Q: When should my puppy receive vaccines?
Vaccines should start at 6-8 weeks of age with boosters every 3-4 weeks until @ 16-18 weeks of age.
Q: Can I take my puppy to the park before the shots are complete?
NO- your puppies immune system is weak and is susceptible to disease- do not expose your puppy to other pets until all shots are complete!
Q: I see worms- what should I do?
Most puppies are born with intestinal worms- visit your veterinarian have a fecal examination and have regular deworming every 2-3 weeks until the fecal results are negative.
Q: How do I house train my puppy?
Crate training is the preferred method with a great deal of positive reinforcement! Puppy pads may also help. Do not withhold water- withholding water will most likely lead to urinary tract infection or kidney problems!
Q: Is it normal for my puppy to loose teeth?
Yes- puppies are born with deciduous teeth which shed until 6 months of age when all permanent teeth should be in place- all retained deciduous teeth should be extracted during the spay/neuter- or any routine anesthetic procedure.
Q: When should I bathe my puppy?
Once every three weeks is recommended in a mild shampoo ( baby shampoo is OK) make sure to dry the pet completely afterwards. Excessive bathing and harsh shampoo can dry the skin out. Be mindful of the eyes.
Q: Should I trim my puppies nails?
Yes -once a week- get your puppy used to this procedure by touching the paws frequently.
Q: What type of chew toys are best for my puppy?
Hard chew toys that do not splinter are a great alternative to your shoes!
Q: What and How often should I feed my puppy?
Puppies need a great deal of nutrients- feed a high quality dry puppy food leaving it out all day to nibble- or multiple feedings are adequate.
Kittens
Q: When should I vaccinate my kitten?
Vaccines should start at 6-8 weeks and boostered every 3-4 weeks thereafter until 16-18 weeks. All kittens should be tested for feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency virus no earlier than 9 weeks of age.
Q: I see worms in my kittens stool- what should I do?
Visit your veterinarian for a fecal exam and have your kitten dewormed every 2-3 weeks until a fecal exam reports a negative result.
Q: Do I have to train my kitten to used the litter box?
No – this should be an innate trait for all kittens/cats.
Q: When should I bathe my kitten?
Kittens groom themselves- so bathing is not a major concerns for kittens- avoid it unless necessary.
Q: What and how often should I feed my kitten?
A high quality dry kitten food is recommended with free feed schedule.
Q: Can I give my kitten milk?
No- that is for the cartoons- water is sufficient- milk may cause an upset stomach.
Q: What type of toys do kittens like?
Anything with cat-nip in it- be careful of stringy toys as kittens may swallow these and need surgical removal. Always provide an alternative to your couch for climbing and sharpening claws.
Spay/Neuter
Q: What is the difference between a spay and
a neuter?
A spay- AKA Ovariohysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed on female animals removing both ovaries, both uterine horns and the uterus.
A neuter-AKA Orchidectomy is a surgical procedure performed on male animals removing both testicles.
Q: Why should I spay/neuter my pet?
These procedures are very important in preventing overpopulation, prostate/testicular and uterine cancer, and well as uterine infection. Also most hit by car victims are un-neutered male pets- running late for a date!
Q: When is the best time to spay/ neuter
my pet?
6 month of age is recommended. These procedures are routine and can be done at any age in a healthy pet.
Q: What does cryptorchid mean?
This is a male pet with one testicle in the scrotal sac and 1 retained in the abdomen- after 6 months of age-This situation requires a more detailed neuter. Those that are not neutered are more susceptible to prostate and testicular cancer.
Vaccines
Q: Which vaccines are recommended for my cat?
A Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency test should be performed prior to vaccinations! Cats should be receive a feline Distemper (FVRCPP), Feline Leukemia(FELV),Rabies, and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) vaccine annually. This regimen may vary depending on your cats exposure to other cats.
Q: Which vaccines are recommended for my dog?
A canine Distemper vaccine(DHLPPC), Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Lymes, and a Rabies vaccine should be administered annually. This may vary depending on your region and need.
Q: Do pets have vaccine reactions?
It is rare, but some develop allergic reactions to vaccines. Keep your eye out for swelling especially about the face hives/whelps all over the body/ lethargic behavior/ vomit-diarrhea/ pain illicited with regular petting- hair loss/nodule formation at injection site! Anything unusual call your vet!
Q: Why is Heartworm prevention needed?
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes- these worms take over your pets heart and are deadly- you can’t prevent your pets from being stung-but you can prevent the transmission of the disease-give both cats and dogs prevention once a month.
Common Abnormalities
Q: What are common abnormalities noted in cats?
Male cats are predisposed for urinary tract infection and blockage – watch for signs of urinating outside of the litterbox, and straining to urinate-and seek veterinary attention immediately. Overweight cats are predisposed to Diabetes- watch for consumption of large amounts of water. Thin cats with a ravenous appetite may be suffering from Hyperthyroidism Cats have a tendency to chew on plants-most household plants are poisonous- be careful- no Poinsettias or Lilies.
Q: What are common abnormalities noted in dogs?
Overweight dogs may be suffering from Hypothyroidism or Diabetes. Watch for consumption of large amounts of water! Many large dogs suffer from hip dysplasia while smaller breeds suffer from patellar abnormalities . All breeds have potential to suffer from periodontal disease- the leading cause of tooth loss and heart disease.