How often does my kitten get vaccines?
Kittens start at 9 weeks of age and we do a FeLV/FIV test to make sure they are negative and then they get Distemper and deworming (if they are going to be outside cats we give Leukemia with the Distemper). At 12 weeks they get Distemper (if they are going to be outside cats we give Leukemia with the Distemper) and deworming. At 14 weeks they get their Rabies vaccine.
| |
|
|
|
How often does my puppy get vaccines and dewormed?
Vaccines start at 6 weeks of age in which they get their Distemper/Parvo/Lepto, sample of Heartworm prevention and dewormed. At 9 weeks they get Distemper/Parvo/Lepto, Bordatella, 6 month supply of heartworm prevention and deworming. At 12 weeks they get Distemper/Parvo/Lepto and deworming. At 15 weeks they get Distemper/Parvo/Lepto, Rabies and deworming. Then all vaccines are good from 1 year except Bordatella which they need every 6 months.
| |
|
|
|
When can I spay or neuter my pet?
We can spay or neuter your pet at 5 1/2-6 months of age. We want to get them before they go through their first heat cycle in order to gain the most health benefits and before the little boy starts lifting his leg. The girls stay overnight 1 night with us and the boys go home the same day.
| |
|
|
|
Do you have anything that can help with my animals stinky breath?
We have several options: A dental cleaning under anesthesia is recommended in order to clean and polish away the tartar build-up already on the teeth. After the dental, brushing every other day with our special toothbrush/paste kits keeps the breath fresh and teeth pearly. Enzadent rinse is good to use after meal time. It is a minty rinse that has an enzyme which helps break down tartar and keeps it from forming. Greenies, CET bones and T/D diet are the treat form that helps with breath and tartar build-up.
| |
|
|
|
Can I allow our dog to have the bones left over from dinner?
No. An emergency surgery situation may arise from bones splintering and puncturing the intestines or forming a blockage. Pressed raw hides, greenies, and hard things that break down slowly as the dog chews are recommended.
| |
|
|
|
Do you have pet toys?
Yes, we have a large variety of toys for small to large pets. Comparably priced with other stores. Our clients have commented that our selection and the durability of our toys exceed other stores. We also have collars and leashes with a lifetime guarantee, even if chewed.
| |
|
|
|
What is a microchip and how does it work?
A microchip is a simple chip that is injected between the shoulder blades of your pet. This chip has an identification number that you then register to your name and address information. If your pet is ever lost, veterinary hospitals as well as shelters can scan the pet and get the number. Then simply contact you and reunite you with your pet.
| |
|
|
|
When should I begin doing geriatric bloodwork?
When your pet reaches the age of 7 in human years, that is considered the beginning of the geriatric years. It is recommended that pets 7 and over get yearly bloodwork done to monitor or detect early signs of problems. If we catch things early, treatment could be both more successful and less expensive.
| |
|
|
|
How often should my pet be dewormed?
The Centers for disease control and the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists recommends that animals be dewormed every 3 months. Parasite eggs are shed by animals, even by those that appear to be well and energetic. Regular deworming is the best way to prevent parasitic disease, and the transmission of intestinal parasites from pets to people. Regular deworming also prevents the shedding of parasite eggs, which can contaminate yards or any place pets defecate. Although many deworming products claim to remove multiple parasites, some do not work as well as others, also as with the flea and tick over-the-counter products you should be careful because some may be harmful to your pet. Just give us a call and we can get you a broad spectrum dewormer that will take care of all parasites and be safe to give.
| |
|
|
|
What is Cytauxzoonosis?
Cytauxzoonosis is a tick-borne disease transmitted when one of two immature stages of the American dog tick transmits the organism during a blood meal. First signs of this disease are seen 3-7 days before death occurs due to massive organ failure and bleeding disorders. A sudden decrease in appetite followed by anxiety cries and weakness are the first signs a cat is sick. Once signs are noted their is a window of 24-46 hours where there may be treatment. Successful treatment is rare. Preventing this disease is easy. We recommend Frontline be applied to all cats that go outdoors. Frontline is a monthly flea and tick prevention.
| |
|
|
|
Do both dogs and cats need to be on heartworm prevention?
Yes, dogs and cats are both exposed to mosquitos and that is how the disease is spread. Dogs can be treated for heartworms, but the treatment is very expensive and it is more cost effective to prevent. If a dog is not on prevention it is very likely they will become positive in their life span. Cats cannot be treated for heartworms and just one heartworm is lethal to a cat because their heart is so small. In North Carolina, it is recommended that heartworm prevention is used year round due to heavy mosquito infestation.
| |
|
|
|
Can my cat get heartworms even if they are indoors only?
Yes, heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos and most people do have mosquitos in their house.
| |
|
|
|
What is the best flea and tick prevention for my dog?
We highly recommend K9 Advantix, used for dogs only, a once a month application that comes in a vial that you put behind the neck. This treatment kills fleas and ticks and repells mosquitos. Remember K9 Advantix is TOXIC to cats, they should not be exposed to your dog while the product is drying. Advantage is the a topical treatment for your cat. This is the one you would choose if your cat is indoors and you just need a flea preventative. Frontline cats is the other recommended product. Frontline comes in a vial that you put behind the neck or a spray that you spray all over. It lasts for 1 month and protects against fleas and ticks. Sentinel is an oral medication that has heartworm, intestinal parasite, and flea prevention combined. Sentinel sterilizes the fleas so they cannot reproduce, which means you can never have a flea population in your environment. Preventic collars are good if you just need tick control on your dog only. This collar lasts 3 months. Be very careful of any product that you buy over the counter. We have had many cases where they have not been effective and may be toxic to your pet. Cats are especially susceptible to toxicity with many of those products.
| |
|
|
|
Do I need to bring my own food and blankets when boarding my pets?
We prefer to use our own blankets and quilts so that we can wash them every day and not misplace yours in the wash.
Bring food only if your dog or cat is on a special diet, but PLEASE bring only enough for their stay. We have difficulty storing large bags or containers of food.
| |
|
|
|
