General

Q. Can cats catch colds?
A. Usually not human colds but those which cats get can be very severe and contagious to other cats.

Q. How often should a cat's nails be trimmed? Can it be done safely at home? How far back should I cut?
A. As often as necessary, they can grow very fast. You should only cut the tips off and they will sharpen their nails quickly after they've been cut.

Q. Do dogs catch colds?
A. Not human colds. Viruses and bacteria can cause colds in dogs and can be very contagious and serious.

Q. Do dogs get cavities? How often should their teeth be cleaned?
A. They don't get cavities but do get other conditions such as abscesses, gingivitis and tartar accumulation which can be just as bad. In older dogs, teeth should be cleaned every 6-12 months. Some dogs will need it much less frequently.

Q. Do you recommend some type of teeth brushing at home for dogs? Do you recommend a dentifrice?
A. Yes. Teeth may be brushed 3-4 times a week with specific beef or chicken flavored canine toothpaste. Brushing has been shown to decrease accumulation by 65-70 % and is therefore very effective. Allow plenty of access to water as this helps rinse food particles from the teeth. There are specific diets such as T/D by Science Diet and treats that also help reduced tartar buildup. Another option is a product called ORAVET. After a barrier sealant is applied to the teeth at the time of an in-office teeth cleaning procedure, you apply follow-up ORAVET treatments at home once a week to help reduce the accumulation of new plaque and tartar on the teeth.

Q. What would cause a dog to scoot on the floor?
A. Most commonly full anal glands are the reason, and they can usually be emptied with a quick procedure by a groomer or in our office. Intestinal worms can occasionally cause scooting too, so if you bring along a stool sample we can also perform a microscopic fecal parasite exam, if indicated..

Q. Do you trim birds' nails and bills?
A. Yes, if the animal is manageable.

Q. What age can you give rabbits away? Do they need vaccinations?
A. They can be given away at 7-8 weeks and vaccinations aren't needed.

Q. What should land turtles eat?
A. Vegetables, dark leafy green lettuce, fruits and insects. Iceberg lettuce has little nutritional value.

Q. Are there any problems indicated by continuous shedding in dogs and cats?
A. Intestinal parasites, hormone problems, and a variety of medical conditions may cause abnormal and/or excessive shedding. Pets with excessive or unexplained hair loss should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and most appropriate treatment.

Q. Is there any effective treatment for pets that eat feces?
A. Check for worms or other parasites, make sure the dog is on a good diet and have it examined by a veterinarian. Forbid is a product sold at our offices that when given on a daily basis helps deter dogs from eating their own feces.

Q. Why do dogs eat grass?
A. The specific cause has never been scientifically proven but it is suspected to be from a nutritional deficiency or nausea. It may be totally normal for a dog to “graze” a little.

Q. What, if anything, can be done to change excessive protectiveness in dogs?
A.
1) Castration (if male)
2) Eliminate threatening situations which bring out aggressive nature
3) Bring in for an exam and consultation about the problem to make sure it isn't due to a medical problem.

Q. What are the symptoms of hairballs? Treatment? Is surgery ever necessary in extreme cases?
A. Vomiting, constipation, gagging. Usually treated with laxatives. Surgery is rarely needed, but may have to be done in severe cases.

Q. What takes out the smell of cat urine?
A.
1) Neutering - intact males have very strong smelling urine. Neutering/spaying is done around 6 months of age.
2) Enzyme sprays (F.O.N. & P.O.N.) Both are available in our office.

Q. Do puppies lose their teeth? How old are they when this begins? Is it the same with kittens?
A. The new teeth push them out. Starts at approximately 4 months in puppies and kittens.

Q. How frequently should animals be examined for parasites?
A. CDC recommends every 3 to 4 months - more frequently if there has been a previous problem.

Q. What problems can develop if a cat receives puncture wounds from a fight and they are left untreated?
A. Abscesses.

Q. Are large persistent abscesses dangerous to cats?
A. Yes, they can cause internal disease as well as serve as a source of infection and contamination to people.



Parasites - Infestation

Q. How can I tell if my dog or cat has parasites?
A.
-Internal: Parasites seen in stool or vomit, or the eggs of worms or other intestinal parasites may be found by us with a microscopic parasite exam of the feces.
-External: Scratching, hair loss, inflamed skin, actual parasites seen (fleas, lice, etc.). *Mites must be found microscopically by skin scraping.

Q. How old should a puppy be in order to treat for parasites?
A. Depends on type of worm and medication. Most can be given at one week of age. Revolution topical flea prescription can be given as young as 6 weeks.

Q. Is ringworm difficult to get rid of? What is ringworm?
A. Ringworm is a fungus disease of the skin. In severe cases it can be very hard to get rid of it, but minor cases may respond to topical treatment only.

Q. Can a person get ringworm from a pet? And vice versa?
A. Yes to both, depending on the specific type of fungus.

Q. Is it safe to pull ticks out? What is the best procedure?
A. It is safe as long as the head is grasped very close to the skin and the mouthparts pulled as well. If you are hesitant, bring in to the hospital.

Q. Where do cats get ear mites?
A. From other cats or dogs, etc.

Q. If a cat is infected with ear mites, what are the chances of them being transmitted to other dogs and cats?
A. Chances are quite good that other pets with close contact to affected animal may pick them up.

Q. Are flea collars dangerous to pets?
A. Some may cause rashes due to sensitivity of the individual animal to the collars. They are not effective with severe infestations and contain insecticides. Much more effective flea treatment/preventatives are non-insecticide topicals like Frontline, Advantage, Revolution or Advantix. Ask us for more information.



Non-Infectious Diseases

Q. What would cause a dog or cat to become uncoordinated, tilt its head and tend to circle to one side?
A. Stroke, ear infection or foreign body, or other neurological disorders. They should be seen by a vet.

Q. What are the anal glands?
A. Glands similar to the scent glands on a skunk. They are slightly below and on either side of the anus.

Q. How are retained testicles treated in dogs and cats? Can they cause problems if not treated?
A. Retained testicles should be removed because although sterile, they still produce hormones and have a greater tendency to become cancerous if retained.

Q. What is the cause and symptoms of cat kidney disease?
A. Excessive urinating and drinking of water or decreased urinating and drinking of water; weight loss, anemia; depression and dehydration.




Neutering

Q. How old should a dog be to be castrated?
A. 6 months

Q. How long after castration is a dog or cat capable of causing conception?
A. Usually 3-4 weeks at most.

Q. What age should a dog be for spaying?
A. 6 months.

Q. Age of cats for altering and spaying?
A. 6 months.

Q. Can a dog or cat be spayed while in season?
A. Yes, they may bleed a little more so it may take a little longer; extra risk and expense is usually minimal. It is recommended that they be spayed before their first heat.

Q. Should a female dog or cat have one heat period before spaying?
A. If pups are not wanted it is best to spay before the 1st heat. Also, the risk of breast cancer in female dogs can be significantly minimized by spaying before the first heat period.




Reproduction

Q. At what age do dogs and cats usually begin their heat cycles?
A. About 5-6 months. Large breeds of dogs may not start until several months later.

Q. What are the signs of a dog coming into season? Before the discharge?
A. Swollen vulva; blood tinged discharge (clear) from vulva; male dogs will be attracted to the yard.

Q. How long is the estrus in dogs and what are its phases?
A.
Dogs: about 3 weeks.
a) 1st 7-10 days - clear, red discharge.
b) Discharge then turns clear yellow for several days - Dogs most fertile at this time!
*These are average - many bitches will vary markedly in timing of heat period phases.

Q. How long is the estrus in cats and what are its phases?
A. Cats come into heat about every 6 months, will be in heat for 7-10 days and go out of heat several days after being bred. If not bred, she will go out of heat and come back in 7-10 days later. When not bred again she may come back in again after another 7-10 days. After several cycles of not being bred, she will not come in heat for another 6 months and the whole process will repeat.

Signs of heat:
Meow much more, more affectionate, raise hind end and roll over frequently, and tread hind feet with hind end raised.

Q. How effective is artificial insemination?
A. Quite effective when timed with the heat period and vaginal smears to pinpoint the time at which the bitch should be fertile.

Q. If our female dog gets caught with a male, can pregnancy be prevented?
A. Estrogen shots (misbred shots) can be given and are most effective in the first 24 hours after breeding. After 48 hours, prevention of pregnancy is doubtful except by spaying. Misbred shots are given as a series of 2 shots, the second two days after the first.

Q. How long is the gestation period for dogs and cats? Is there any special care required?
A. 58-62 days. Vaccinate before breeding and get rid of any intestinal parasites. Avoid stress to the animal during gestation.

Q. How long after a cat has kittens will she go into heat again?
A. Usually 6-12 weeks.

Q. What is the best procedure for reviving newborn puppies or kittens?
A. Rub briskly with a dry towel; hold head firmly, swab fluid from back of throat, hold pup upside down while supporting body and gently swing it downward to clear fluid from lungs.

Q. Can a dog or cat be bathed while in heat or pregnant?
A. Yes. During pregnancy, flea baths or dips which have long-acting synthetic insecticides should be avoided if possible. If necessary to use them, consult with a veterinarian.

Q. What should I do when my dog or cat whelps (is in labor)?
A.
1) Don't distract mother while she is having pups - assist only if needed.
2) Clean membranes from pup and tie umbilical cord with thread (approx. 1/2 inch from skin) if mother not cleaning pups and chewing cord.
3) Provide heat source for a temperature of about 85 F for pups - allow space for them to crawl away from heat if they get too hot. Put towels, etc. in between pups and heating pads.
*Bitch needs medical attention if goes more than 4 hours in hard labor without any pups or more than 1 hour between pups.

Q. What is the reason and treatment of a dog or cat that whelped and is still bleeding after a couple of days?
A. Possible vaginal trauma - should be examined by vet.

Q. What should be done when there is not enough or no milk for the babies?
A. Bottle feed or tube feed with a milk replacement to provide nutritional supplementation.

Q. When do puppies and kitten open their eyes?
A. 10-14 days.

Q. When can a puppy or kitten be taken away from their mother?
A. About 6 weeks.




Nutrition and Grooming

Q. Should I feed bones to my dogs? Which kinds are most harmful?
A. No, they may splinter and cause intestinal damage or peritonitis. Chicken and pork bones are most harmful.

Q. Should I cook beef bones before giving them to my dog?
A. Yes, but giving bones isn't recommended.

Q. Are milk bones fattening?
A. Yes, they should be avoided if dog has weight problem already.

Q. Is it necessary to give older dogs more water than usual?
A. Yes, because they often urinate more than normal and must make up for the water loss. Excessive urinating and drinking may indicate a problem which may need treatment. (Hormone problem, diabetes, kidney disease, etc.)

Q. Is human shampoo and crème rinse safe to use on adult dogs and cats?
A. No, the pH isn't right for animals. A good pet shampoo is best.

Q. How often should a dog or cat be brushed?
A. Brushed daily, even twice daily in longhaired animals. Unless dirty, cats shouldn't need baths and dogs only once every 1 or 2 months. Animals with skin problems may be done is often as once weekly, depending on the condition and diagnosis.




General Vaccination

Q. What are the rabies vaccination regulations?
A. All dogs must be vaccinated no sooner than 4 months of age with a booster at 1 year of age, then once every 3 years after that. Rabies vaccination is not required for cats, but strongly recommended.

Q. What is parvovirus infection?
A. An intestinal virus, which often causes sudden vomiting, bloody diarrhea and listlessness. Response to treatment is variable - chances for survival are best with hospitalization and continuous IV fluids.

Q. Where do you get it?
A. It is initially shed in the stool, but can be transmitted into a parvo-free environment on shoes, etc. due to its ability to persist in the environment.

Q. What is the vaccination procedure?
A. Three shots spaced 2-3 weeks apart starting at 8-10 weeks; then one last shot at 4 months of age. Most of the shots will be included in the DHCP-PC vaccine. Annual vaccination boosters after that.

Q. How long does it live outside the body?
A. It can live 9 months to 1 year in ideal conditions.

Q. Are any products recommended for sterilizing around the kennel?
A. Dilution of 1 part household bleach to 30 parts water.




Cosmetic Surgery

Q. At what age should puppies have their tails and dew claws removed?
A. 1-3 days.

Q. If a dog barks constantly, is debarking considered inhumane? Is this surgery done often?
A. Not done often, and often dogs will still have a hoarse, bothersome cough.

Q. What are the pros and cons of having a cat declawed? Is it necessary to keep the cat indoors permanently afterwards?
A. Cats can be declawed with very few ill effects. Cats that fight or are often exposed to dogs may be at a disadvantage. It is recommended that declawed cats remain indoor only.

Q. Are all four feet declawed?
A. Usually just the front feet, but all four can be done in cases where necessary (immunosuppressed people, etc.).