Q: At what age does my new puppy or kitten need to go to the vet?

A: We start all puppies and kittens with vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age. They need to be vaccinated from that point every 3 weeks, until they are at least 14 weeks old for kittens and 18 weeks for puppies. They can be vaccinated for rabies (which is required by law) after 12 weeks, and boostered in a year. Puppies and kittens should be placed on heartworm preventative during their vaccine series, and should be started no later than 6 months of age.

Q: When can my pet be spayed or neutered?

A: As soon as they have finished with their puppy or kitten series, which is usually around 5 months of age. Dogs and cats reach puberty between 6 and 9 months of age, which is when they will have their first heat. We do not usually recommend spaying while dogs are in heat, as it will increase their chances for infection and increased bleeding time while in surgery.

Q: How long does a dog's heat last?

A: Canine heat cycle occurs 2 times a year,and lasts for 3-4 weeks. They bleed for a week, cease for a week during their fertile period, then bleed for the last week. If you think your dog is pregnant, gestation is 63 days from time of breeding.

Q: What can I do to help my pet's breath?

A: Feed your pet dry food. Offer chew treats and toys regularly. Brush their teeth regularly with a pet toothpaste and a fingerbrush or one of your old toothbrushes. You can also purchase veterinary chew treats for dogs and cats, or Hills Prescription T/D (also for dogs or cats) to help mechanically breakdown tartar and calculus. Finally, you can schedule your pet for a teeth cleaning, recommend annually for middle-age to older pets with periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Q: When should I spay or neuter my pet?

A: For a normal, healthy pet it's best to spay or neuter when they are sexually mature i.e. at approximately 6 months of age. It is recommended that a dog be spayed or neutered prior to their first heat. Research has shown that this reduces the chances of mammary cancer by almost 100%.

Q: How often does my dog or cat need to be vaccinated?

A; Most people understand puppies and kittens have to go through a basic series of vaccinations to be well immunized but it's also important to get them boostered on an annual basis. For dogs, the minimum basic vaccination requirements would be DHLP-P-C =Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Corona, and Rabies  For cats, the minimum would be the FVRCP and RABIES, and  we also recommend the FELINE LEUKEMA vaccine. Those same vaccines are boostered each year. Additional, optional vaccinations for dogs include: Lymes and kennel cough, and for cats: FIP.

Q: Should my dog be on heartworm medication year round?

A:Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, and here on the eastern shore we are "blessed "  with  more than our share of mosquitoes. Due to our geographic location and the complex life cycle of the heartworm, it is recommended that your dog be given heartworm prevention medicine monthly all year round.

Q: Can cats get heartworms?

A: Yes they can , and  are rapidly becoming a severe problem. Surprisingly  even indoor cats that never go outside have an unusual incidence of Feline Heartworms. For cats, some of the symptoms include vomiting and coughing. One of the most common symtoms of Heartworm in the cat is SUDDEN DEATH!  A powerful reason to keep your cat on Prevention Medicine. For dogs, exercise intolerance, a moist cough and weight loss are the primary symptoms.
 

Q: My dog vomited. What should I do?

A: If the dog appears otherwise healthy, then withhold food for 24 hours and re-initiate feeding in small amounts the next day. If your dog vomits several times it may be time to call the veterinarian.
 
 

Q: My dog just ate some chocolate. What should I do?

A: You are wise to recognize that chocolate is toxic to dogs. Anytime you see your animal eat something that is potentially toxic, it is best to induce vomiting immediately by administering syrup of ipecac or hydrogen peroxide. Call your vet for correct amounts and further instructions. You may want to search your house for items which might be potentially toxic to your dog and either remove them or store them safely away. Some suggestions of potential dangers to your pet:
· certain houseplants including peace lily, diffenbachia and mother in law tongue
· certain lizards and frogs which can emit a toxin on the surface of their skin
· household cleaning supplies
· medicinal products like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen).
· Antifreeze! Check your garage floor or driveway for any antifreeze that may have leaked from cars, and store any containers safely.
See the Poison Guide Section
 

Q: What are tape worms?

A: Tape worms are a parasite transmitted by ingestion of fleas. While they don’t have any serious effects on dogs or cats it is best to deworm your pet two or three times during the flea season if you are seeing small rice-like worms in the stool. If your dog is on a heartworm preventative, that will take care of most other GI parasites.
 

Q: How do I know when my cat is in heat?

A: Your cat will suddenly become more affectionate, more vocal, and will sometimes roll on the floor as though in pain. This is normal behavior and should not be cause for undo concern.
 

Q: When should I change my kitten or puppy to an adult diet?

A: On average, you could switch your dog or cat to an adult food anywhere from 8 to 12 months of age, depending on the breed.
 

Q: Should I feed my pregnant dog any differently than I normally do?

A: Our general rule of thumb is to feed your pet a good quality dog food and no table scraps. We recommend Bil-Jac, Iams, Eukanuba and Science Diet. We recommend switching them to a puppy food two weeks prior to giving birth. It is not recommended in most cases to supplement with calcium prior to giving birth, however, during lactation it may be advisable.
 

Q: Can I get mange from my dog?

A: Yes, certain people may become infected with sarcoptic mites. If your dog is experiencing severe itching and subsequently you experience a red rash that itches it may be advisable to call your physician.
 

Q: Is burnt motor oil a cure for mange?

A: You got it, it’s a big fat NO. Sure, it’ll kill the mange and your dog too. Please know that application of burnt motor oil is toxic and can harm or kill your pet.
 

Q: Why is my dog licking/chewing on its paws?

A: This may be a sign of skin allergies. Call your vet for more info. While this is normal behavior in cats, this is not normal behavior in dogs.
 

Q: What’s good for the prevention of fleas?

A: There are several good flea products which have come out in the last two years, three of which include Program, Frontline and Advantage. Ask your Vet which one would be the best for your pet in your environment. In addition to treating your animal you must also treat your environment. Some suggestions include Flea Stoppers for inside. Duratrol and Ovatrol for outside use must be applied every 2-3 weeks during the flea season to be effective. See the Link for "ADVANTAGE"
 

Q: My cat has suddenly started urinating inappropriately. What should I do?

A: This may be an indication of a urinary tract problem or it may be a behavioral problem. See your veterinarian to rule out a physical problem, and seek out his advice concerning the treatment of a possible behavioral problem. If you are dealing with a behavioral problem, you can put an additional litter box in the place where the animal is urinating most often, gradually moving it back to its original location. You should give serious consideration to introducing a new pet into a household where a cat has already been living for some time. Introducing a new pet causes stress for the cat and may be the cause of the problem.
 

Q: What makes your clinic different from others and why is there such a price difference sometimes between veterinary hospitals in the area?

A: We provide quality care through a full range of services and technology. Surgical instruments are steam sterilized, not cold-packed. Surgeons wear sterile  masks, gowns and gloves. We use gas anesthesia and  can employ the use of monitoring devices such as EKG and respiratory monitor before, during and after surgeries as needed . Patients can be kept overnight for observation for the safety of patient . We provide a separate isolation ward for patients with contagious diseases. The doctors attend Continuing Education Meetings in excess of the minimum requirements. The Hospital  does provide 24 hr. Emergency Service.

In our modern laboratory we provide many in-house test results so clients don’t have to wait for answers.

Our record keeping system provides for yearly reminders to the clients so that wellness visits can be scheduled and potential problems are solved when they are minor, before they reach crisis status.

We provide client education through printed materials , videotapes and community service.

Our facility is open, light and airy. Special care was given in designing our hospital to make clients and pets as comfortable as possible. A separate ventilation system in the kennel area provides for an odor free waiting room! Strategically designed cool and warm lighting and attractive decor add to the comfort level of our clients.

We treat pets with warm fuzzies, care and attention. You and your pet are not a number being run through a mill. You are an important individual with a very important pet who is part of your family. You both have names and personalities and we take every opportunity to give you the personal care and compassion you need and deserve. Our hospital care includes love and attention along with the best medicine that the Veterinary profession can provide!
 

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