Frequently Asked Questions
When should my new puppy or kitten be examined or vaccinated?
Congratulations on the new member to your family! Your little one needs their first examination as soon as possible once you have taken ownership, preferably after weaning at 6 to 8 weeks of age. Dr. Matt will examine your pet from head to tail, discuss diets, behavioral training, and administer any needed vaccinations. Please bring a copy of what vaccinations and dewormings your puppy had done by the breeder, as well as a fecal sample to your initial visit and our team will take all the time necessary to start your new one off on the right paw, together!
How often should my dog go to the veterinarian for a wellness exam?
Current recommendations by leading small animal Veterinary specialists are all dogs should have a wellness examination at least once a year. Dr. Matt will check for underlying illness such as heart disease, dental disease, weight gain or weight loss, and discuss changes in appetite, water consumption, mobility, energy level, etc. Dr. Matt may suggest early detection bloodwork to further evaluate your dog’s health. Heartworm preventative, flea and tick medication and nutritional recommendation will also be discussed.
How often should my cat go to the veterinarian for a wellness exam?
As with dogs, specialists also recommend all cats should have a wellness examination at least once a year. Cats typically hide signs of illness so examinations are important to check for dental disease, heart disease, changes in appetite, litter box behavior, etc. Dr. Matt may suggest early detection bloodwork to further evaluate your cat’s health.
What dog and cat food do you recommend?
We recommend and carry dog food brands that we know have Boarded Veterinary Nutritionists on staff. Our recommended brands are Royal Canin, Purina and Science Diet. Understanding how ingredients are digested, which are most digestible and how they work together are the specialty of these nutritionists and of all the things you can do for your pet, providing them top-notch nutrition is as important as anything you will do for your pet.
Does heartworm and flea prevention need to be given year round?
Year round heartworm prevention is paramount! Heartworms are spread via mosquitoes from infected to noninfected dogs and while we don’t have the prevalence of mosquitoes year round like states further south do, we do find mosquitoes year around. So, yes we recommend heartworm prevention year round. For the flea and tick prevention, for our region, this season is typically for warmer weather. Just remember “If you see a fly, you could see a flea” is your reminder your pet needs their flea and tick prevention.
When do you need fecal samples and why?
It is recommended that a fecal be run annually and more often if a GI issue is present. Only tapeworms and roundworms are visible to the naked eye. Other parasites unfortunately lurk and can only be found through a fecal float process. Some intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmittable to humans. Routine parasite testing is important for pets AND humans.
What do I do if my dog or cat is urinating frequently?
Frequent urinating, straining to urinate, blood-tinged urine or urinating small amounts may all indicate urinary inflammation or infection caused by a bacterial infection, bladder stones, obstruction, cancer, or other causes. Your dog will need a complete physical examination to diagnose and treat your pet quickly and appropriately.
How do I know when my pet needs a dental?
Bad breath, plaque and tartar buildup, inflamed gums and loose teeth are of great concern when it comes to your pet’s health. Not only does oral disease affect your pet’s mouth it affects their entire system sharing bacteria throughout the body. It is recommended that your dog has a dental once a year. Dr. Matt has taken advanced courses in veterinary dentistry to provide routine dental cleaning and advanced surgical tooth extractions for abscessed teeth, fractured teeth, resorptive lesions, dental and skull x-rays, etc. We offer discounts on dentals each February. We fill up fast so remember to schedule in advance.
Do you perform laser therapy?
YES! Laser therapy uses light energy to increase the metabolic energy cells to accelerate tissue repair and cell growth, to reduce inflammation which reduces pain and promote healing. Laser therapy also stimulates the suppression of nerve cells and releases endorphins, helping to decrease pain and discomfort. It is used for tendon and ligament injuries, post-operative inflammation, wounds, burns, and chronic degenerative joint disease (arthritis).
Do you microchip cats and dogs?
Yes. We highly recommend microchips for all cats and dogs! A microchip is a small chip about the size of a grain of rice that is injected underneath the skin between the shoulder blades at the back of the neck. This chip contains a unique number that can be retrieved using a microchip scanner. This unique number is used to identify your pet in the unfortunate case that your pet is lost or stolen.
I would like to board my pet. What are the requirements?
We require all pets to have a current rabies & Bordetella vaccination. If your dog requires a special diet or medication, we ask that you bring those with you. Otherwise, we provide a delicious hospital diet that is gentle on their tummies.
Do cats and dogs have allergies?
Unfortunately, cats and dogs both suffer from allergies just like humans. Some are seasonal allergies and some suffer year round. The symptoms can be obvious such as itching, and watery eyes. Some symptoms can be somewhat hidden like lethargy or even vomiting. Because animals cannot tell us, they often suffer with allergies far longer than they should. Do not hesitate to call for an appointment if you suspect allergies.
