Pet FAQs

At what age should my new puppy/kitten begin its vaccination program?

Young puppies and kittens receive some degree of protection against serious infections from their mothers if their mother possessed that immunity herself.  This protection is transferred to the newborns through the mother’s milk.  In the following weeks to months this protection fades and disappears at the same time the puppy’s and kitten’s own immune system is developing,  By stimulating their immune systems through a series of initial vaccination boosters, excellent and long lasting disease protection can be given to the puppy and kitten.

Ideally this series of vaccinations should start between 6 and 8 weeks of age and continue every 3 weeks until that puppy or kitten has reached about 16 weeks of age.  From there the vaccinations should be repeated every 1 to 3 years, depending on the type of vaccine used and the patient themselves.  Details of this would be discussed with Dr. Valese at the time of any due revaccinations.

Also equally important to the health of your developing new puppy and kitten is a full health check up which is repeated every 3 weeks through to 4 months of age.  This is essential for monitoring their proper growth and development.  Early problems can be detected as addressed both physically and behaviorally.  This will help ensure a longer, healthier lifetime with your new pet.

Summary: Start puppies and kittens on their series of examinations and vaccinations at age 6-8 weeks and repeat every 3 weeks until about 16 weeks of age.

At what age would my dog/cat be considered a senior and how does that age effect their health care provided?

The relative age of our pets is dependant on their size.  Cats and smaller dogs show the effects of age more gradually than do larger breed dogs.  Depending on the size of your pet, most are considered seniors around the age of 7 to 8 years.  Some very large dogs reach senior age by 6 years.  The senior pet is not unlike the senior person.  While they are still full of life, changes are occurring in their body which require attention.  Early dysfunctions if detected can usually be addressed, handled, and in doing so, improve the quality of life for that individual or pet.  Around the age of 7 years we begin an every 6 month physical check up along with blood pressure and intestinal parasite screenings.  Annual blood and urine testing is begun to monitor the internal workings of the body.  At this age too dietary changes and/or nutritional supplementation may be needed to help your pet feel better and live longer.  Early monitoring, detection, and intervention are the keys to help keep senior pets living longer, healthier lives.

Summary: By the age 7 years cats and dogs are considered seniors and so begin additional medical monitoring to help improve the quality of their lives.

How do I know if my pet has worms and what should be done about it?

When people refer to “worms” and their pets, they are usually referring to intestinal worms which is different than heartworm, which will not be addressed in this question.  Intestinal worms are parasites which our puppies and kittens acquire from their mothers.  Because of the high likelihood of infestation, all puppies and kittens should be given a series of prescription, broad spectrum (widely effective) deworming medication every 3 weeks for at least 2 to 3 cycles.  These intestinal parasites are not only harmful to our pets, they are a human health risk as well and can cause considerable harm.  Young children run the highest risk of infection from intestinal worms transmitted from puppies and kittens.  Although puppies and kittens are most frequently infected, dogs and cats of any age can acquire intestinal parasites whether from environmental contamination or flea infestation which transmits tapeworm to our pets.

All pets should have stool samples microscopically screened for evidence of intestinal parasites every 6 months.  This evidence is not usually visible to the naked eye.  All pets having had a flea problem (even 1 flea) should be dewormed for tapeworm.  All outdoor going dogs and cats should receive a deworming product regularly (usually part of the heartworm protecting medication).  Dr. Valese will recommend what is best for your pet’s particular situation and lifestyle.

Summary: Intestinal worms in our pets pose a human health risk, puppies and kittens are most likely infected.  Regular screenings for intestinal worms along with regular deworming under the supervision of the doctor are advised.

How do I prevent poisoning of my pet and what do I do if it occurs?

Many household plants, medications, cleaners, chemicals, and even foods are attractive yet toxic to our pets.  With a little forethought, you should take the steps needed to secure and keep these items from your pet’s reach.

If you believe your pet has ingested a poison, seek help immediately.  First, call the pet poison hotline at 800-213-6680 for vital information on how to treat the particular poison your pet has ingested, then contact us to provide any emergency care that has been recommended by the hotline.

Below is a list of the most common cat and dog poisoning as received by the hotline:

Cats

  1. Lilies
  2. Dog flea and tick medications
  3. Household cleaners
  4. Rat poison
  5. Paints and varnishes
  6. Veterinary pain medications (NSAID)
  7. Glow sticks and jewelry
  8. ADD/ADHD drugs
  9. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  10. Ibuprofen (Advil)

Dogs

  1. Chocolate
  2. Insect bait
  3. Rat Posion
  4. Fertilizers
  5. Xylitol (in sugar free candy and gum)
  6. Ibuprofen (Advil)
  7. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  8. Silica gel packs
  9. ADD/ADHD drugs
  10. Household cleaners

Summary: Identify and secure any potential poisons from your pets reach.  Call the pet poison hotline and then our office for emergency poisoning care.

What can I do to help keep my dog/cat free from ticks and tick spread diseases?

Ticks are one of the common blood feeding external parasites infesting our pets.  The others are fleas and mosquitoes.  All three of these parasites can spread infections to our pets and to people as well.  Ticks can spread numerous diseases to our pets.  Some of the more common are lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrliciosis, and rocky mountain spotted fever.  Mosquitoes spread the life threatening heartworm disease to our pets while fleas spread other blood parasites and tapeworm.

There are periods during the spring, summer, and fall that some or all of these pests are actively searching for blood meals from our pets, however there is some risk year round depending on outside temperatures and conditions.

Tick infestations are prevented with prescription strength products made specifically for dogs or cats.  The same goes for flea infestation protection.  Dogs should be blood tested annually for the possible disease these pests transmit, namely heartworm disease and several tick spread diseases.  Dogs and cats should be kept on heartworm prevention year round.  Vaccination is available for dogs to protect against lyme disease.

Summary: Prescription strength anti-tick products are available from our office.  Various efforts need to be taken to prevent infestation of blood feeding external parasites and the diseases they transmit from medication to vaccination and testing.  Dr. Valese will discuss with you what is needed for the protection of your pet.

At what age should my pet be neutered or spayed?

All pet dogs and cats which are not to be used for breeding or showing should be neutered (males) or spayed (females).  This sterilizing surgery involves the removal of the testes in the male and the ovaries and uterus in the female.  Neither surgery effects the personality or disposition of the pet.

These surgeries are performed to prevent reproduction of the pets and the unwanted behaviors associated with active reproduction cycling in the pet (eg. urine marking of male cats, attraction of males by females in heat, etc…).  Both of these surgeries also provide some health protection benefits to our pets.  In the male we eliminate male to male fighting which causes injury and spread of disease.  It eliminates testicular tumor formation and reduces the incidence of other conditions such as prostate disease, perianal tumor formation, and perianal hernia development to name a few.  In the female if done prior to the first heat we greatly reduce their risk of future breast cancer.  We also eliminate infections of the uterus and tumors of the uterus and ovaries.  This surgery is usually performed at 6 months of age.  The pet usually recovers very quickly at this young age.  This is done after a full health check up, including preanesthesia blood testing.  The result is a happier more acceptable pet and a happier pet owner.

Summary: Pets are typically altered at about 6 months of age.  There are many health benefits to have this procedure done for the pet dog and cat.  Dr. Valese can discuss in detail any of your concerns regarding these surgeries.

How do I know when my pet should be seen by a doctor?

The continued health and happiness of your pet is the goal of veterinary care.  Most of the care is provided to healthy and happy pets to make sure they remain that way.  If your pet is seen by us on a annual or semi annual basis for a full health check up, chances are they will be in good health for a long period of time.  There are times, however, when health problems develop.  When these are caught early, their outcome is usually more favorable.  This is why it is important for you to notice any of these early signs.  Please call us if you notice:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Changes in activity level
  • Scratching, chewing or licking self
  • Odors from pet
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Changes in drinking
  • Changes in urination and/or bowel movements
  • Mood changes
  • Limping or trouble walking
  • Any lumps or swellings
  • Any bleeding or discharges
  • Persistent sores
  • Hair loss or changes to coat
  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Gagging, problems chewing or swallowing
  • Loss of stamina
  • Crying or acting painful
  • Any changes from what is normal for your pet

The sooner your pet is seen, the sooner we can work towards their good health.

Summary: Call us whenever you are concerned about a change in your pets normal appearance or behavior.