These are some frequently asked questions.
These are FAQs that we get on a regular basis. Hopefully these can answer some of your questions, but if not, always feel free to call us as we would be happy to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have in regards to your pet's health. Client education is very important to us, and we would like you to be confident that your pet is receiving the best possible health care.
I have a new puppy or kitten, what kind of health care does it need?
Puppies and kittens routinely start their vaccination series at 8 weeks of age. They will come in for an initial well pet exam, and we will start discussing the various facets of care with you so you can properly care for your furry friend for many years to come. We will do distemper combo (DHLPP or FVRCP) vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. We like to check two stool samples for parasites, and if they have never been dewormed, do a prophylactic deworming on them. (Most shelters, breeders and pet stores have already done this.) Puppies are started on heartworm preventative. Rabies vaccination is given at 16 weeks of age, and is required by law in Kane Co for both cats and dogs. If your puppy or kitten is older than 16 weeks, we only do a series of two vaccines for the distemper combo.
What should I feed my dog or cat?
We recommend a low or no grain diet that does not contain corn, wheat, soy or dairy. Many pets cannot tolerate these well, and will have skin, digestive or even ear problems due to these types of diets. Come in to the clinic and we can give you a listing of various foods that we recommend.
Why should I put my dog on heartworm preventative, he never leaves the yard?
The heartworm parasite is transmitted by a mosquito biting an infected animal and then biting your pet. Most people get mosquitoes in their home during the warmer months. We recommend that all dogs be tested annually, and be placed on preventive medicine year round. One warm day during the winter can allow the mosquitoes to hatch, and the oral preventative medicine is only present for a few days. Cats can also get heartworm disease, only not as commonly as dogs. There is a preventative for them also, ask us if it is appropriate for your pet. We will need a sample of blood to test your dog before (s)he starts the preventative as it may be dangerous for them to take it if they already have the parasite.
Why should I check a stool sample once a year?
Your pet may have contracted an intestinal.parasite that can cause damage to your pet's health through consuming nutrient that your pet needs, and potentially damaging internal organs. Also, many parasites are potentially transmissible to humans (zoonotic disease) that can cause problems for their owners, especially in children or other immune compromised individuals. The sooner the pets are treated, the sooner we can restore a healthy pet and environment .
I am worried about over vaccination of my pets, what should I do?
Discuss your pet's over-all health with our veterinarian. There are various options to ensuring your pet is adequately protected from the deadly diseases that are commonly vaccinated for. We can do 3 year vaccines or titers for the antibodies to minimize the exposure your pet has to vaccines and their potential side effects.