1. How often does my pet need to be examined by a
veterinarian?
We recommend a minimum of an annual wellness exam for all
pets. If your pet is of a "senior" or "geriatric" age, we recommend
an exam every 6 months instead.
2. How old is my pet in human years?
See attached Human/Pet Age Analogy Chart
3. How often do I need to bring in a fecal sample for
examination?
We recommend testing a fecal sample annually. If your pet is
having soft stool or diarrhea, we should perform an additional fecal
flotation at that time. A fecal flotation commonly helps identify
roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and coccidia. It may also
diagnose tapeworms and giardia.
4. Do I need to give my dog heartworm preventative all year?
We now recommend giving the heartworm preventative
(Heartgard Plus) all year. In addition to having protection from
heartworms, the Heartgard Plus also protects against intestinal
parasites such as roundworms and hookworms which can be
transmitted during any season.
5. How often does my dog need a heartworm blood test?
As a safeguard we recommend all dogs being tested annually
for this deadly disease.
6. Does my pet need flea or tick preventative?
Yes. All dogs are at risk of flea or tick infestation. Also, any cats
that go outside or live with another pet that goes outside are at
risk. We recommend using Frontline Plus during all non-winter
months.
7. Should I spay/neuter my pet?
Yes!
BENEFITS:
Females:
* Decreased Risk for Developing Mammary Cancer
Females spayed before the onset of their first heat have less
than 0.5% chance for developing mammary tumors. This
incidence increases to 8% if a female is allowed to have one
heat cycle and 26% after two heat cycles. No preventative
effect for mammary tumors is seen if a female is spayed after
the age of 2 1/2 years.
* Eliminates the Risk of Pyometra
This life-threatening uterine infection may develop in any
unspayed female dog or cat. The uterus fills with a pus-like
fluid and emergency surgery is necessary in most cases.
* Eliminates the Risk of Ovarian and Uterine Cancers
The uterus and both ovaries are removed during the spay
procedure.
* Eliminates Unwanted Visits to Your Residence From
Interested Males
* Eliminates Unwanted Pregnancies Contributing to the
Pet Overpopulation Problem
Hundreds of thousands of pets are euthanized every year due
to lack of homes.
Males:
* Decreases the Risk for Developing Prostate Disease
Unneutered males are prone to developing enlargement of the
prostate gland (located surrounding the male urethra). The
enlarged gland may become infected, develop an abscess or
causes a male dog discomfort during urination or defecation.
* Eliminates the risk of Testicular Tumors
* Decreases Roaming Behavior and Intermale Aggression
* Decreases the Risk of Marking Behavior in Dogs
* Eliminates Contributing to the Pet Overpopulation Problem
Myths:
* Neutering or Spaying Causes Obesity
Research has shown that neutering or spaying your pet does
not cause your pet to become overweight or obese. Over-
feeding and lack of exercise contribute to weight gain. At 6
months of age (when most veterinarians recommend spaying
and neutering) most pets are growing less rapidly and becoming
less active. If pets are fed the same amount of food, weight
gain results.
* Neutering or Spaying Changes My Pet's Behavior
Behavior changes are usually not seen after surgery, although
male dogs and cats may show less aggression towards other
males of their species.
* Female Dogs Should be Spayed After Their First Heat
Research has shown this may be more detrimental to your pet.
The incidence of mammary cancer rises once your pet has
experienced her first heat cycle.
8. How often do I need my pets teeth cleaned?
This varies greatly from pet to pet. Some animals need their teeth
professionally cleaned (dental prophylaxis) every 6 months while others may only need it done every 5 years. When your pet is
in for an examination the veterinarian will discuss your pet's oral health with you.
9. My dog is overweight, what should I do?
Obesity can cause a number of health problems in dogs just as
in humans. If you don't know if your pet is overweight, one of
our veterinarians or technicians can evaluate your pet with you.
They may recommend feeding less food, eliminating treats and/or
table food, feeding a lower calorie food or increasing the amount
of exercise.
10. What breed of dog should I get?
Before you acquire a dog you should do as much research as
possible about different breeds. Make sure you get a dog that
matches your lifestyle and personality. Once you have decided
on a particular breed you should visit a humane society or rescue
group. There are many purebred and mixed breed dogs that
would love to have a home with you! If you do decide to purchase
from a breeder, do so with caution. Only purchase from a
reputable breeder and never from a pet store.
