transferred from cat to cat from direct contact. Both of these diseases are deadly and very contagious. Therefore if your cat has exposure to other cats outdoors, these vaccines are very important!

2.   What tests are necessary for my new kitten or cat its first exam?
The Feline AIDS and Feline Leukemia snap test is highly recommended for a feline with an unknown status. These two diseases are life threatening and should be known before bringing the cat into a new household. A fecal exam is also recommended to check for internal parasites.

Should I declaw my cat? I feel as though I should but is it mean?
Declawing a cat is a personal choice. Some cats do not need to be declawed because they are not scratchers of skin or furniture, however, there are many cats that use their claws for everything (arms, legs, rugs, drapes, etc.) In this case, declawing is a strong consideration. The younger your cat gets declawed, the less traumatic and  uncomfortable it will be for them. There are a few different techniques to declaw a cat. At this hospital, we use a very careful, effective and less painful approach. 

      Should I spay or neuter my cat?
Absolutely!! We recommend spays or neuters by the latest, 6 months of age. If declawing is going to be performed, we recommend performing both procedures at the same time. A cat that gets spayed before the first heat cycle reduces their chance for mammary cancer. Also, owners do not have to experience lordosis, the act of a female cat screaming and laying on her backside trying to get attention. Neutering a male decreased the male urine
odor and prevents marking.

Since my cat has been aging, he/she has been eating a lot but seems to be
loosing weight. Is this normal?
No, it is not normal. But it may indicate a condition called hyperthyroidism. This is the most common cat disease (besides dental disease) that cats get as they age.  Hyperthyroidism is caused by an over-productive thyroid gland. This makes the cat’s metabolism speed up quickly, causing a cat to eat a lot, but loose weight and vomit as well. A blood test is needed to check the thyroid status and is recommended to be performed yearly after 8 years of age.

My cat does not seem to want to eat hard food as he/she is getting older.
Why is this happening?
The most common disease in dogs AND cats is dental disease. Most cats do not like their teeth being brushed. Therefore, as they age, extreme gingivitis and periodontal disease sets in, producing a painful mouth. Most cats that do not have there teeth cleaned at home or at there veterinarians, will wind up with periodontal disease. This can cause a painful scenario and warrant a cat to not want to eat hard food. A dental cleaning would remove this pain and make the cat much happier going through life. 

Since my cat is older is it worth taking him/her to the veterinarians?
Cats do not usually indicate a problem until the problem sometimes is severe. A yearly
exam at the veterinarians can pick up slight changes or problems that with proper care can prolong the comfort and life of your cat. Weight change, auscultation of the heart or palpation of the thyroid gland can be subtle findings detected on exam that can signify possible problems.   Hyperthyroidism, kidney disease and diabetes, along with dental disease, are very common in an aging cat. Physical examination and senior blood work can pin point the problem and hopefully we will be able to correct or possibly cure a life threatening situation.

There is NO CURE for old age, but many diseases can be prevented or treated
successfully with early detection. It is much easier to prevent a problem than treat a fulminating disease. Waiting until a pet’s problem has become severe or debilitating enough to be observed, may not only make a treatment protocol more difficult and costly, but may bring unnecessary pain and discomfort to your loved one. Our hospital’s goal is to make your pet’s life as long and comfortable as possible. This will occur through disease prevention, detection and treatment. Early detection on our part is just as important as your job to help us treat your pet.

We recommend for senior dogs and cats a senior exam and blood screen. This usually begins at 8 years of age. The annual geriatric blood screen entails:

● blood cell count
● blood chemistry profile (checks all the organ functions)
● thyroid check (cats – hyperthyroid, dogs – hypothyroid)
● urinalysis (help detect early kidney problems, urinary tract dz)

We hope that the geriatric blood screen is normal and if so, this gives us a good normal foundation that we can base future results from. If a problem is detected, other diagnostic tests and instruments may be used. This hospital performs all blood tests, and has an x-ray and ultrasound machine on premise for immediate use.