How old do dogs and cats need to be in order to get spayed or neutered?
We suggest 6 months of age. This will ensure that females are spayed prior to their first heat. There is no maximum age for spaying or neutering healthy dogs or cats.
Do I need to get my dog heartworm tested every year?
It is important to get your dog a heartworm blood test at least once yearly. If the preventative was missed for one or two months, it is possible that your dog became infected with heartworms, therefore the blood test is imperative. Ask one of our veterinary staff for more information.
Does my pet need to be on heartworm preventative all year long?
Yes. We recommend giving heartworm prevention medication all year long. No medication is foolproof, and with the warm November and December months of the past few years, it is best to continue treatment through the winter months. It is possible that mosquitoes may infect your pet at this time of the year and is another good reason to maintain yearly heartworm testing.
My bird laid an egg, but is alone in the cage. How did this happen?
A mate is not required for a female bird (or reptile) to ovulate and produce an egg. Many factors including environment, season, day length and individual preferences can cause a female to produce an infertile egg. Remove the egg from the cage and observe for more eggs. If she continues to lay more eggs, call to discuss the situation with our veterinary staff. Any difficulties in passing the egg is a medical emergency and your bird should be seen as soon as possible.
How can I tell if my pet is in pain?
Animals may not show pain as humans do. Any behavioral changes can indicate pain. Some signs would be depression, limping, lethargy, no appetite and inappropriate vocalization. Pain can further debilitate an already injured or sick pet. Once discomfort and pain can be controlled, pets generally become much more active and can enjoy life again.
What is CDS in dogs?
CDS (Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome) is a clinical syndrome manifested by one or more behavior problems in older dogs. These problems cannot be attributed to any medical conditions. Anipryl is now being used to treat this syndrome. Asks your doctor about this disease.
Does my older pet need any additional care besides the yearly vaccines and wellness examination?
Each pet has different needs, so it is best to ask your veterinarian about diet, exercise and any other recommendations for your older family member. Our staff does suggest geriatric screening blood tests for early detection of disease or to establish a baseline for which to compare future tests.
Can I give my pets chocolate?
NO! Do NOT feed your pet chocolate! Chocolate contains a substance similar to caffeine, known as theobromine. It can cause a toxic reaction and lead to signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and even death. If your pet has eaten chocolate, call us immediately and be sure to have on hand the information of what your pet weighs and the type and amount of chocolate ingested. Other foods to avoid include: grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, and gum.
Can I give my pets my medication?
Do not give your dog or cat any of YOUR medications. These medications (including pain medications) may cause serious problems in your pet. Aspirin in certain situations can be used, but be sure to consult us first as to the proper dosage. Tylenol is extremely toxic to cats, please call us immediately if they have ingested any amount.