Have a question that we have not answered?   Please feel free to contact our office at 925-866-8500 or contact us online and we'll be happy to answer your individual pet question.

PUPPY AND KITTEN QUESTIONS
 
When does a puppy or kitten start its vaccinations?
We recommend starting vaccinations at 8 weeks of age. We give them in a series 4 weeks apart so that your pet will have good immunity. A puppy would receive vaccinations at 8, 12, and 16 weeks and a kitten would receive them at 8 and 12 weeks. We give Rabies vaccinations at the time of your pets final booster unless you are planning a trip to the States. (Your pet then needs a Rabies vaccination at 12 weeks). Vaccination boosters are done yearly with Rabies being every 3 years after the initial year booster.

What is the best way to identify my pet?
Keep a collar with identification on her at all times. A cat should wear an elasticized or breakaway collar. She can also have a tattoo put in her ear - each veterinary hospital in B.C. has its own tattoo numbering system so she could be traced fairly easily. Microchipping is also available. It is implanted in her neck and is completely painless. All shelters scan for this chip and, if your pet is lost, she could be returned to you much easier by a local shelter.

Should I do a routine deworming of my pets?
We recommend routine deworming every 6 months to a year. If you don't want to medicate your pet without knowing that she has worms we can do 3 consecutive fecal samples to prove whether or not she needs deworming.

How do I control fleas on my pet?
With the advancement of flea control like Advantage and Program, fleas are no longer the nuisance they once were for you and your pet. Advantage is a liquid applied down the pets back 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 available in an injection for cats which lasts 6 months. It makes female fleas lay sterile eggs - so called "birth control" for fleas. Both products are SAFE for your pets and your children. Do NOT confuse these products with others you find in the pet stores. Those products are insecticides which can potentially harm your pet.

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. The insecticide from flea collars is designed to be absorbed into the pets blood stream and can be toxic. There are much better forms of flea control such as Advantage and Program. Call us for more information.

I think my dog has lice. What can I do?
Lice has become a significant problem in the West Kootenays in the past couple of years. Lice are small grayish parasites that attach themselves right to the skin and tend to be on the front end of the dog. Advantage (for fleas) does kill lice as well, but we recommend repeating the treatment every 2 weeks instead of every month. Lice are very species specific and cannot be transferred to you.

What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough is a respiratory disease usually contracted in areas where large numbers of dogs are housed such as a kennel or a grooming salon. It is transmitted by nose to nose contact so they can get it from any dog. There is a vaccination available for protection against Kennel Cough.

Does my pet really need a Rabies vaccination?
YES. Rabies is a fatal disease if left untreated and can affect all mammals. There are some bats in British Columbia which do have rabies and a bat can easily get into a house so your pet is not protected if they remain indoors at all times.

My cat stays inside all the time. Why does it need vaccinations?
If you ever have a personal emergency where you have to board your cat or a medical emergency where your cat must be hospitalized, the unvaccinated cat will be vulnerable to any of the feline diseases. It may be even more susceptible than other cats since it has never been exposed to any type of disease. You can also unknowingly bring some viruses home on your clothing from a stray or other sick cat.

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 and cats can 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 pet 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 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 your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

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 your veterinarian about this, especially if your dog is showing any hair loss.

What chew treats are OK to buy for my dog?
We generally recommend rawhides (that are made in North America), most dental chews and vegetable/fruit chews (Edible Nylabones). Cow hooves are very hard and can fracture teeth and some pig ears have recently been shown to contain the harmful bacteria Salmonella.

What is the best food to feed my pet?
That is a 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. Puppies, adults, and seniors all have different nutritional requirements. Pet food that is purchased from a pet supply store or from your veterinarian is usually better quality. Contact us if you would like more information

Is it normal for my cat to vomit hairballs?
No. Cats love to groom themselves and in doing so they swallow large amounts of hair. Vomiting hairballs is a sign that the hair is not moving from the stomach into the small intestine. There are pastes, treats and food that either dissolve hairballs or help them pass into the small intestine.

Have a question that we have not answered?   Please feel free to contact our office at 925-866-8500 or contact us online and we'll be happy to answer your individual pet question.