Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of spaying or neutering my pet?

Besides helping to reduce the overpopulation of animals, spaying and neutering conveys direct health benefits to your pet. Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to roam and fight. In females, early-age spaying drastically reduces the incidence of mammary (breast) cancer later in life, and in males, prostate and anal problems, hernias and testicular problems can be prevented. Older females that have not been spayed are at risk for uterine infections, which often go unrecognized by the owner, and may become life-threatening.

When should new puppies and kittens come in for their first visit?

Puppies should have their initial examination around 6-8 weeks and kittens around 9 weeks of age if there are no signs of any problems or concerns. Multiple immunizations at different visits will be required to get your new pet’s immune system ready for exposure to the environment outside your home. Puppies and kittens are highly susceptible to viruses, infections, and/or parasites and proper early care and screening help to give your new baby the best start in life.

How important is nutrition for my pet?

Similar to human food intake, a diet that is low in fat and high in protein is essential to the life of your pet. Our hospital offers the newest and most efficient foods for you pet available today.

Does my pet need a dental procedure?

The answer is absolutely yes! Bacteria can accumulate in the mouth and enter the bloodstream, reaching your pet’s internal organs. These bacteria can limit the lifespan of your pet. Also dental disease is painful. May times our older pets are less active not because they are aging but because they are in pain and have no way of telling us.

Why is it important that my pet has an examination or blood tests done yearly?

Each year your pet can age as much as a human does in seven years! This means that if your pet has not been to the veterinarian in the past year, it is the equivalent of a human not having a check up in seven years. It is very important to schedule yearly exams for your pet, especially after they reach the age of five.

How long should I wait to bring my pet to the veterinarian if I notice a change in their behavior?

It is always important to take your pet immediately to your local clinic when your friend exhibits a change of behavior. Some changes may be insignificant, but others could indicate a more serious change that should be evaluated immediately by your veterinarian.