Why do I need an appointment to have my pet seen? Most of our appointments are 30 minutes long. We go by appointment for several reasons. One, so we know what types of cases are coming in, and we are prepared to take care of the pets. Two, we have set aside time, so the doctor has sufficient time to take care of the patient. Three, for our new patients and clients, we schedule an hour appointment for the doctor to get to know the client and the patient. Some appointments may take longer than others, especially for a sick pet or a new puppy/kitten. If an emergency or critically ill patient comes in, they become our top priority and main focus. Occasionally this may result in a longer wait; we apologize and can reschedule your appointment if you are unable to wait.

What is happening, the product is doing its job, killing the adults that are on your pet. Two weeks later, the fleas you are seeing are newly hatched fleas. If you give the product time, it will kill those new fleas too. There is a prescription tablet that starts killing adult fleas within 30 minutes. Another option would be to change to another brand of topical flea control, especially if you have been using one brand for any length of time. When you vacuum, take the contents of the vacuum outside to dispose of it, else the fleas will just crawl right back out. Look for any “micro-environments.” These are isolated areas, like the front doormat. Doormats or blankets in the garage are ideal places for fleas to set up shop. Opossums and raccoons are big carriers of fleas outside. They can sit on the mat, and the flea eggs fall off of the animal onto the mat. When you and/or your pet cross the mat, the newly hatched fleas jump on you/your pet, thus carrying them into the house.

The American Heartworm Society, Dr. Evinger, and Dr. Elkins recommend yearly heartworm tests. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Our area has the potential of mosquitoes being active year-round. Heartworm prevention is similar to birth control pills, when they work, they work, but when Mother Nature says otherwise, it fails. The best course of action is having your dog tested annually to make sure he/she is negative and to keep them on prevention all year long.

The therapeutic laser is a non-invasive, pain-free tool that can be used for many different things. It can be used in cases of edema (swelling), lacerations (cuts), arthritis, and post-surgically, to name a few. For arthritis, it can be used in chronic (ongoing) and acute (sudden) cases. For post-surgical, it can help reduce the initial swelling and pain, as
well as help promote healing. For lacerations (big and small ones), it can help promote healing. For cases of edema, it can help reduce the amount of fluid/swelling in a given area. The laser works by stimulating the cells to multiply at a faster rate. This leads to accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, improved vascular activity (circulation), and fast wound healing. The laser also works to decrease inflammation and relieve pain. The patient will have a shorter recovery time from injury and be relieved of aches and pains.

We recommend spaying and neutering at 6-9months of age. Spaying (the removal of the uterus and ovaries) and neutering (the removal of the testicles) help to prolong your pet’s life. Spaying a female takes care of the messy heat cycle every 6-9 months, and it reduces your female’s chance of mammary cancer. Neutering a male reduces his chance of prostate cancer. Male dogs can smell a female in heat over a great distance, so neutering reduces the chance your male dog will get hit by a car while chasing after a female.

Pre-anesthetic blood work gives the doctor an overview of your pet’s health. The blood work results show several things. It can tell the doctor if there is an infection and if your pet is dehydrated or anemic (red cell count is low). It also monitors the liver and kidneys since these are the two major organs that process the anesthetic drugs. Also, we will have baseline values from when your pet is healthy if they happen to become ill in the future. Pre-anesthetic blood work is highly recommended, especially on older pets or animals with a history of problems.

There are several different types of intestinal parasites, with only 2 being able to be seen with the naked eye. There is not an OTC de-wormer that takes care of everything. The best course of action is to have a stool sample tested to determine which type of parasite is present, and then the appropriate de-wormer can be dispensed.

As soon as you can. A well-behaved dog allows you and your dog to go more places and enjoy each other’s company. Basic commands of “sit,” “stay,” and “down/off” are a good place to begin. Knowing these basic commands and listening to you will lessen the chances of your dog running off, getting hit by a vehicle, or worse. To help with leash training, attach the leash to your pup’s collar and allow them to drag the leash as they walk around the house. This helps them get used to the feel and weight of it. To help with trips to the vet, touch your puppy everywhere. Examine the ears and between toes, roll your puppy onto his/her back and open their mouth. As your puppy grows accustomed to being touched, this will make the vet visits go much smoother. Your puppy will be calmer when the vet wants to take a look into his/her mouth or trim the toenails. If your puppy struggles while you are doing something, do not let them go until they are calm. If you give into your pup, the puppy will learn that if they struggle, they will get their way. This reinforces bad behavior and makes it harder for you to be in control.

Regardless of species, the following are considered emergencies:

• Bleeding or recent blood loss
• Significant trauma/fractured bone(s)
• Difficulty breathing
• Exposure to toxin
• Animal bites/scratches
• Not eating for 24 hours (except reptiles)
• Low energy/sleeping more
• Weakness/falling over
• Seizures
• Unresponsive/not arousable
• Straining to go to the bathroom or pass an egg

Certain diseases are considered zoonotic. Meaning they can be transmitted between species (including our own). For instance, if you have the flu, your ferret can contract it from you, so limit interaction with your ferret if you are feeling under the weather.

Parrots can carry Psittacosis, a disease that is possible to contract as a human and can be very serious in both species. Many animals carry parasites, fungi, and bacteria that can be dangerous to us, especially if you are immune-suppressed/compromised in any way. The safest measure is to always wash your hands before and after spending time with your pets and to bring new pets in for a check-up and infectious disease screening. Remember, if there is a concern about your health or your pet’s health, it’s always best to consult with a doctor.