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When will my pet be full grown?
By one year of age
My pet is scratching, what is wrong?
Can be a result from mange, fleas, allergic reactions, or skin infections. After physical examination, the veterinarian would be able to properly diagnose your pet and recommend a treatment.
I noticed that my dog has blood in his stool, what do I do?
If blood is noticed in the bowel movement in a young puppy, we would be concerned about the viral disease parvo or intestinal parasites. If it is an older dog, obtaining a sample and testing it for intestinal parasites would be recommended. Also, we would be concerned with the possibility of a lodged/foreign object in the digestive tract.
Why is my dog having loose stools/diarrhea?
Loose stools may be caused by rich food high in fiber, intestinal parasites or possibly gastrointestinal problems or viral disease.
Can I catch things from my pet?
Some intestinal parasites, fleas, ringworm and certain types of mange can be transmitted from animals to people.
Why does my pet get ear infections?
Certain breeds are more prone to get ear infections due to the long hair and large ears that hold in moisture, also debris in ears may cause the pet to scratch and irritate the ears causing bacteria leading to infections. Allergies are also the leading cause of ear infection.
How do I clean my pet's ears?
There is a special ear wash that is used to loosen debris and bring it to the surface of the ear canal by massaging and also controls the proper pH of the ear.
What type of first aid home care for my pet do I need to know?
In an emergency situation a doctor can be reached 24 hours a day, if closed just call our number (256)232-0698 and the emergency service can contact an on-call doctor. If your pet is bleeding--use compression. If your dog or cat is in pain, they may bite you so make sure to muzzle or wrap in a towel before moving your pet.
What causes hot spots?
Hot spots are reactions to a bacterial skin infection. The pet gets a bacterial skin infection when the pet's skin has been damaged by scratching or biting and allows bacteria to enter the body. Hot spots spread out quickly if not treated properly by clipping the hair and cleaning the area to remove all crusts/scabs, controlling the inflammation, and possibly antibiotic therapy.
My dog is rubbing his rear along the floor, what's wrong?
Scooting on their bottom is usually an indication that their anal sacs are full and need to be expressed. We can do that here in the hospital without an appointment. Scooting may also indicate tapeworm infestation causing irritation.
How do I give medication to my cat/dog?
For dogs: Pills can be given in a small piece of food (piece of bread, canned dog food, peanut butter, or piece of cheese). You need to watch to make sure the pet swallows the pill. Pills kept in the fridge can help take out smell and taste. Liquids can be given with syringes placed on the corner of the pet's mouth, pull lip back and depress the plunger to administer the liquid medication.
For cats: Cats are not as good about taking pills in a piece of food, therefore, please allow one of our technicians to demonstrate how to give your cat a pill. A pill poker may be used. Liquids are given in the same manner as dogs.
What should I do if my pet gets carsick?
We do not recommend feeding your pet at least 6-8 hours before a trip. If the pet has already gotten carsick, withhold food and water for 12 hours. If vomiting continues then notify the veterinarian. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Dramamine can be used to prevent motion sickness.
What precautions should I take if my pet travels with me?
If you are traveling out-of-state or out of the country, make sure to find out what kind of health regulations will be necessary. Each state may be different. Take your pet's regular food with you. Stop frequently to allow exercise and restroom breaks. If your pet gets car sick, check with the veterinarian for medication to help prevent this.
My pet is lost, what do I do?
Notify all local veterinarians to keep their eye out for your pet. Notify the pound or animal control to see if your pet has been picked up. Notify newspaper. Post flyers with your pet's picture around the neighborhood. Visit www.petfinder.com.
Where should I get a dog/cat?
There are many pets at animal shelters that need homes. You may check with local newspapers. Friends and family may have knowledge of pets for sale or give away. Most veterinary clinics have a book, bulletin board or files of pets that need a home. Pet stores have many types of breeds of cats/dogs for sale. We recommend having a wellness check-up prior to or within warranty of getting a pet. You can also find pets at www.petfinder.com or by pets we have listed here.
What signs indicate that my pet is sick?
Any change in activity, change in appetite, vomiting and/or diarrhea, sneezing or coughing, difficulty breathing, appears to be painful, limping, fever, eye or nose discharge may indicate a sick pet. Notify your veterinarian with any of these persistent symptoms.
My dog keeps eating grass, is he sick?
Not necessarily. Some dogs with upset stomachs or pain in the stomach will eat grass and may vomit. However, there are some dogs that like the taste or have a deficiency in their diets.
My cat didn't have any fleas at home. Could it be that she picked up the fleas at your office?
All boarding pets are inspected and treated for fleas upon admission. The hospital, boarding kennel and exercise pen are sprayed on a regular schedule. All the rooms and compartments are disinfected and cleaned prior to placing another pet in that area. It is doubtful that he/she picked up fleas at the hospital.
My dog just ate some Christmas tree tinsel, what do I need to do? (Chocolate, etc)
You need to give at least 1-3 tsp of hydrogen peroxide to make your pet vomit. You should see results in 5-15 minutes. If your pet does not vomit, notify your veterinarian. You can also use mustard (1-2 tsp per 10 lbs), or syrup of Ipecac (1-2 tsp).
My dog just licked up the antifreeze from the garage floor, what do I do?
Give 1-3 tsp of hydrogen peroxide immediately. This causes the pet to vomit, then bring your pet directly to the veterinarian. To be successful (pet survive) treatment must begin within 12 hours. Many pets die from this poison.
My dog just bitten the neighbor, what should I do?
If the bite broke the skin, the wound should be thoroughly cleaned with soapy water and person's physician notified. Your pet may be required to be kept by the veterinarian for 10 days for rabies observation/quarantine regardless of vaccination history. This is required by law.
I am shipping my dog/cat by plane across the U.S. What vaccinations and/or certificates do I need?
A physical exam, health certificate, vaccinations, and statement of acclimation will need to be obtained from your veterinarian before you travel.
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