Frequently Asked Questions
The following are a few frequently asked questions that we commonly hear from
our clients. Answers can vary slightly from clinic to clinic or person to
person, but overall we consider our answers to be a sound start to answering your
questions.
Whenever possible we will list a reference or related Web site for the topic of interest.
We hope this information is found helpful to those who view the content.
Why should I bring in a fecal sample for my pet?
It is important that you bring in your pet's stool sample to be tested for internal parasites. Our pets can harbor several different intestinal parasites some of which can infect you and your family. Those diseases and infections, which are transmitted between vertebrate animals and man are called Zoonosis. The parasites described below are all zoonotic diseases and are best identified with a fecal exam.
Roundworms (ascarids) are the most common intestinal parasite of dogs and cats. Pets become infected by swallowing roundworm eggs or larvae (immature worms) found in contaminated soil or feces (stool). Human infection with roundworm larvae is possible but does not occur frequently if good hygiene is practiced. Children and avid gardeners are most at risk as the larvae are often found in the soil where pet defecate. If this contaminated soil is ingested humans can become infected leading to serious health problems.
Hookworm (tricurls). A common worm infecting humans and domestic dogs and cats. As with roundworms humans are at risk when exposed to contaminated soil. The third-stage larvae which cause infection can survive in soil for several weeks in moist and warm conditions. Animals are typically infected through ingestion of feces or larvae in the soil. Humans become infected by contact with infected soil, the larvae penetrate through the skin to cause a localized inflammation and infection.
Giardia is a single-cell organism (protozoa) that can infect the intestinal tract of people and most domestic animals. Infection can occur when contaminated feces, food, or water is ingested. Dog who hike with owners may be more at risk when they drink from contaminated streams.
Other internal parasites that your pet can be infected with include tapeworms, coccidia and whipworms. Regular fecal examinations and monthly dewormer are the best insurance against infections.
Why does
my pet need a current physical before vaccines?
After your pet's first year of age has passed, he or she is already the human equivalent of a 24 year old! Each subsequent calendar year that passes is on average, about four years physiologically for your pet. There can be significant physical changes in your pet's health from year to year. It is important to take time to examine your pet's heart, lungs, eyes, ears, nose, throat, skin, hair, coat, as well as the musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, urogenital systems. During the exam the veterinarian may also address your concerns about nutrition, behavior or other pet health care issues. Early recognition of potential health problems can go a long ways towards improving and extending the quality of life your pet will enjoy.
Why can't vaccinations be given without a current physical?
Prior to administering any vaccination, we want to establish that your pet is healthy. A sick animal will be further stressed when exposed to a vaccination (an injection which is intended to generate an immune response). This increased stress often makes the animal more sick, causing discomfort and sometimes life-threatening complications. Animals that are not healthy may not mount effective immune responses to the vaccinations, diminishing the value of the vaccines. This is especially important for rabies vaccination, as the first vaccination is typically not followed by a booster shot for one year.
Additionally, when using rabies vaccinations that are licensed for three years, declining immunity over time can render your pet (and your family, since unvaccinated pets can expose people to rabies) unprotected near the end of the vaccination period. Often, a thorough physical exam allows us to detect health problems before they become threatening to the health and comfort of your pet. We can find (and treat) disease such as: dental disease, including tooth decay, gingivitis, and tarter buildup, benign and malignant cancers, including mammary tumors, skin masses, and abdominal tumors, ear infections and heart disease. Early detection is the key to successfully treating and/or curing many of these ailments.
How old does my pet have to be for spaying or neutering?
The majority of dogs, cats and rabbits are typically spayed or neutered before they reach sexual maturity. We recommend spaying or neutering between the ages of 5-6 months. It is not recommended or encouraged for females to have a litter prior to becoming spayed.
When should I vaccinate my pet?
Rabies | 12 weeks or older |
| DHPP | 8 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 14 weeks of age. Annual vaccine at 1 year, then every 3 years. |
| Bordetella | Intranasal if given for the first time. Booster intranasal annually. |
* Bordetella needs to be given at least 10-14 days prior to boarding. * Discontinuation of the Bordetella vaccine is at the doctor's discretion. | |
| Rabies | 12 weeks or older |
| FVRCP | 8 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 12 weeks of age. Annual vaccine at 1 year, then every 3 years. |
| FeLV | 8 - 10 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 12 weeks of age. Annual vaccine at 1 year, then every 3 years. |
If your pet has a vaccine reaction:
There is always a slight chance for your pet to have a reaction to a vaccine. Some mild reactions you might notice would be lethargy, anorexia, hiding, and soreness in the area the vaccine was administered. If you notice any of these signs, please call your veterinarian.
More severe reactions to look out for would be vomiting, hives and swelling, particularly in the face. If you notice any of these signs, call your veterinarian and seek emergent care.
When should I call the Vet to make an appointment?
You should make an appointment when any of the following
occur for your pet:
- Changes in behavior.
- Not eating or drinking.
- Any chance of ingestion of a foreign/toxic substance.
- Limping or increased stiffness.
- Vomiting.
- Sudden weight increase or decrease.
- Diarrhea.
- Difficulty in eliminating, straining.
- Frequent urination.
- Straining to urinate.
- Difficult or labored breathing.
- Eye discharge, redness, swelling, or squinting.
- Nasal or ear discharge.
- Excessive drooling.
- Difficulty moving or unusual movements.
- New lumps or bumps.
- Itching, scratching or chewing of the skin.
- Any change in the skin/hair coat.
- Lethargy, unusual restlessness or depression.
- Shaking of the head.
- Rapid swellings, especially about the head or abdomen.
- Elevated temperature or sudden drop in temperature, shivering.
- Rapid or extremely slow pulse.
- Coughing, wheezing, or sneezing.
More questions?
Contact us for all other questions.
