How do I know if my pet needs to see a Veterinarian?
Your pet cannot tell you when something is wrong. An exam by a veterinarian is recommended anytime anything abnormal arises with your pet such as: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, collapse or fainting, loss of appetite, weight loss, trouble breathing, trouble urinating or passing stool, frequent urination, seizure, bleeding, coughing, bloating or if you notice lumps, bumps, ear infections, rashes, limping, or change in activity.
Can’t I just get a prescription? I really don’t want to pay an office visit.
It is impossible to accurately diagnose your pet over the phone. It wouldn’t be fair (or professional) to you or your pet if we prescribed a medication for a problem that wasn’t certain. There are many underlying issues that we look for during an exam, so please refer to the list above if you’re in doubt whether or not to make an appointment. If your pet shows one or more of those symptoms it is best to have our Veterinarian examine him or her.
Why should I have my female dog/cat spayed?
Spaying is the best form of pet population control. In addition, it eliminates messy heat cycles and prevents unwanted litters of puppies/kittens. Reducing or eliminating the chance of cancer later in life is an important health benefit from spaying your pet.
Won’t my pet become fat and lazy if I spay her?
Spaying does not contribute to obesity in dogs/cats at all. If you watch her diet and give her plenty of opportunity for exercise, you shouldn’t have a problem.
At what age can I have my female dog/cat spayed?
It is best to have your pet spayed BEFORE her first heat cycle. We recommend spaying your pet as early as 16 weeks of age. This is the most comfortable, safest and least expensive time to spay your pet. It is also the most beneficial time to spay to reduce the chance of cancer.
Can my female dog/cat be spayed while in heat?
Yes, we can do the surgery while she is in heat. However, the surgery is more complicated while she is in heat and therefore there are additional costs for spaying an in heat animal. Therefore, we do recommend that you wait 2 full months after the heat cycle has ended before spaying.
Should I allow my dog/cat to have one litter before spaying?
In addition to increased health risks, allowing your pet to produce a litter is a huge responsibility requiring plenty of time and money to properly care for a growing litter. If you intend to spay your pet, there is no benefit to allowing her to have a litter. You should speak with your Veterinarian before deciding to breed your pet.
Why should I have my male dog/cat neutered?
Neutering the male helps control pet overpopulation. Neutering also reduces aggression and the desire to roam. An important health benefit is the decrease in the chance of developing cancer later in life.
Won’t my dog/cat become fat and lazy if I neuter him?
No, but it will prevent your dog/cat from roaming the neighborhood in search of a female in heat. If you watch his diet and give him plenty of exercise you shouldn’t have a problem.
At what age can I have my male dog/cat neutered?
We recommend neutering your pet as early as 16 weeks of age.
If I neuter my cat will he stop spraying my furniture?
When a cat sprays, he is exhibiting the male tendency to mark his territory with urine. Neutering a cat before he starts spraying is the best way to prevent this undesirable behavior.
Why is purchasing products from companies such as PetMeds discouraged and not supported?
The bottom line is our Veterinarian will not compromise his license for products that are not guaranteed due to crucial differences. The most important difference is the quality of the product. All products we carry are shipped directly from the manufacturer and immediately stored in an appropriate environment (i.e. adhering to temperature regulations). Products sold through channels such as PetMeds are not monitored or regulated by federal or state agencies like the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Their products may have been stored in an unregulated warehouse or storage facility for an extended period of time.
Another important fact about purchasing products from your Veterinarian is that the manufacturers will only offer their guarantee on products purchased directly from a licensed Veterinarian. If there were to be a problem with the products, the manufacturer will only support your claim if the product was purchased from a Veterinarian, Clinic or Hospital. If a like product is purchased elsewhere, you will not receive any manufacturer support or guarantee reimbursement.
When you purchase products from your Veterinarian, you are provided with the proper information you need to administer these medications appropriately. Some products may even require pre-testing on your pet in order to prevent adverse reactions. In addition, since the efficacy of the products may depend on the proper usage, we can demonstrate how to administer the product. Lastly, as your Veterinarian, we have a long-standing record of your pet’s health.
We are committed to the continued health and well-being of your pet. We wish to thank you for your continued support.
How would I know if my pet has intestinal parasites?
The majority of intestinal parasites can only be discovered through the use of a microscope. That is why we encourage regular fecal examinations. However, there are a few signs that could indicate your pet has intestinal parasites. Weight loss, or failure to gain weight; loose stool or diarrhea, dull hair coat and lack of energy can all be signs of intestinal parasites.
Tape worms are one intestinal parasite that can be detected in your pet’s stool, around the anal area, in your pet’s fur and sometimes even in your pets bedding. Tape worm segments resemble grains of rice and are often seen moving.
I just discovered my pet has fleas. What do I do next?
It is important to start using a flea and tick preventative. In order to eliminate the fleas, it is important to continue using monthly flea and tick prevention for at least 4 months in order to protect your pet throughout the flea’s life cycle.
Make sure you vacuum your house thoroughly including under furniture, beds, and anywhere else your pet goes. After thoroughly vacuuming, GET RID of the vacuum bag or if you have a bagless vacuum, empty the container into a garbage bag and get rid of the bag!!! Vacuum bags and un-emptied bagless containers are a great breeding ground for fleas. We offer an excellent product for your house that will protect your home throughout the flea’s life cycle with a single application.
What do I do if my pet gets a hold and eats something from the harmful lists?
Call us immediately! Watch your pet for any changes in behavior and/or symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. We will need to know what they ate, when, how much and how they are acting.
Call Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. *Please be advised that a consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.