Companion Animal FAQ's

Have a question that isn't answered below? Ask us and we'll be sure to include the answer on this page as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
2. At what age do you recommend first vaccines for my puppy or kitten?
3. Should I declaw my cat?
4. What is the normal temperature for my pet?
5. How long is the normal gestation period for a dog or cat?
6. Can I give my pet aspirin or Tylenol?
7. How do I prevent fleas and ticks?
8. What brand of food do you recommend for my pet?
9. How important is a dental exam on my pet?
10. What are some fun things for my cat to do?
11. When is it time to put my animal to sleep?
12. How do I get rid of skunk odor on my dog?
13. What should I do if I think my pet has ingested a poison?

» At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

We recommend spaying or neutering between 5 1/2 and 6 months of age or any time after that. It is best to spay females before their first heat cycle because it greatly decreases their chances of mammary cancer. Neutering males this young will help eliminate any marking behaviors that can occur as they mature. It also greatly reduces the urge to roam and fight with other dogs.
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» At what age do you recommend first vaccines for my puppy or kitten?

We recommend first vaccines around 8 weeks. The vaccines need to be repeated at 12 weeks, and 16 weeks. We also give Rabies vaccine at 16 weeks. Boosters are then given at 1 year, and then every 2 years after that, depending on the lifestyle of the pet. We also recommend that you bring in a fresh, unfrozen stool sample to test for intestinal parasites. Routine fecal tests are a very important part of keeping your young pets healthy.
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» Should I declaw my cat?

The decision to declaw your cat is a personal one. The main reason people elect to declaw their cat is so that they don't destroy furniture or draperies. In a few cases such as those with diabetes, immune diseases or the elderly, it is a medical necessity so that their cat doesn't accidentally scratch them.

As the name implies, declawing is the surgical removal of the cat's nails and nailbeds so that they do not grow back. This procedure is recommended only for indoor cats. It can be performed on kittens, 5 months or older and adult cats. This surgery should be considered early in the cat's life. Our doctors recommend declawing the front feet only. Very little damage is done with the rear claws, and the cat still has some means of defense. Declawed cats can still climb small trees as long as they can get their paws partially around the tree trunk.
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» What is the normal temperature for my pet?

The normal temperature (rectal) for a cat or dog is around 101.0-102.0 °F.
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» How long is the normal gestation period for a dog or cat?

The gestation period for a female dog is about 62 to 63 days. For a cat, the gestation period can range from 59 to 68 and is usually about 63 days.
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» Can I give my pet aspirin or Tylenol?

Do NOT give any medication to your pet without the recommendation of a veterinarian! Tylenol is lethal to cats and should never be used!
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» How do I prevent fleas and ticks?

Fleas and ticks are parasites that affect our pets. A flea is an insect that take its meal from blood. A tick is an 8-legged parasite called arachnid (related to spiders) that buries its head in an animal's skin and also ingests a blood meal. Both often transmit disease. Prevention is the key. We carry a variety of medications and products to protect our pets and treat the environment. For flea and tick prevention for your pet, we recommend Frontline®, a topical once-a-month liquid. There are many over the counter products out there, but none of them come with the expertise and support that the veterinary only products do.
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» What brand of food do you recommend for my pet?

We carry ProPlan® brand pet foods as well as Hills Prescription Diet® and Royal Canin® for your pet's specific health needs.
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» How important is a dental exam on my pet?

Yearly examinations including dental exams are very important for all pets. Periodontal disease is one of the most common conditions encountered in veterinary medicine. As bacteria multiply on the tooth surface they form a coating called plaque. The bacteria forming the plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums. In time, the plaque mineralizes and hardens and becomes calculus or tartar. In response to the development of plaque and tartar the gums become tender, red, and swollen. Eventually, the inflamed gums pull away from the teeth creating pockets that trap food particles and provide an excellent location for more bacteria to grow. As these pockets deepen, the development of plaque and tartar can progress along the root of the tooth causing the tooth to loosen. Once the gums have reached this state of deterioration they bleed easily when the pet eats or chews. Bacteria from the plaque and tartar accumulation can enter the animal's bloodstream and travel to major organs. The lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and in some cases the nervous system are organs with high blood flow and are susceptible to such infections. Signs of dental disease may include yellow-brown crust on teeth, bleeding gums, bad breath, going to the food bowl but not eating, change of chewing habits, dropping food out of the mouth and abnormal drooling or swallowing food whole. Therefore, regular dental checkups, and good home care are essential to your pet's well being.
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» What are some fun things for my cat to do?

Keeping your cat indoors is a great way to keep them safe and healthy, but they often need some creative exercise strategies to keep them in optimum shape. Not only will it help your kitty maintain muscle strength, it will keep the circulatory system "pumped up" and aid in keeping them at an appropriate weight. In addition, games and play can satisfy behavioral needs and strengthen the bond between you and your cat.

There are many wonderful products on the market to get your kitty moving, or you can make your own toys at home. The classic balled up piece of paper can't be beat for fast game of chase! Or tie a piece of string to the end of a stick and wiggle it on the floor or in the air-just make sure you only allow string play under supervision, as string/yarn/ribbon is dangerous to cats if ingested. Catnip, anything crinkly, paper bags-all can be tons of fun for your pet-anything that stimulates their curious nature or hunting behaviors. Here is something you can leave out when you are gone for the day: take an empty cereal box (or something similar), tape shut the top or any other openings, and cut one or two holes big enough for a kitty paw & arm to reach in and not get stuck. Inside the box place several low calorie kitty treats (ask the staff at ECAH for recommendations). Leave the box on the floor for your cat to discover and extract the treats. Some cats may need to be shown the box a few times to figure it out.

A few final tips: Try different methods of play until you discover what your cat likes best. Let your cat win sometimes when playing hunting games. Give them praise for appropriate play. Human hands are not cat toys-unwanted behavior can arise from this type of play as well as injury to the human! Rotate toys periodically to help sustain interest over time. Always use cat-safe items or toys specifically designed for cats. And, of course, have fun!
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» When is it time to put my pet to sleep?

Euthanizing your pet is an individual decision that many of us will have to make someday. Euthanasia is a great gift that we have to give our pets that have pain and are suffering. Please consult with your veterinarian. There may be something more that can be done to keep your pet comfortable for a while longer. If there isn't, this may be the most loving and humane choice for your beloved pet.
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» How do I get rid of skunk odor on my dog?

The following is a recipe for bathing your dog to remove skunk odor. Bathe the animal in 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 tsp of liquid detergent. Leave this mixture on your pet for 5 minutes. Rinse with water. Repeat as necessary. This mixture must be used immediately after it is mixed, it does not keep. Occasionally it may bleach the pet's hair, but most pets don't seem to mind!
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» What should I do if I think my pet has ingested a poison?

You should call the Animal Poison Control Center of the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). They have specially trained veterinarians on staff to assist both the client and the client's veterinarian with emergencies such as this. The phone number for the APCC is 888-426-4435. They are available 24/7. You can also access their website at www.apcc.aspca.org.
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