Frequently Asked Questions

IMMUNIZATIONS QUESTIONS:

Q: How old does my dog have to be for a rabies vaccination?

A: We recommend giving the rabies vaccination at four (4) months of age. We also Vaccinate puppies against canine distemper, parvovirus, and bordetella.

Q: How old should my puppy be to start its vaccinations?

A: We recommend starting the vaccinations at six (6) weeks of age. At that point, the puppy’s maternal antibodies are beginning to wear off thereby needing additional protection. We give the vaccines at 6, 9, 12, and 16 weeks old so that your puppy will have good immunity.

Q: Why is a series of vaccinations necessary? Will my dog have to have the series every year?

A: The series of vaccinations helps ensure a high level of protective immunity in a young dog. This is the age when they are most susceptible to many contagious diseases. Once they are grown they will need boosters of their vaccinations but will not need to repeat the series.

Q: Can my puppy catch distemper (parvovirus) even though it has started its vaccinations?

A: A puppy’s immunity is not complete until it has finished the entire series of puppy vaccinations. Therefore, they are still at risk and may possibly become infected.

Q: What is canine distemper?

A: Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease among dogs. It is almost always fatal. Although it is more common in puppies than in adult dogs, all dogs are susceptible to it. Once they become an adult, we recommend vaccinating your dog every three (3) years for this disease.

Q: What is parvovirus?

A: Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease among dogs. If not treated, it is almost always fatal. It causes vomiting and bloody diarrhea. We vaccinate for this disease four times through the puppy series then every three years as an adult.

Q: How can you tell if a dog has rabies?

A: The clinical signs of rabies vary, and the old stories about animals foaming at the mouth are not always true. If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to rabies or has been bitten by a rabid animal, you should bring it to the doctor immediately for examination – for your dog’s protection as well as your own.

Q: Why can’t I vaccinate my own dog for rabies?

A: State law requires that a licensed veterinarian give the rabies vaccination to be sure it has been administered properly and for accurate record keeping purposes. Rabies control officers keep accurate records of the number of rabies vaccinations given and the type of vaccine used. If your pet ever bites someone, the doctor will be able to attest to the fact that the vaccine was administered properly, and that the pet is inoculated against rabies.

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

A: It does depend on which vaccination we are discussing. For bordetella, if your dog grooms or boards regularly we recommend vaccinating against it twice a year. If your dog does not board or groom once a year bordetella vaccination is appropriate. In regards to parvo, distemper, and rabies once they have gone through the puppy series we vaccinate them every three years on a rotating schedule. Always remember the most important part of an annual visit is the physical exam your veterinarian performs.

Q: My dog was exposed to distemper (parvovirus). Will he catch it? How can I be sure he doesn’t?

A: If your dog has been vaccinated against distemper (parvovirus), he should be protected. If your pet has never been vaccinated, you should bring him in immediately for vaccinations since these offer the best chance of resisting the disease.

Q: Can I catch Lyme disease from my dog?

A: Studies show that the disease is not directly transmitted from dogs to humans. Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks. If your dog has ticks, you may run the risk of being bitten by one, too. You can catch Lyme disease from a tick only, not from your dog.

INTERNAL PARASITE QUESTIONS:

Q: What is a parasite?

A: A parasite is an organism that lives at the expense of another living being. In our dogs, these usually take the form of intestinal worms (internal parasites) and fleas and ticks (external parasites).

Q: How can I tell if my dog has worms?

A: Some parasites, such as tapeworms, are visible to the naked eye, but others must be detected under the microscope. If you will bring in a stool specimen, we will be glad to examine it microscopically to see if your pet has worms.

Q: What are heartworms, and how can I tell if my dog has them?

A: Heartworms are parasites that live in the dog’s heart and large blood vessels in the lungs. To check for heartworms, we draw a small blood sample and run a quick in house test. Heartworms can be prevented easily using a monthly medication.

Q: What causes heartworms?

A: Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. If a mosquito bites a dog that is infected with heartworms and then bites your dog, your dog could become infected with heartworms. We highly recommend that all dogs in our area take monthly heartworm prevention year round.

Q: How often should my dog be tested?

A: In our area, we recommend that your dog be checked for heartworms once a year.

Q: I forgot to give my dog its monthly heartworm prevention. What should I do?

A: If it has been over six weeks from the last dose, we recommend testing your dog for heartworms. If it has been less than six weeks since your last heartworm pill, it is okay to re-dose. Check with us though any time this happens.

Q: Can I get worms from my dog?

A: Under normal sanitary conditions, no. But if people play or work in areas contaminated with feces, they can run the risk of contracting internal parasites. Children are more susceptible because they often play with dirt or in sandboxes and then put their hands into their mouths.

Q: Where do adult pets get worms?

A: Most intestinal parasites are transmitted in the dog’s stool. When a dog steps in contaminated stool or ingests the egg, the parasite enters his body. Keeping the yard clean and having your pet checked for worms regularly will prevent most parasite infestation.

Q: How often should I de-worm my dogs?

A: We recommend a stool check annually. In the monthly heartworm preventives, there is an intestinal dewormer that is clearing your dog once a month.

Q: My dog has been scooting its behind on the floor. Does that mean it has worms?

A: Scooting can be a sign of tapeworms. We recommend that you examine your dog closely for signs of tapeworm infection. Tapeworm segments pass out of the pet’s rectum and often catch in the fur on the legs and tail. If tapeworms are not the problem, the doctor will look for another cause, such as impacted or infected anal glands.

Q: What are these little white segments I’ve been noticing in the fur on my pet’s legs and tail?

A: You are most likely seeing tapeworm segments that are becoming stuck in the hair when they pass out in a bowel movement. We recommend that you bring us a sample segment, if possible, so we can confirm the infection. If your dog truly has tapeworms, this means that he has ingested a flea about one month ago. We can then de-worm your pet and help you prevent them from returning with adequate flea control.

Q: My dog has diarrhea. Does that mean he has worms?

A: Worms can be one of many causes of diarrhea, and we recommend a stool check and a physical exam to determine what the problem is. Diarrhea can debilitate a dog quickly and should be controlled as soon as possible.

EXTERNAL PARASITE QUESTIONS:

Q: How can I get rid of my dog’s fleas or ticks?

A: First, it can take several months before complete control is achieved. The key to success is to treat your dog and the environment at the same time. There are monthly preventatives that will help kill the fleas and the eggs. Come by and let us show you our flea and tick control products, and we can devise a control program suited to you needs.

Q: I sprayed my yard and house, and I bathed my dog like you said three weeks ago, but the fleas are back, worse than ever! What went wrong, and what else can I do?

A: One treatment rarely gets rid of a flea or tick problem. Continued treatment at regular intervals, usually weekly at first, is needed to get the problem under control. Fleas and ticks in their immature stages are very hard to kill. In the summer months flea eggs are continually hatching which accounts for the difficulty in treatment.

Q: How often can I dip my dog?

A: Today with some of our newer products, dipping is not an effective option. There are flea elimination pills that can quickly kill 99% of fleas within four hours after administration.

Q: How long do I have to keep my dog out of the yard after I spray the yard with insecticide?

A: The label on the insecticide bottle should tell you the safe amount of time to keep your dog out of the yard. If it doesn’t, a good rule to follow is to wait until the insecticide has totally dried before letting your dog out. If you apply granules, water them thoroughly, and let the yard dry before you let your pet go outside.

Q: My dog scratches constantly. Does it have fleas?

A: Constant scratching can be a sign of flea infestation, but it might also mean your dog has dry skin or possibly even a medical problem like allergies. If the scratching continues in spite of careful flea control, we recommend a visit to the doctor to determine the cause of the itching.

REPRODUCTION QUESTIONS:

Q: Won’t my dog get fat and lazy if I spay her?

A: The spaying operation does not cause obesity in dogs. If you watch her diet/treats and give her plenty of opportunity for exercise, you shouldn’t have a problem.

Q: At what age can I have my dog spayed?

A: The doctor recommends spaying your female at six months of age. It’s best if she does not complete one heat cycle.

Q: Can my female dog be spayed while she is in heat or while she’s pregnant?

A: We prefer not to do the surgery while she is in heat or pregnant, because it takes a little longer and is more complicated. If she is far into her pregnancy, it would be best to let the doctor examine her to determine whether the surgery should be done and how much it will cost. The doctor prefers that you wait until she is out of heat or until the puppies are born. We do charge more for these procedures.

Q: How soon after my dog has puppies do you recommend that she be spayed?

A: As soon as the puppies are weaned around four weeks old and the mother’s milk has dried up, she can be spayed.

Q: How can I help to dry up my dog’s milk now that her puppies are weaned?

A: By reducing her caloric intake, this will help to dry up her milk. Be sure that she is separated from the puppies and feed her smaller amounts of food than normal for several days. Please call us for more exact details.

Q: Why should I have my dog spayed?

A: Spaying is the best form of dog population control. In addition, it eliminates messy heat cycles and prevents unwanted litters. Other important reasons to spay you dog are that spaying lowers the chance of breast cancer later in life. It also eliminates the chance of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection.

Q: How often does a female dog come in heat?

A: Female dogs usually come in heat twice a year. They average around every 6 to 9 months for a cycle.

Q: How long does a female dog stay in heat?

A: The heat cycle usually takes about three weeks to complete.

Q: When can I first breed my female dog?

A: For a planned breeding, we recommend you wait until the second or third heat cycle. They will be more mature and make better moms.

Q: At what stage in the heat cycle should I breed my female dog?

A: The fertile portion of the heat cycle is usually during the second week of heat or about the ninth day from the beginning of heat. The fertile period normally lasts several days and is characterized by the female “standing” for the male. The doctor can make scrapings of the vaginal wall to determine the time of ovulation.

Q: How long does a female dog stay pregnant?

A: The gestation period for a female dog is about 62 to 63 days.

Q: How can I tell when my female dog is ready to deliver puppies? A: Delivery in a female dog is called whelping. The first stage of labor is the dropping of body temperature below 100 F. Let us arrange a visit for you so the doctor can explain what to expect and how to tell if there is trouble.

Q: How long will it take my dog to give birth to her litter?

A: The length of time varies from animal to animal, but if you dog is in hard labor for an hour with no sign of a puppy being born; she may be having a problem. Call the doctor if this happens.

Q: Is it possible for a litter to have different fathers?

A: Yes, if there are five offspring, it is possible there could be five different fathers.

Q: What is a false pregnancy?

A: False pregnancies occur in dogs, usually after a normal heat cycle. The dog’s hormones trick her into thinking she is pregnant when actually she is not. A female with a false pregnancy will often make a nest in which to have puppies, carry stuffed animals in her mouth, and even produce milk. Call our office for an appointment to examine your pet.

QUESTIONS ABOUT MALES:

Q: At what age should I have my dog neutered?

A: The doctor recommends neutering at six months of age.

Q: Why should I have my dog neutered? Do you recommend neutering?

A: Yes, we do recommend it. Neutering the male helps control pet overpopulation. Neutering also helps prevent your dog from fighting with other males, decreases his aggressiveness, may help decrease his territorial marking behavior, helps keep him at home, stops unwanted sexual activity, and decreases the incidence of health problems related to the reproductive organs later in life.

Q: Will neutering make my dog fat and lazy?

A: No. What it will do is prevent your dog from roaming the neighborhood in search of a female in heat. If you watch his diet and give him plenty of chances for exercise, he should experience only natural weight gain.

Q: My dog has become aggressive and rough. Will neutering help stop that?

A: Neutering has been shown to decrease aggressiveness in dogs and make them better pets especially when performed at a younger age.

Q: How old does my dog have to be to be used for stud?

A: Dogs vary in the length of time it takes them to reach sexual maturity. Generally a dog that is 1 ½ to 2 years old is ready to be used for stud.

Q: Why do dogs “tie” or stick together when breeding?

A: This occurs because of enlargement in the male. It acts as a plug to keep the sperm from falling out and increases the chance of conception.

Q: How can I separate breeding dogs that are stuck together?

A: Please be patient and calm. The breeding “tie” is a natural phenomenon, and anything you do to scare the dogs could hurt them. With time they will separate.

MEDICAL QUESTIONS:

Q: What is a dog’s normal temperature?

A: A dog’s normal temperature sometimes varies but is usually between 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: My dog’s teeth are failing out. It that normal?

A: Puppies have “baby teeth” just like humans. It is normal for them to lose these first teeth when they are about 3 ½ months old to make room for their adult teeth. Look inside your pet’s mouth and be sure a baby tooth has fallen out wherever you see a new tooth coming in. If the baby teeth don’t fall out, they may have to be pulled.

Q: My dog has been out in the hot weather all day, and now he seems to be panting quite hard. What should I do?

A: Dogs cool off by panting; it exchanges warm air for cool air and evaporates water from the mouth, tongue, and lungs. You may help him cool down by putting ice cubes in his water bowl or by wetting him with cool water. If your dog also exhibits weakness and a rectal temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, he may be having a heat stroke. Put cool, wet towels around him and bring him into the clinic immediately.

Q: Why is my dog scooting its rear end on the floor?

A: Scooting can be a sign of anal-gland problems, or it may mean that your dog has tapeworms.

Q: My dog has been coughing for several days. What should I do? A:

A cough can be caused by a number of things, such as allergies, bronchitis, heartworms, or even kennel cough. The doctor should check your dog so we can determine the cause of the problem.

Q: My dog is breathing heavily and seems uncomfortable. What could the problem be?

A: Labored breathing can be a sign of heartworms, respiratory problems, pain, or heart failure. The doctor needs to look at your dog as soon as possible.

Q: Why does my dog have such bad breath?

A: Bad breath can be a sign of gum infection and dental disease. Routine dental cleanings not only improve their breath but also help maintain their health.

Q: My dog has runny eyes, but I don’t see anything in the eye. Do I need to bring him in?

A: Yes. Runny eyes can be caused by allergies, illness, injury and infection. The doctor must examine your pet to determine the cause.

Q: My dog seems to be getting fat. Should I be worried?

A: Weight gain can be harmful if left unchecked. Research by Purina has shown that obese dogs live 18 months less than their leaner four legged friends. Let’s make an appointment for a weight check so you can discuss your pet’s diet with the doctor.

Q: Why does my dog chew its feet?

A: A lot of people think this is a sign of anxiety, but this is almost always a sign of an allergy.

Q: Why has my dog chewed a big bare patch near its tail? A: It’s probably itching due to fleas or an allergy.

Q: All of a sudden my dog can’t jump on the couch or go up and down the stairs. What’s wrong?

A: That can be a sign of a back problem or arthritis, and this is often quite painful for your dog. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Q: My dog keeps shaking its head and scratching its ears. Can I come in and pick up some ear drops?

A: The doctor can’t determine what medicine you’ll need until the cause of the ear problem is known. Many people think their pet has ear mites, but this is often not the case.

EMERGENCY QUESTIONS:

Q: My dog has licked antifreeze. Will this hurt him?

A: Antifreeze is extremely poisonous to dogs. Please bring him to the clinic immediately for treatment. It is extremely toxic to the kidneys.

Q: My dog has gotten into rat poison. Will it hurt him?

A: Rat poison can cause serious blood-clotting problems in dogs. He should be brought in as soon as possible.

Q: My dog was just hit by a car. What should I do?

A: Make sure it has an open airway and can breathe. Secure your dog’s mouth to prevent biting-a stocking works well as a temporary muzzle-and transport him to the clinic on a board to control its movements and prevent further injury. Bring the dog to the clinic as soon as you can, even if you think he is fine. Sometimes an injury can cause internal problems that aren’t readily apparent.

Q: My dog has had diarrhea for a couple of days. What’s causing it, and what should I do?

A: Diarrhea can be caused by illness, worms, digestive upset, or poison. If your dog has diarrhea, there is always danger of dehydration. Bring your dog as soon as possible for treatment.

Q: My dog has been vomiting. What should I do?

A: Vomiting can be caused by illness, digestive upset, or poison. With vomiting, there is always danger of dehydration. Bring in your dog for treatment as soon as possible.

Q: My dog’s abdomen suddenly became extremely bloated, and now he looks very uncomfortable. What should I do?

A: There is a condition in dogs called bloat. This is where the stomach becomes filled with gas. Bloat is considered a medical emergency and should be treated immediately.