General:
Q: My pet has fleas. What is the best product to use, and what is the best way to treat an infestation?
A: There are a variety of flea medications available today. For cats generally the two safest and most effective are Frontline Plus, Advantage products, and Revolution. Your veterinarian will help you decide during the examination which is best for your cat. Dogs have more options. As well as the products mentioned above, K -9 Advantix is another good product but not right for every household (toxic to cats). Your veterinarian may also use products to treat the house, shampoos or antibiotics as some pets will have skin infections related to the fleas.
Q: I see tiny white rice size/ shape particles near my pets anus, what are these?
A: These are usually tapeworms. Dogs and cats can get them either from fleas, or from eating uncooked meat (mice included). This is easily treated with a deworming medication. A fecal sample is a good idea to test for other parasites when these are seen.
Q: My pets ears are red (again), can I refill medication or should I have the pet rechecked?
A: We get this question often. There is no absolute correct answer every time. Ideally, we should recheck the animal and check an ear smear to evaluate the cytology. Infections can and often do change. Performing this simple and inexpensive test will allow your veterinarian to give you the correct ear medication and cleaner. It is also important to note these infections as there may be an underlying allergy as the cause.
Questions Regarding Annual Examinations:
Q: Do I need to bring urine or a fecal sample to my pet’s annual exam?
A: All dogs, and outdoor cats should bring a fecal sample to the annual visit. Geriatric patients (over 6 years) should have a urine sample evaluated. (We need only a small sample).
Please try to let the receptionist know over the phone any additional concerns that you may want to discuss during the visit. This will help the receptionist schedule you the proper amount of time for the visit.
Prescriptions: Please try to plan ahead and give the pharmacy 24 hours notice for refills. If you need refills during the annual exam you can also have them made up before the visit.
Questions Prior To Surgery:
Q: How long do I have to take food away prior to surgery?
A: A 12 hour fast is ideal, pull the food dish after dinner. You can leave the water dish out overnight but pick this up in the morning. If you have multiple animals be sure there is no access to the other animals food.
*Rabbits should never be fasted.
Q: Does my pet need to stay overnight after surgery?
A: In general most spay surgeries will stay overnight. This allows the pet to stay in a quiet, controlled environment.
Neuter (male) surgeries generally go home the same day. This surgery is less intensive than the female spay surgery.
All other surgeries the veterinarian will go discharge plans with you prior to the surgery.
Q: When should I call the day of surgery to check in on my pet?
A: The front desk will give you an idea of when it is best to call, but a good guideline is after 4PM. Be sure to leave a reliable phone number for you to be reached during the day.
