Frequently Asked
Questions |
Are Vaccines safe?
How often should you vaccinate?
How long is a cat or dog pregnant?
Should my pet eat special food while pregnant?
How can I tell if my dog suffers from arthritis?
What do I Need to know about ticks?
Is it important to brush my pet's teeth and bring them in for
checks?
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Yes. The great majority of pets respond well
to vaccines, but as with human vaccines, there are some risks.
Fortunately, serious side effects are rare.
The most common side effects of vaccination
are low-grade fever, depression or decreased appetite. These are
usually short-lived (24- 48 hours), and require no treatment. They
are similar to what people experience after a flu or tetanus shot.
Vomiting, diarrhea, itching, difficulty
breathing, swelling of the face or extremities, and hives are some
of the rare allergic reactions that can occur. These signs should be
reported to your veterinarian immediately. PLEASE ADVISE YOUR
VETERINARIAN IF YOUR PET HAS EXPERIENCED AND ALLERGIC REACTION TO
VACCINATION IN THE PAST.
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How often should you
vaccinate? |
Pet owners should adhere to the vaccination
protocols recommended by their veterinarian. Some are suggesting
certain vaccines may protect animals for as long as three years, but
scientific evidence remains inconclusive.
New guidelines are based on limited published
studies, or serologic tests which measure the level of antibodies in
blood. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association,
serologic tests that detect antibodies are unreliable indicator of
immune response in cats and dogs.
As a general rule, pet owners should adhere to
the vaccination schedules recommended by their veterinarian for pets
in their practice area.
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The average length of a pregnancy for a cat or dog is 63
days. A doctor can see the kittens or puppies on an x-ray 45 days
into the pregnancy. This x-ray can be taken safely with no harm to
the fetus.
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You should place your pet on a growth (kitten/puppy) food
towards the end of their pregnancy and keep them on it until the
kittens or puppies are weaned. If they are on a high quality food
such as Hill’s Science Diet, no other supplements are
needed.
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How can I tell if my
dog suffers from arthritis? |
Ask yourself if you have
noticed any of the subtle signs (be aware that these signs may not
be present at all times)
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Reluctance to climb stairs
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Difficulty jumping
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Stiffness after strenuous exercise or after resting
following exercise
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Limping
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Difficulty rising, sitting or squatting to
eliminate
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Changes in behavior
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Loss of appetite
Some dogs are at greater risk for
osteoarthritis. Does your dog fall into any of these
categories?
Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any of theses signs.
There are many new medications and diets to help relieve the
pain.
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What do I need to know
about ticks? |
Ticks can transmit serious diseases to pets
and people. So tiny they often go unnoticed, they may be hiding
anywhere.
There are various kinds of ticks throughout
the county, each with the potential of carrying different diseases.
Since tick-borne diseases may be dangerous and might even prove
fatal – it’s clear that protection against these potential health
hazards is a concern for every pet owner.
We recommend Frontline, it protects against
both fleas and ticks. It eliminates fleas fast, is long-lasting and
kills all major types of diseases carrying ticks – including those
that transmit Lyme disease.
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Is it important that I
brush my pet's teeth and bring them in for dental checks by my
doctor?
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Imagine how your teeth
would look and feel if you didn’t brush them routinely. Now imagine
what it would be like if you never brushed them at all. Well, the
same applies to your pet’s teeth.
Unless you are regularly providing some
form of dental care, you are neglecting an important factor in the
overall health of your pet. Gum (or periodontal) disease is one of
the most common problems seen by veterinarians today.
Periodontal disease is known as the
“silent disease” because of its slow, progressive nature. Besides
bad breath, gum disease can lead to loss of appetite, weight loss,
serious generalized infections and even heart and kidney disease.
Talk to your doctor about getting your pet on a dental program.
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