Below are helpful answers to a few of the questions we get most often from concerned pet owners. If you need additional information or have other questions, please contact us to make an appointment.
Your new pet should begin their veterinarian visits at 6 to 7 weeks of age. They are given vaccines every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. The veterinarian will examine your new pet and answer any questions about their care. Your new pet will also be tested and treated for parasites and given flea and heartworm prevention.
By spaying or neutering your pet, you are preventing the birth of unwanted animals. Most importantly though, you are setting your pet up for longer life. Studies show that pets live longer, on average, if they are spayed or neutered. Spaying female pets eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer. Neutering males reduces the incidence of prostate cancer.
As a responsible pet owner, you will be protecting your pet if you have an annual physical exam with vaccinations. Common infectious diseases fall into the following general categories:
• Infectious Disease of the Liver and Kidneys
• Tick-Borne Disease
• Contagious and Respiratory Disease
• Gastrointestinal Disease
• Nervous System Diseases
Pets of all ages and breeds can be at risk of contracting one or more of these infectious diseases. Therefore, it’s important to schedule an annual wellness exam for your pet to assure your pet’s best care.
Vaccinations are a common veterinary preventive measure to protect your pet from serious disease. Some pets may experience mild side effects following vaccinations. Typically, within a few hours after vaccination, symptoms may occur but usually do not persist for more than 1-2 days.
Common symptoms:
• Mild fever
• Decrease in social behavior
• Diminished appetite and/or activity
• Sneezing or other respiratory signs (with intranasal vaccines)
• Discomfort or mild swelling at the injection site
Rare symptoms:
• Swelling of face and legs
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Whole-body itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse
If your pet experiences any of these rare symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately as your pet may require emergency medical treatment.
A microchip is a small (about the size of a grain of rice), electronic chip enclosed in a cylinder. The chip is embedded just under the skin between the shoulder blades. It is inserted using a hypodermic needle and syringe. When a scanner passes over the area on the pet, the chip transmits the identification number to the scanner which is displayed on a screen. The identification number tells us who the owner is.
Once microchipped, your pet will be protected. As you know, collars and tags can fall off or the pet can slip out of them. If your pet was to get lost, shelters, vet clinics and animal control officers have universal scanners to check a lost animal and help bring it home to its owner.
If your pet is having surgery, do not give your pet any food or drink (except water) after midnight the night before surgery. On the day of surgery, you will bring your pet to the veterinary hospital between 7:00 – 7:30 a.m. When you check in, you will be asked to complete several forms (Drop Off Form, Sedation/Surgical Form, Dental Form). These forms give permission to complete the surgery scheduled on your pet. The Vet Tech will then take your pet back to the kennel area to await surgery.
The doctor will perform the surgery, get your pet settled in recovery, and keep watch over your pet while in recovery. You will be notified when the surgery is complete and provided an update on the procedure. The doctor will also give you a time when you can return to pick your pet up to go home.
When picking up your pet, you will be given instructions and any medications your pet may need during the recovery timeframe. You may also be asked to schedule a recheck appointment. It is best to schedule that appointment before leaving. Office staff will call you the following day to check on your pet and answer any questions you may have. And, always know that we are here to answer any questions prior to, during and following any procedure.
Listed below are partial lists of common plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats. If your pet shows signs of poisoning (continuous vomiting, difficulty swallowing, drooling, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and/or tremor), contact your veterinarian and the Animal Poison Control Hot Line at
888-426-4435.
Poisonous Plants Around Dogs
• Aloe Vera
• Autumn Crocus
• Azalea
• Begonia
• Chrysanthemum
• Daffodil
• Daisy
• Fruit Trees
• Geranium
• Holly
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Iris
• Ivy
• Lily
• Nut Trees
• Peony
• Rhododendron
• Tulip
Poisonous Plants Around Cats
• Aloe
• Azalea
• Bird of Paradise
• Chrysanthemum
• Daffodils
• English Ivy
• Holly
• Jade Plants
• Lily
• Mistletoe
• Poinsettia
• Philodendron
• Pothos
• Rhododendron
• Tulip
Your pet can itch for many reasons, including allergies, parasites, skin infections, and dry skin. Allergies to food, fabrics or environmental allergens like dust mites, pollen or mold spores are some of the most common reasons your pet may be scratching or itching. Fleas, mites and other parasites can cause inflammation and itching. Scratching can cause inflammation which can lead to bacteria, yeast and other microbes entering your pet’s body and causing infection. The infection can make your pet itch more. And, dry skin can cause itchiness, dandruff, flaking and other symptoms. Scratching can make the condition even worse. You will want to contact your veterinarian to determine the cause and to request proper treatment for the condition.
First, you will want to be sure your pet is being treated for fleas. Contact your veterinarian for a preventative flea/tick prescription. In your home, use a household spray to kill the fleas. You can find many different products either online or at the store. Also, regularly vacuum everywhere your pet has been and wash the pet bedding. Continue this routine to prevent fleas from coming back. In severe cases, you may want to contact an exterminator.
Heartworms are worms that look like spaghetti that invade the heart, blood vessels, and lungs of your pet. Enough worms can lead to heart failure and pulmonary hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and may be irreversible if your pet is diagnosed with heartworms. They can spread by mosquito bites. Pets living in North Carolina are more at risk of developing heartworms and need a monthly preventative. There are monthly preventatives that your veterinarian can prescribe, as well as 6- and 12-month injectables. Contact your veterinrian to discuss; and give your pet that extra love and attention by giving that monthly medication or injection.
As per a ruling by the Pharmacy Board of North Carolina: It is unlawful to receive any medications for return or refund once the medication has left the hospital (opened or not).