Both puppies and kittens begin their vaccination series at six weeks of age and receive vaccinations every 2-3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. E-mail us for information about our affordable puppy and kitten vaccination packages. And, if you are unsure of your new pet's age, you can always ask us for advice.
What is a spay?
Spay is the common term for a complete ovariohysterectomy, or removal of the entire uterus and ovaries. The word comes from a Greek derivative meaning "to remove."
What are anal sacs?
Anal sacs are small glands located on either side of the rectum. They are not part of the rectum and they contain a fishy smelling substance. Before domestication, both dogs and cats had control of these glands and used them to mark their territory. Now, pets no longer have active control of these glands and sometimes they must be emptied in order to prevent infection. They are present in both males and females. Often, a dog will "scoot" on its behind, an indication that the sacs are full and need attention by a veterinarian. Cats generally tend to lick their rectal area excessively if their anal sacs are full.
How do I control fleas on my pet?
With the advancement of flea control like Advantage, Frontline and Sentinel, fleas are no longer the nuisance they once were for you and your pet. Advantage is a liquid applied to the back of the neck which kills all fleas within 24 hours and continues killing them for 1 full month. Program is a pill that is given by mouth every month with a meal. It prevents the flea from producing eggs, so-called " birth control" for fleas, and also lasts a month. Both products are SAFE for your pets and your children. Do NOT confuse these products with others you find in the pet supermarket or grocery store. Those products are insecticides and can potentially kill your pet.
My dog smells. What could it be?
Generally, if your dog smells, you need to look at three things: ears, teeth, and skin. If there is brown material on your dog's teeth, then your dog has excessive tartar buildup. He may be licking his skin with an infected mouth causing a foul odor. If there is black material seen in your dog's ears, it is probably an ear infection and not just dirt. And, if your dog has dry skin or bumps on the skin, that can also cause an odor. In order to properly identify the odor, just bring him in for an examination.
I saw small worms in my pet's bowel movement. What are they?
Small white worms about the size of a grain of rice in length are tapeworms. They come from swallowing fleas and can be eradicated with an injection from your veterinarian. There are NO products in the pet supermarket or in the grocery store to kill tapeworms. Also, in order to keep them away, you should also practice good flea control.
What is the best way to identify my pet?
Keep a collar with identification on him at all times. You can also have a microchip implanted in his neck which is completely painless. All shelters scan for this chip and, if your pet is lost, he could be returned to you much easier by a local shelter. We would be glad to e-mail you more information about the microchip technology.
What is a dog's or cat's normal temperature?
Cats and dogs have a higher body temperature than ours, which is why they sometimes feel "hot" to the touch. Their normal body temperature is 100-102.8 degrees. The best way to see if your pet is running a fever is to take his temperature with a rectal thermometer. Should you notice that your pet's temperature is above normal, you should contact us immediately.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough is a respiratory disease usually contracted in areas where a large number of pets are housed such as a kennel or a grooming salon. If your dog or cat frequents either of these places, you should protect him from this disease by vaccinating him against Bordetella or Kennel Cough.
My dog has diarrhea, What can I do?
If your dog is acting normally other than the diarrhea, then you can try withholding
all food and water for 12 hours. After that time period, you can introduce a small amount of rice mixed with ground beef to re-introduce his stomach to food. However, if your dog is lethargic in any way, you should call the hospital for instructions.
How long is a dog/cat in season?
A dog is in season about 21 days. The first 10 days include bleeding from the vagina, then your dog is ready to accept the male. A cat is completely different from a dog. They go in and out of season from January to June. It is always best to neuter your pet if you do not intend to breed her so that she does not develop breast or uterine cancer.
How long does pregnancy last in a dog/cat?
A dog is pregnant for 63 days and a cat for 61 days. The newborns should be examined by a veterinarian within 24-48 hours.
What is parvo virus?
Parvo virus is a disease that causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. This virus is deadly and can be contracted from any substance, such as the soil or walking in the same area as a dog which had been incubating the virus. We recommend vaccinating your dog twice yearly for adequate protection.
Can I catch rabies from a squirrel?
Probably not. In North Carolina, the main carriers of rabies are the raccoon and
fox. If you ever see a raccoon or fox during the day, stay away and contact Animal Care and Control immediately.
What chew treats are OK to buy for my dog?
Generally, the safest treats for your dog are those made of beefhide. They should be large enough that your dog can't swallow them whole. Rawhide treats are generally not desirable as they can cause diarrhea. Also, cow hooves and pig ears are a real NO NO. Cow hooves are too hard and fracture teeth, while pig ears are horribly full of fat.
What is the best food to feed my pet?
That is a very difficult question to answer as one food isn't right for all pets. Generally, if the food you are feeding says on the label that it is good for "all life stages," then find another food. Remember, if it is good for all life stages, then it must have enough protein and fat to sustain a youngster. Since adult dogs and cats do not require as many nutrients as puppies and kittens, that particular food is not a good choice for an adult. We would be glad to e-mail you information about choosing the proper diet for your pet.
Is it normal for my cat to vomit hairballs?
Absolutely not! Cats are excellent groomers; however, in so doing, they swallow large amounts of hair. Vomiting hairballs is a sign that the hair is not moving from the stomach into the small intestine. In order to correct this, all cats should receive a hairball preventative twice a week. It comes in a gel form and most cats take it readily.
My dog was accidentally hit by a car but appears fine. Is it okay to watch him for a while?
NO! Many times, dogs hide a concussion which can be life threatening if not treated immediately. Also, dogs can also suffer from a condition called "traumatic lung syndrome," a condition in which the lungs can become full of fluid after a sudden blow. It is best to contact a veterinarian anytime your dog has been in an accident with a car.
My cat is going to his litter box a lot and seems uncomfortable. What does that mean?
Cats are very prone to a condition called " feline lower urinary tract syndrome." Basically, it is a urinary bladder infection which can lead to urinary tract obstruction in male cats. This is a serious condition and you should contact a veterinarian immediately if your cat is showing this type of behavior.
My dog licks his feet all the time. Why?
A dog that licks his feet, rubs his face, or scratches behind his elbows may be showing signs of an allergy. Dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things such as house dust, grass, or weeds. Consult a veterinarian about this condition, especially if your dog is showing any degree of hair loss.
Are flea collars very effective?
Not really. Since they are placed around the neck of the pet, they usually cannot kill any fleas which are around the tail of your pet. There are much better forms of flea control for you to use on your pet such as Advantage,
Frontline or Sentinel. E-mail us
for more information.
