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Frequently Asked Questions Q: Should I spay or neuter my pet?
A: We answer this question with a definite YES! Spaying and neutering not only helps reduce the number of unwanted pets - it provides long-term health benefits for your dog or cat. It eliminates the risks associated with pregnancy, prevents some cancers and infections of the uterus - and reduces some undesirable pet behaviors. At our facilities we use laser surgery, so the procedures result in less pain and the risk to your precious pet is minimal. All dogs and cats not intended for breeding should be spayed or neutered. Q: How old should my pet be before spaying or neutering is performed?
A: In most cases, at the age of 6 months. Q: What changes in my pet's behavior should I expect after being spayed or neutered?
A: Sterilization surgeries affect sexual behavior and inter dog aggressive behavior primarily. His or her ability to be a companion to a person will not change. Q: How can I tell if my pet is in heat and how long will it last?
A: Dogs: The first heat cycle in dogs usually occurs around 7 to 8 months of age and is signaled by swelling of the vulva and a bloody vaginal discharge (though the discharge can be quite variable from breed to breed). The entire cycle is about 3 weeks from start to finish. Most dogs repeat their cycle about every 6 months.
Cats: The first heat cycle in cats usually occurs around 6 to 7 months of age. The cat may often be seen rolling on the floor or ground and become extra affectionate towards their owner. She may be more vocal and actually scream very loudly. This behavior may persist for 5 to 8 days followed by a period of tranquility of the same duration. This behavior may then repeat 5 to 8 times or until she is bred by a male cat. Q: How long are dogs and cats pregnant?
A: In dogs, pregnancy normally lasts 9 weeks (63 days). However, puppies may be delivered between 58 and 68 days. In cats, pregnancy normally lasts 63-65 days. Siamese cats may carry their kittens for 67 days. Q: What table scraps should I avoid feeding my dog?
A: Some foods that are good for you may be deadly for your dog. Raisins and grapes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney failure. Chocolate contains a caffeine-like substance that can be toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more the effect. Consumption can cause excitement, increased urination, muscle tremors, seizures, and rapid heart rate. Sugarless gum and candies often contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar for dogs. Dogs will eat a pack of gum, wrappers and all, any chance they get. Onions contain a chemical that damages dogs' blood cells and can cause anemia. Macadamia nuts contain a compound that may leave your dog with weakness of hind legs, staggering, and inability to rise. Although most dogs make a full recovery with no side affects...Talk to your veterinarian for more information.
Q: When do I start vaccinating my pet and which vaccines are needed?
A: Most vaccines are given as a series up to a certain age then continued as boosters either annually or in the case of Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccines for dogs, every 6 months. The following information outlines general guidelines of dogs and cats that are commonly vaccinated.
Dogs:
Da2LPP (Distemper, adenovirus - type 2 that causes infectious canine hepatitis (liver disease) Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus) - this vaccine is begun during adolescence (typically at 15 weeks, depending on when started). It is boosted annually.
Parvovirus - this vaccine that is part of the combination vaccine above may need to be given as a separate injection at 18 or 20 weeks of age depending on the breed of the dog.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough) - may be given any time during adolescence at 6 weeks or older. It is administered every 6 months. It is typically given for boarding or grooming purposes.
Rabies - given at 3 months of age, booster annually. Required by Tennessee law in dogs.
Cats:
FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calici, panleukopenia viruses and feline Chlamydia psittaci.) - Begin at 9 weeks of age, repeat in 3 weeks and booster annually.
FELV (Feline Leukemia virus) - begin at 9 weeks of age; repeat in 3 weeks then annually.
Rabies - given at 3 months, booster annually. Q: How do I know when my pet has a problem serious enough to justify
bringing him to see the doctor?
A: The problem here of course is that there is a language barrier between humans and animals. You would like to just ask him how badly he feels and how long he has felt that way. People have a hard enough time deciding when they should see their own doctor. A general rule is that if you spot a problem that you know would cause you to seek medical attention if it were you instead of your pet, then your pet needs to be seen. More subtle problems that persist for more than a day or so at least warrant a phone call to the clinic so that we may begin the problem identification process. Q: What can I do for a pet with smelly ears?
A: Smelly ears indicate a sign of ear infection. Dogs with floppy ears are most susceptible to chronic ear infections. Regular cleaning with veterinary approved cleaners can help, as well as antibiotics. When pets continually get bad ear infections despite good at-home and veterinary medications, a special surgery to open up the ear canals can allow more airflow is an option. Please speak with your veterinarian before taking such drastic measures. Q: What is causing my pet to have bad breath?
A: Bad breath is generally caused by dental or periodontal disease. Some cats and dogs are prone to dental plaque, tartar, and disease. Internal disease such as kidney disease can also cause bad breath. Regular dental care to help prevent tooth loss and oral infections and fight bad breath is highly recommended. Speak to your veterinarian for more information. Q: When should I begin "senior care" for my pet?
A: There is no set age when your pet officially becomes a "senior" although it has been said that a single year of a pet's life is equal to 7 years of your life. Factors influencing the aging process are breed, genetics, metabolism, veterinary care, diet, activity level, and whether your pet is indoor or outdoor. Outdoor pets are more prone to trauma, fighting, weather exposure, poisonings, and infectious diseases than indoor pets. For these reasons, our clinics have developed wellness programs for various stages within your pets' life. We recommend the "adult" wellness program for pets between 3 and 5 years of age. This program is similar to what your own health care provider would recommend for you in your 30s. Our "senior" program is provided for pets between 5 and 7 years of age and is equivalent to health care that you would receive in your 40s to 60s. Our "geriatric" program is for pets over 7 years of age and is similar to treatment that you would receive in your "golden years". The goal of senior care is to help maintain the highest possible quality of life for your pet. Together, you and your veterinarian can help maintain your pet's health throughout the senior years...Please call us to make an appointment today. If You Have Any Questions Feel Free To Contact Us At
931-906-7757!
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