Wexford Veterinary Hospital
Frequently asked questions
Questions
Answers
What are the most common parasites and how do I keep them from affecting my dog? (It is important to note that people can be affected by all of these parasites)
Fleas and ticks are parasites that live on your dog’s skin and feed on blood by biting. They are of special concern because they not only cause your pet to become uncomfortable but they can transmit diseases such as Lymes disease to your pet. They live in all types of environments and can also thrive inside your home. They are most commonly found from late spring until early fall because they need warm weather to survive.
There are many different types of flea and tick preventatives on the market but the one most commonly recommended for both flea and tick prevention is FRONTLINE PLUS. It is a liquid that is applied directly to your dog’s skin between their shoulder blades and can prevent ticks and fleas for one month per dose.
Intestinal parasites, such as hook worms and round worms, can live in the small intestines of your pets and can cause severe discomfort, weight loss, and they can even cause anemia by feeding on blood by attaching themselves to the intestinal wall.
These parasites are most commonly picked up from soil that has been contaminated with the parasite larvae usually deposited in the stool of an infected animal. The pet either eats something covered in the contaminated soil or the larvae migrate directly through the skin.
We test for the presence of these parasites by testing a small sample of your pet’s feces for the presence of the parasite’s eggs. If the test is positive for internal parasites there are a wide variety of medicines that we can use to eliminate the parasite. It is important to note that internal parasites, even if treated, can reoccur so yearly checks for internal parasites should be performed.
Heartworms are parasites that literally live in your pet’s heart. They are transmitted by mosquitoes and inhabit the right side of your pet’s heart. They reproduce there and they produce larva that inhabits the circulatory system and is then passed to mosquitoes, as they feed on your pet, and then go on to be transmitted to other dogs.
Heartworms can be dangerous for many reasons. First, they can cause great damage to the heart muscle and valves and cause your pet go into congestive heart failure, and the larvae can act as a very small blood clot would and cause lung, liver, or kidney failure, and in the worst case even death.
Luckily, heartworms are easy to prevent. A quick blood test needs to be performed first to make sure your dog is negative. Then we can begin a monthly heartworm preventative, such and Heart Guard Plus, to make sure your pet is safe from heartworms.
How long is the lifespan of the average dog?
Generally, we accept twelve years to be the average lifespan. However, the smaller the dog, the longer the life span and, conversely, the larger the dog, the shorter the lifespan. For instance, a Great Dane’s life span might only be around eight years whereas toy breeds routinely live past the twelve year average.
How can I tell if my dog has arthritis and what can I do to make them more comfortable?
Arthritis can affect any movable joint in your dog’s body. As your dog moves into its middle age years the joints can begin to be damaged from every day activity. These joint changes can lead to long term chronic pain that you may need your veterinarians help to manage. Dogs can show signs to let you know that they are uncomfortable and may need your help. Signs such as difficulty walking or jumping, stiffness, decreased activity, and yelping can all be signs of arthritis pain.
Pets that are over weight and having arthritis pain should begin a weight loss plan. Sometimes reducing your dog’s weight is all you need to do to reduce joint strain and limit arthritis pain. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before starting your pet on a weight loss plan.
Light exercise such as walking or swimming can be of great help in keeping your dogs muscle tone up and this will allow him to deal with the changes brought on by arthritis.
Pain medicines that are designed to fight arthritis pain can be of tremendous benefit to your pet to help manage his joint problems
Also, neutraceuticals such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate are food products that if added to the diet over time can help decrease the signs of arthritis pain.
At what age should I spay/neuter my dog?
Usually six to seven months of age is when females should be spayed and males neutered.
What is canine influenza and can I catch it?
No. People cannot catch canine influenza.
Canine Influenza is a virus that affects the respiratory tracts of dogs. Dogs get infected with this disease through the respiratory secretions of other dogs. In most cases the disease results in a very mild cough and is persistent about two weeks. In only the most severe cases would an animal need to be hospitalized.
What can I do to help keep my puppy healthy?
Lots of exercise, playing, and positive attention is important to help your puppy grow strong and become well socialized and able to be comfortable with other people and other animals.
Provide a good diet. A quality puppy food can insure you that your puppy gets all the protein and vitamins and minerals to help your puppy grow and help build a healthy immune system.
Also, parasite prevention, such as heartworm prevention, is important to ensure your pets well being, and vaccinations are very important to prevent your pet from acquiring such deadly diseases such as Parvo virus and Rabies Virus, which can both be fatal . Remember that puppies, like human babies, require a series of vaccines to be sure that they have a strong immune system.
What should I do to help keep my dog’s teeth clean?
Not only can tartar build up cause bad breath, it can also be painful and cause tooth loss. The most important reason to clean your dog’s teeth is because bacteria can infiltrate the gums and enter the blood stream. This can lead to bacteria in the blood stream that can affect the heart, liver, and kidney.
Just as your dentist tells you there is no substitute for a routine dental cleaning, as your pet ages, you will need to schedule dental cleanings with your veterinarian to keep your pets teeth healthy. You can also help at home by feeding dry food and using dental treats and toys to help keep tartar on teeth decreased
How do I choose the kitten that is right for my family?
First, consider why your family is seeking a new pet and if your family has the time and finances to provide life long care for a new kitten.
Second, determine if breed will be an important factor in your family’s decision. If so, your family should spend time researching various cat breeds to determine what breeds’ physical and behavioral characteristics match your interests. While purebreds are readily available, they are at greater risk for inherited health and temperament problems due to irresponsible breeding.
The source of your new kitten is the third important factor for your family to consider. Sources include professional breeders, hobby breeders, friends, newspaper ads, pet stores, animal shelters, humane societies, various rescue organizations, and stray kittens off the street. Criteria that identify a responsible breeder include a clean and spacious facility, only a few litters born per year, testing all breeding adults for heritable diseases, appropriate veterinary examination and preventative medicine, at least one parent on the premises and well-socialized, accessible references to previous kitten buyers/breeders, and that the breeder is selective toward potential owners. In general, advertising through breed clubs/journals/shows and certain internet sites is more reliable than newspaper advertising and pet stores. Reputable breeders are often the best source of information about the particular breed and are primarily interested in improving the breed and placing their kittens in the right homes, rather than just financial gain. Keep in mind that adopting a kitten from your local animal shelter or humane society is a wonderful way to find an inexpensive, genetically healthy, and loyal feline companion in need of a good home.
Fourth, your family must select an individual new kitten. Test several kittens’ temperaments by playing with them and handling them to assess for fear, aggression, excitability, resistance to handling and sociability. A friendly, curious (but not necessarily bold) and well-socialized kitten will likely become an affectionate and friendly cat when raised in the proper environment.
How do I choose the puppy that is right for my family?
First, consider why your family is seeking a new pet and if your family has the time and finances to provide life long care for a new puppy.
Second, determine if breed will be an important factor in your family’s decision. If so, your family should spend time researching various dog breeds to determine what breeds’ physical characteristics, temperament, mental stimulation and physical exercise requirements, grooming needs, size, nutrition and space requirements match your family’s’ interests and lifestyle. While purebreds (registered through the American Kennel Club) and crossbreds (e.g. Cockapoo, Labradoodle, Maltipoo, Puggle, Schnoodle, etc.) are readily available, they are at greater risk for inherited health and temperament problems due to irresponsible breeding.
The source of your new puppy is the third important factor for your family to consider. Sources include professional breeders, hobby breeders, friends, newspaper ads, pet stores, animal shelters, humane societies, various rescue organizations, and stray puppies off the street. Criteria that identify a responsible breeder include a clean and spacious facility, only a few litters born per year, testing all breeding adults for heritable diseases, appropriate veterinary examination and preventative medicine, at least one parent on the premises and well-socialized, accessible references to previous puppy buyers/breeders, and that the breeder is selective toward potential owners. In general, advertising through breed clubs/journals/shows and certain internet sites is more reliable than newspaper advertising and pet stores. Reputable breeders are often the best source of information about the particular breed and are primarily interested in improving the breed and placing their puppies in the right homes, rather than just financial gain. Keep in mind that adopting a puppy from your local animal shelter or humane society is a wonderful way to find an inexpensive, genetically healthy, and loyal canine companion in need of a good home.
Fourth, your family must select an individual new puppy. Spend several hours testing the puppies’ temperaments by playing with them and handling them to assess for fear, aggression, excitability, resistance to handling and sociability. A friendly, curious (but not necessarily bold) and well-socialized puppy will likely become an affectionate and friendly dog when raised in the proper environment. In general, male dogs tend to be more playful, but also more likely to develop dominance aggression toward people and/or strange dogs, territorial aggression, urine marking behavior, wandering behavior, and destructive behavior. In general, female dogs are easier to housebreak and obedience train, but also demand more affection and are more likely to develop aggression toward familiar dogs (particularly other female dogs). Spaying and neutering your puppy will reduce or eliminate many of these behavioral differences, as well as providing several other health benefits.
How do I litter box train my new kitten?
Creating a desirable litter box environment and training your kitten appropriately are the best ways to avoid any future problems with inappropriate elimination. That said it is often unnecessary to train a kitten to use a litter box, as many kittens have already developed a preference for a certain substrate by the time of adoption at 6-8 weeks of age. If your kitten has already developed a litter preference, stay with it and follow these guidelines to maintain appropriate litter box behavior. If your kitten has not developed a litter preference, follow these guidelines to develop appropriate litter box behavior.
- Provide your kitten with a LARGE and UNCOVERED litter box (approximately 36”x18”). Plastic Rubbermaid® containers are an excellent option.
- Cut the side of the litter box in order to LOWER the ENTRANCE so that the kitten can easily enter and exit the box.
- Provide TWO BOXES with the SAME LITTER so that the kitten will always encounter a clean litter box to eliminate in.
- Maintain a NUMBER OF LITTERBOXES in your household that EQUALS the NUMBER OF CATS in the household PLUS ONE. For example, if you have 2 cats, provide 3 litter boxes.
- Place the litter boxes in a QUIET and WELL-LIT LOCATION (a night light is sufficient) within the kitten’s CORE AREA. The kitten’s elimination area should NOT be in the same room as any loud appliances (e.g. the LAUNDRY ROOM) and should be FREE FROM DOGS.
- MONITOR the KITTEN when he/she is loose in the house and CONFINE the kitten WITH LITTER BOXES when you cannot be there to monitor. Do this until you are sure that your kitten is reliably litter box trained – usually within two weeks.
- If your kitten displays BEHAVIOR suggesting that he/she has to eliminate (scratching, posturing, and/or sniffing) immediately and gently bring the kitten to the litter box. PRAISE your kitten quietly and/or offer a treat when he/she eliminates in the litter box.
- SCOOP the litter box at least once DAILY. DUMP the litter box MONTHLY and CLEAN with non-ammonia based cleaner.
- AVOID making any SUDDEN CHANGES in your kitten’s litter box environment – the type of litter, the box, the number of boxes, and/or the location of boxes.
When should my new kitten/cat visit a veterinarian and what will this visit entail?
Your new kitten or cat should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible after adoption, ideally within the first week. During this visit, your veterinarian will question you about your new pet’s previous history including known disease/injury, vaccinations, parasite prevention or treatment, and blood testing for exposure to feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses. Please be sure to bring any medical records and documents with you to this appointment.
In addition, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your new pet. This is the best way to ensure the health of your new family member. Physical examination enables your veterinarian to identify any detectable congenital or inherited defects, or physical attributes that may cause problems for your pet in the future. This is particularly important for new owners that have a purchase agreement with a breeder, pet store, rescue organization, shelter, or other source.
After reviewing your pet’s history and performing a complete physical examination, your veterinarian will make the appropriate recommendations about vaccination, fecal examination, parasite prevention, blood testing, and spaying or neutering for your new kitten or cat.
Furthermore, visiting your veterinarian soon after you adopt your new pet gives you the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding general pet care, routine veterinary care, nutrition, exercise, training, and/or behavior.
When should my new puppy/dog visit a veterinarian and what will this visit entail?
Your new puppy or dog should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible after adoption, ideally within the first week. During this visit, your veterinarian will question you about your new pet’s previous history including known disease/injury, vaccinations, and parasite prevention or treatment. Please be sure to bring any medical records and documents with you to this appointment.
In addition, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your new pet. This is the best way to ensure the health of your new family member. Physical examination enables your veterinarian to identify any detectable congenital or inherited defects, or physical attributes that may cause problems for your pet in the future. This is particularly important for new owners that have a purchase agreement with a breeder, pet store, rescue organization, shelter, or other source.
After reviewing your pet’s history and performing a complete physical examination, your veterinarian will make the appropriate recommendations about vaccination, fecal examination, parasite prevention, blood testing, and spaying or neutering for your new puppy or dog.
Furthermore, visiting your veterinarian soon after you adopt your new pet gives you the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding general pet care, routine veterinary care, nutrition, exercise, training, and/or behavior.
What is the ideal litter box and litter box environment for my cat?
Creating a desirable litter box environment and training your kitten appropriately are the best ways to avoid any future problems with inappropriate urinary or fecal elimination. Here are tips to make your cat’s litter box irresistible:
- Provide your cat with a LARGE and UNCOVERED litter box (approximately 36”x18”). Plastic Rubbermaid® containers are an excellent option.
- Place the cat’s PREFERRED LITTER in the box (commercial litter, corncob, sand, dirt, carpet, etc.).
- Generally, kittens have already developed a litter preference at the time of adoption at 6-8 weeks of age – Stay with it!
- If your cat develops a preference for a substrate other than the traditional commercial litter you provided, provide that substrate for your cat (e.g. carpet, dirt, chemical-free potting soil, old bed linens, etc.).
- To determine a cat’s substrate preference, offer a variety of substrates in a variety of depths in different litter boxes and note the substrate that your cat utilizes most frequently.
- AVOID the use of any litter box LINERS, especially scented liners.
- Maintain a litter box in each cat’s CORE AREA, the room where the cat spends the majority of their time. Place each litter box in a location such that one cat CANNOT BLOCK another cat’s ACCESS to every litter box.
- Place litter boxes in a WELL-LIT (a night light is sufficient) and QUIET AREA that is FREE OF DOGS.
- Maintain a NUMBER OF LITTERBOXES in your household that EQUALS the NUMBER OF CATS in the household PLUS ONE. For example, if you have 2 cats, provide 3 litter boxes.
- SCOOP the litter box DAILY. DUMP the litter box MONTHLY and CLEAN with non-ammonia based cleaner.
- LOWER the ENTRANCE by cutting down the sides of the litter box so that the cat can more easily get into and out of the litter box. This is particularly important for kittens and geriatric cats!
What vaccinations does my kitten/cat need?
There are many available vaccines and acceptable vaccine protocols. Thus, it can be very confusing for owners to know what they should do for their pet. Good communication with your veterinarian will help you decide on the appropriate vaccinations and vaccine protocol for your kitten/cat. Despite the options, the following includes the core guidelines for feline vaccination:
- RABIES VIRUS: Rabies is an extremely dangerous contagious virus and zoonotic (transmissible between animals and humans) disease that causes an invariably fatal neurological syndrome in warm-blooded animals. Rabies is endemic within the wildlife population of Western Pennsylvania, particularly in raccoons, skunks, fox and bats. Although rabies is not treatable, it is preventable with appropriate and regular vaccination. It is required by law that all domestic animals be vaccinated to protect from rabies virus infection. All kittens should receive their first rabies vaccine at 12-16 weeks of age. Your veterinarian will boost this vaccine in 1 year and then every 1-3 years thereafter, depending on the type of vaccine and vaccine protocol.
- FELINE HERPES VIRUS-1 (FHV-1, RHINOTRACHEITIS): FHV-1 is a highly contagious virus that causes upper respiratory and ocular disease in cats of all ages, but more severe disease in younger cats and kittens. Infection is quite common, especially in breeding facilities and multi-cat households. Once exposed, cats may suffer from recurrent infections and relapses when stressed, or may become carriers of the virus intermittently shedding virus and spreading infection to other cats/kittens. All kittens should receive their first FHV-1 vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age. Your veterinarian will boost this vaccine every 3-4 weeks until 14-16 weeks of age, in 1 year, and then every 1-3 years thereafter, depending on your veterinarian’s vaccine and vaccine protocol. It is important to note that vaccination for FHV-1 prevents clinical signs associated with disease but does not prevent infection.
- FELINE CALICIVIRUS: Calicivirus is another highly contagious virus with varying strains that cause upper respiratory infection, oral ulcers, pneumonia, and less commonly arthritis. Like with FHV-1, infection is quite common, especially in breeding facilities and multi-cat households. Calicivirus infection in kittens and cats can be persistent and clinical signs may last for several weeks. All kittens should receive their first calicivirus vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age. This vaccine is often in combination with FHV-1. Your veterinarian will boost this vaccine every 3-4 weeks until 14-16 weeks of age, in 1 year, and then every 1-3 years thereafter, depending on their vaccine and vaccine protocol.
- FELINE PARVOVIRUS (PANLEUKOPENIA): Panleukopenia is an extremely contagious virus that affects multiple body systems including the gastrointestinal tract, blood, immune system, nervous system, eyes, and neonatal development. The virus is stable for long periods and can survive for several years on contaminated surfaces, or within contaminated environments. Kittens 2-6 months of age are most susceptible. However, any unvaccinated cat is at risk of infection. Survival rates are low in young and unprotected cats. All kittens should receive their first panleukopenia vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age. This vaccine is often in combination with FHV-1 and calicivirus. Your veterinarian will boost this vaccine every 3-4 weeks until 14-16 weeks of age, in 1 year, and then every 1-3 years thereafter, depending on their vaccine and vaccine protocol.
- CHLAMYDOPHILA FELIS: Chlamydophila felis is a contagious bacterial pathogen that causes ocular and upper respiratory disease in cats, particularly kittens. Incidence of disease is sporadic, but outbreaks of disease may occur, especially in breeding facilities and multi-cat households. Clinical signs are generally mild, but exacerbated if there is concurrent infection with other viral or bacterial pathogens. Although, kittens 2-6 months of age are most susceptible, any unvaccinated cat is at risk of infection. Veterinarians do not consider vaccination to protect from Chlamydophila felis infection core, or necessary. However, the feline combination vaccine for FHV-1, calicivirus and panleukopenia often includes Chlamydophila felis. Therefore, kittens receive their first Chlamydophila felis vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age. Your veterinarian will boost this vaccine every 3-4 weeks until 14-16 weeks of age, in 1 year, and then every 1-3 years thereafter, depending on their vaccine and vaccine protocol.
Depending upon your cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure, your veterinarian may recommend vaccination to protect from feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and/or Bordetella bronchiseptica. Veterinarians generally do not recommend vaccination to protect from feline infectious peritonitis or Giardia lambia, as neither of these vaccinations has proven to be effective at minimizing, or preventing, disease.
What is feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and does my vet need to vaccinate my kitten/cat for it?
Feline leukemia virus causes immune system deficiency in cats, similar to the AIDS virus in humans. Kittens and young adult cats (1-6 years of age) are most susceptible to infection with FeLV, particularly cats that spend any time outdoors or with other cats. Transmission of FeLV occurs through direct contact between cats including bite wounds, grooming, and sharing of bowls/dishes. FeLV infection can progress to anemia, various secondary infections, and bone marrow cancer. All kittens older than 8 weeks of age and any new cats entering a household should be blood tested for FeLV by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian must test your kitten/cat prior to first vaccination. Vaccinate any kitten, or cat, that will be spending time outdoors or in contact with cats outside the household. Kittens typically receive their first FeLV vaccine at 10-12 weeks of age. Your veterinarian will boost this vaccine in 3-4 weeks, and then annually thereafter, depending on your cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure.
What is feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and does my vet need to vaccinate my kitten/cat for it?
Like FeLV, Feline immunodeficiency virus causes immune system deficiency in cats, similar to the AIDS virus in humans. Transmission of FIV occurs primarily through bite wounds. Thus, incidence of FIV is highest in un-neutered male cats that have an indoor/outdoor or free-roaming lifestyle. All kittens older than 8 weeks of age and any new cats entering a household should be blood tested for FIV by your veterinarian. Kittens and cats that are spayed or neutered, indoor only or primarily indoors, or that tend not to contact and fight other cats have a low risk of exposure to FIV. Generally, veterinarians do not recommend vaccinating most cats to protect from FIV. However, depending on your cat’s sex, spay/neuter status, and lifestyle, your veterinarian may recommend vaccination.
Why should I spay or neuter my kitten/cat?
Spaying or neutering your pet involves a surgical procedure under general anesthesia to remove the ovaries and uterus in female cats (ovariohysterectomy, or spay) or to remove the testicles in male cats (orchiectomy, or castration). These procedures result in sterilization of the cat. Veterinarians perform them in order to control the growth of animal populations, reduce the numbers of unwanted babies and sexual behavior in pets (urine marking, spraying, roaming, fighting, etc.) and reduce or eliminate the possibility of certain diseases including testicular and prostate cancer, uterine infections, and breast cancer. Although there is always a small risk associated with any anesthesia and surgical procedure, your veterinarian will employ every precaution to minimize that risk. The benefits of spaying or neutering your kitten/cat far outweigh the minimal risk, enabling you to enjoy the health and companionship of your cat for a maximum number of years.
When is my kitten/cat old enough to be spayed or neutered?
Your veterinarian can spay or neuter your cat at any point during their lifetime, as long as they are a healthy anesthesia and surgery candidate. However, we recommend spaying and neutering kittens at 5 ½ to 6 months of age to allow sufficient growth and maturity, but to also prevent onset of puberty and provide the most possible health benefits for your pet.
What is the average lifespan of a cat?
The lifespan of your cat will depend on many factors, but largely upon its lifestyle. Indoor cats tend to live significantly longer and healthier lives, averaging 12-18 years, but up to 20+ years. The oldest reported indoor cat was 28 years old! Outdoor cats are at less risk for obesity and diseases associated with obesity, particularly diabetes, heart and joint disease. However, they are at much greater risk for infectious, traumatic and toxic diseases, as well as illness secondary to exposure to the elements. The lifespan of an outdoor cat averages only 4-5 years. Cats that spend time both indoors and outdoors will typically have an average lifespan between these two extremes.