Frequently Asked Questions

I have a new puppy or kitten. What vaccines are needed?

Starting between 6-8 weeks of age your puppy will receive a DHPP/CV and Leptosporosis vaccine. The DHPP/CV and Leptosporosis vaccines will need to be boosted every 4 weeks until they are 16-18 weeks of age. At their last booster visit they will also receive their Rabies vaccine to complete the series of their needed vaccines.

Felines also start between 6-8 weeks of age receiving the FVRCP/LEUK vaccine. The FVRCP/LEUK vaccines will need to be boosted every 4 weeks until they are 16-18 weeks of age. At their last booster visit they will also receive the Rabies vaccine which will complete the series of their needed vaccines.

Remember if you bring you pet in to be spayed or neutered vaccines are always free at that time.

What diseases do DHPP/CV and Leptospirosis vaccines help prevent?

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Coronavirus which are serious and sometimes fatal diseases to new puppies or unvaccinated dogs. Leptosporosis is a bacterial infection which can be transmitted through urine of wild rabbits,raccoons and possums. This bacterial infection can be transmitted to humans and should be taken seriously.

What diseases do FVRCP/Leukemia vaccines help prevent?

Feline Leukemia ( feline version of the HIV virus), Rhinotracheitis, Calici virus, Panleukopenia and Chlamydia Psittaci. These are serious kitten and adult feline diseases which can be transmitted in a variety of ways.

Why does my pet need a fecal test every 6 – 12 months?

There are a variety of intestinal parasites that your canine and feline pet are exposed to on a daily basis. Some of those parasites can be transmitted to their human companions. Most pets are infected by simply grooming themselves. Parasitic eggs are found in the soil where animals have defecated at one point in time. Your pet walks through it and maybe gets a little mud or dirt on their paws and licks it off during regular grooming.  Once your pet inadvertently swallows the eggs they develop within your pet and are passed in their stool unknowingly, which then reinfects and contaminates the soil around your home.  By testing the stool it’s allows us and you to know 99% accurately what your pet has been exposed to and treat accordingly.

My pet never goes outside.  Why should I test for parasites?

Believe it or not, indoor-only pets test positively a large percentage of the time. We inadvertently track microscopic eggs in on our shoes.  Our family friends walk on our floors and lick their feet ingesting eggs unknowingly. Some parasites can inadvertently be passed on to their human owners.

I don’t see any worms in my pet’s stool.

The only parasites that you will see your pet pass in the stool are tapeworms. Your pet becomes infected by tapeworms from ingesting fleas while grooming themselves.  Occasionally your pet may vomit round worms if the worm burden is a heavy one.

My pets are on a monthly flea and parasite prevention, and never miss a dose.  Why is it necessary for their stool to be checked?

Unfortunately there is no one prevention that covers all the varieties or parasites that your pet may get exposed to. Monthly prevention is always recommended and highly encouraged for your pet’s safety as well as yours. When you bring your pet’s stool in that’s on a monthly prevention we are checking for other parasites that your pet may have been exposed to.  Some of the most common ones that we see are Giardia and Coccidia. Both of these are single organisms that live within the intestinal wall.  They can become infected by drinking contaminated water, interacting with an infected pet, or eating a rodent that has been infected.  Once we determine if your pet has been exposed, then we can take appropriate measures to free your pet from this burden.  Our fecal tests are submitted to the laboratory resulting in 99% accuracy. You will typically be informed of the results within 48 hours.

Why does my veterinarian recommend year round flea control and parasite prevention?

Pet’s can become a host to fleas and parasites throughout the year. You may be aware of these issues more during warmer times of the year because the life cycle of the flea is affected by temperature.  The warmer it is the quicker the life cycle from larva to adult flea.  That life cycle can be sped up in the home once we start running our furnace or building a fire; which leaves our pets vulnerable to bites and infestations.  Many pets will have a severe reaction to just one or two bites. By keeping your pet on year-round prevention, you provide your pet with relief and are ensuring that your and their environment stays flea free.  Puppies and kittens can be started on a prevention program as earlier as 7-9 weeks of age depending on the prevention product selected.

At what age do I need to Spay or Neuter my new dog or cat?

Both dogs and cats can be spayed or neutered as early as 4 months of age with a minimum weight of 4 pounds.  We recommended getting this procedure done when they are young to prevent a large variety of health concerns, such as testicular cancer, behavior problems, mammary tumors (reduced as much as 80% if done prior to the females first heat cycle), pyometra in older intact females and a variety of other medical issues.

What precautions are taken with my pet while he/she is under anesthesia?

We take pride in ensuring that the utmost care is taken during your pet’s stay with us. A intravenous catheter is placed on all patients undergoing an anesthetic procedure.  This allows immediate access to the vein so that if your pet were to have an adverse effect to medications or anesthesia no time would be lost in administering the necessary medications.  The IV catheter also provides a route for intravenous fluids to be administered which allow for the patient to stay hydrated and maintain good blood pressure.  All patients are connected to a ECG ( electro-cardio graph ) as well as a pulse oximeter (measures the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood, ensuring all organs and tissues are receiving adequate oxygen). Your pets temperature will be monitored as well as a constant measurement of anesthetic depth to ensure your pet is kept at the optimal level.  As well, one of our trained staff members will be monitoring all of your pet’s vitals signs during and after the procedure.

Why is a dental cleaning being recommended for my pet?

Please refer to the dental section of this website.