Q.Where can I get information on poisons and toxic material my pet has gotten into?

A.The National Animal Poison Control Center 1-888-426-4435 is available 24 hours a day at . A consultation fee applies.

The National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (www.nptn.orst.edu) 800-858-7378 provides information on pesticides and toxicology.

 

Q.When should I have my puppy vaccinated?

A.Vaccinations help us prevent diseases that are difficult or impossible to treat. Most patients find our vaccinations to be painless. Adverse reactions are rare. Puppy vaccinations are given in a series as close to 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age as possible. Core vaccines help prevent Distemper, Adenovirus Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvo and Corona Virus. The Rabies vaccination is usually given at 16 weeks. 

 

Q.What other vaccines are available for my dog?

A. Lyme Disease - Any dog that spends time outdoors could potentially be exposed to ticks, some of which carry Lyme Disease.  If your dog is exposed to ticks, Dr. Lippart recommends a Lyme vaccination be given annually, along with a monthly flea and tick preventative such as Frontline Plus.

 

Bordetella (Kennel Cough) - Bordetella is a highly contagious disease that can be transmitted between pets.  Many owners who board their pets or take them to places such as dog parks choose this vaccination to guard against the disease.

 

Dr. Lippart also recommends that dogs be given a Heartworm prevention pill such as Interceptor Plus from April through December of every year. These products are given once a month on the same day.  Dr. Lippart recommends that dogs taking Heartworm pills on a regular  basis be screened for Heartworm Disease every other year. If they are not currently on medication, a Heartworm Disease screening is recommended annually.

 

Q.When should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

A.The surgical sterilization of a female is called an ovariohysterectomy because the ovaries and uterus are removed. It is referred to as a spay and is usually done at 5 months. Male pets can be neutered (orchiectomy)at the same age or later.

 

Q.When should I have my kitten vaccinated?

A.Kittens should receive a Panleuk CR vaccine to protect against Panleukopenia, Calici, and Rhinotracheitis at 8 weeks, with a booster 4 weeks later. The Feline Leukemia vaccine is given at 10 weeks, with a booster 4 weeks later. The Rabies vaccine is given at 12 weeks or older, with a booster in one year, then every three years.

 

Q.My pet gets car sick - what can I do for it?

A.Sometimes animals get ill from seeing things pass by in the distance but in their close environment. Sometimes this can be fixed by changing what the animal sees. A covered cage or a seat on the floor may help. Check Our Products for herbals that may help. The human over-the-counter drug Dramamine can help motion sickness. The dose is about 3mg per pound. A 50mg pill will treat 20 to 30 pounds of pet.

 

Q.My pet came in contact with a skunk. How can I get rid of the smell?

A.Skunks are beautiful animals; however, wild skunks create two concerns: they can spray fluid from their anal sacs, and they can carry rabies. Make sure your pet is current on the rabies vaccination. To remove the smell of skunk spray, we sell a product called "Skunk Off" that works very well. Tomato juice rubbed in and left on can work, but it is messy. Some people spray or soak the pet for 15 minutes with a mixture of 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 TSP dish soap.

 

Q.Where can I find more information about certain diseases?

A.There are many sources for information about:  

Chronic Renal Failure - www.felinecrf.com/ 

Asthma in cats - www.felineasthma.org/

Heartworm disease - http://www.heartwormsociety.org/