Why is it important to spay or neuter my pet?

Spaying and neutering are highly recommended procedures for a number of reasons. Besides the most common reason of preventing unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, spaying and neutering also has many health benefits for your pet.

Spaying a female will eliminate heat cycles and spaying a female prior to her first heat will reduce her chance of developing mammary cancer by 99%. Spayed females are less likely to roam and wander away from home. They are also less dominant and make more suitable companions.

Neutering a male will reduce his chances of developing testicular and prostate cancers. It also helps to make them less territorial and helps to stop them from urine marking and fighting. Neutered males also have less of an interest in roaming and make a more suitable companion.

At what age should my pet be spayed or neutered?

We usually recommend spaying and neutering be performed between 5 and 6 months of age. This helps to eliminate unwanted behavior from developing such as mounting and marking. It also allows females to be spayed before experiencing their first heat cycle.

How old should my pet be to be vaccinated?

Puppies should have 3 sets of vaccinations each administered 3-4 weeks apart beginning at around 8 weeks of age.

Kittens should have 2 sets of vaccinations each administered 3-4 weeks apart beginning at around 8 weeks of age.

What is a physical examination and what does it involve?

A physical examination is performed by a veterinarian and involves examining the pet as well as discussing any concerns the owner may have.

During the exam the doctor is able to listen to the pet's heart and lung sounds for any murmurs or problems, palpate the abdomen for any abnormal organs or lumps, thoroughly examine the eyes and ears for any sign of disease or infection, check the pet's skin and hair coat for any medical conditions or parasites, as well as evaluate the pet's teeth for any abnormalities. The doctor can then make appropriate recommendations for your pet based on the examination findings.

Why does my pet need to be examined? Why can't I just buy the medication I think my pet needs?

Medicating your pet without a professional's opinion can be a risk to your pet's health and it can also cause the problem to worsen. Medications can not be dispensed to any patient cat, dog (or human) without a doctor's prescription! Not only is it unethical to sell medications over the counter, it is illegal!

My pet has fleas! What do I do?

Gone are the days where you have to bath, spray and powder your pet and then spray down your house to control flea problems! There are a variety of easy to administer flea control options available ranging from oral medications to topical treatments. Check with our knowledgeable staff as to which flea control option is best suited for your pet.

My pet may have worms how do I treat them and how do I prevent my pet from getting them again?

Intestinal worms are much more common than you may think. Some signs of worms are loose stools. bloating, scooting and even physically seeing them in your pet's stool or around your pet's anus. Some pets can have intestinal worms and not exhibit any signs at all! The first step to eliminating intestinal worms is an examination and fecal analysis because there are other intestinal parasites and gastrointestinal conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Deworming is usually given in an oral tablet that may need to be repeated a few weeks later. All pets must be accurately weighed prior to any medication being dispensed as this way we can ensure the proper dosage is given.

All pets should he dewormed at least 4 times a year (every 3 months). There are several monthly deworming medications that are highly recommended for pets that live with small children or pets that frequent public areas like grassy areas and parks.

My pet really likes table scraps and other `people foods' are they ok for my pet to eat?

It is not recommended to feed our furry friends human foods. Human foods can present a number of problems including gastrointestinal upsets, food allergies and intolerances and of course will encourage your pet to become a more finicky eater.

How often should my older pet be seen by the vet?

At 7 years of age a pet is considered a senior and it is recommended that all senior pets be examined yearly in order to be proactive in preventing illness and disease. As your pet ages it may be necessary to examine your pet more frequently based on your pet's individual needs. The veterinarian may also suggest annual blood and urine tests to monitor your older pet as he or she ages. Of course any time you are concerned about your senior pet you should schedule an appointment to discuss those concerns.

The veterinarian told me to feed my pet a special diet is this really necessary?

Most veterinary recommended pet foods are very comparably priced to other quality pet foods you would find in a pet store. The reason the veterinarian has prescribed a special diet is because it is in the best interest of your pet's health. Diet plays a very important part in your pet's health, a lot of times a simple diet change and feeding program can go a long way in making your pet feel and look better. In most cases feeding the diet recommended by the veterinarian specifically for your pet can help to prevent frequent veterinary visits and medications.

I heard that there is pet insurance available how does it work?

There are several companies that offer health insurance coverage for pets. Most insurance companies have different plans available with different premiums and deductibles. Our staff can provide you with contact information for the different companies offering pet health insurance where you can inquire about different plans and policies that are available.

Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

Regular professional care is just as important for your pet as it is for yourself! Pets suffer from dental problems the same as people do, they develop tartar and plaque, suffer from dental abscesses and tooth decay too! Bacteria in the mouth can enter the pet's bloodstream and cause infection and disease throughout the body. Dental abscesses, exposed roots and decaying teeth can be painful and are completely preventable. There are many forms of dental care you can provide your pet with at home such as brushing, rinses and oral care chews.