C. Medical services
At what age should I have my dog or cat spayed or neutered?
The best age for both species is around 4-5 months old. There are many medical and behavioral reasons why it is healthiest for females to be neutered before her first heat, and males before they reach puberty.
Puppies and kittens can be neutered even as young as 6 weeks of age, but we prefer to let them get their puppy and kitten immunizations underway, and that they be clear of parasites before a major surgery.
When does my puppy (or my kitten) need to start it's vaccinations?
We begin puppy and kitten vaccinations at 6 weeks of age. Prior to then, their immune system is immature and cannot respond to vaccination, and the protection from their mother's milk protects them. After about 6 weeks of age, this protection diminishes, and they are vulnerable to many life-threatening viruses.
Although six weeks of age is the best time to start, we will taylor the needs of your pet to its age, and risk of exposure.
My pet is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. What do I need to do before hand?
Feed and water your pet as usual today, but take away any leftovers after 10 p.m. Your pet will need to have an empty stomach for anesthesia; this minimizes the risk of certain complications. We will feed him or her a light meal as soon as she recovered enough to safely do so.
If your pet has fleas or ticks, and you can take care of that problem today, it would be a good thing. If not, we will apply a topical while at the office, so that other people's pets don't take home your fleas! Nobody likes hitchhikers that bite.
If you need a pet carrier or leash to bring your pet, we have them at the office and can find what you need. Cats seem less stressed if they feel secure in a taxi or pillow case.
I just want some heartworm pills. Why do I have to bring my pet to the hospital to get them?
We need to run a simple blood test in order to be sure that your pet is heartworm free before we can prescribe heartworm preventative. Because of our heavy mosquito population, dogs are at great risk of exposure, and if there have been any breaks in protection in the past, he may have acquired an infection that you are not aware of. Many dogs are not started on preventative until over six weeks of age, so there is a chance he may have been vulnerable during that time. If you ever got off schedule on your monthly meds, there is also some risk. If a dog has heartworms, and is given a preventative, a dangerous or even fatal reaction can result. For his protection, the standard of care is to require a negative test prior to sending home medication.
I'm afraid I have not been good at remembering to give my dog his heartworm medication exactly on schedule. How can you help?
You're in good company; research shows that 80% of dog owners aren't faithful to the once-a-month schedule. Fortunately, there is now an alternative that takes the burden off you- ProHeart6 is a new injectable heartworm preventative that lasts 6 months at a time. Our computer will send you a reminder a week or two before the next injection is due. It's safe in dogs that are tested negative for heartworms, and can be given whenever your dog reaches it's adult weight.
These fleas are driving my pet crazy! What can I do?
Fortunately, flea control has gotten easier and safer with the new veterinary label topicals. One spot-on application to the skin of your pet kills fleas within hours, and lasts for 30 days. Tick control is also available. The cost for 30 days of protection is less than that of a bath and dip, which only lasts a day. Safe, easy, cost effective, and it works.
Does my female dog/cat need to have one litter before we have her spayed?
No, in fact, females spayed BEFORE the first heat are 17 times less likely to develop breast cancer later in life. Breast cancer in dogs has a 50% malignancy rate, and it's 80% in cats! In addition, as much as we love puppies and kittens, there just aren't enough good homes for them all. We strongly recommend spaying females before 7 months of age, but it can be done at any time during a pet's life.
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