Frequently Asked Questions
Q: At what age can puppies/kittens get vaccinated?
A: The first canine or feline distemper vaccination is done at 8 weeks of age, with booster immunizations done at 12 and 16 weeks of age. The rabies vaccination is administered at 16 weeks of age with the third distemper vaccination. As an adult, vaccinations are done on a yearly basis.
Q: How old should a puppy or kitten be to have a spay or neuter surgery?
A: Usually these surgeries are done around 6 months of age. Occasionally, under their discretion, the doctors can do the procedures at an earlier age.
Q: At what age can a kitten have a declaw surgery?
A: Kittens must be 3 pounds in weight or 3 months old (whichever occurs first) to have the declaw surgery.
Q: Is de-worming really necessary for cats and dogs?
A: De-worming puppies and kittens is necessary every 2 weeks, beginning at 4 weeks of age until 14 weeks of age. As adults, cats and dogs should be on a monthly heartworm preventative and ideally be de-wormed 4 additional times per year.
Q: Is a heartworm test necessary?
A: Yes. An annual heartworm test is necessary for the protection of your animal’s health. All dogs older than 6 months should be tested prior to initiating heartworm preventative. The test consists of a small sample of blood taken from your pet that tests for the blood parasite that can be transmitted by mosquitoes.
Q: Is heartworm preventative really necessary?
A: Yes!!! Year-round heartworm preventative is necessary to prevent heartworm disease. Unprotected dogs, foxes, and coyotes act as reservoirs for the spread of this serious and deadly disease. The monthly preventative also works to prevent and control intestinal parasites (such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms) that could possibly be transmitted to humans.
Q: Do you need a prescription for heartworm preventative medication? If so, why?
A: Yes. Heartworm preventative, such as HeartGard, Interceptor, and Sentinel, must be purchased from a veterinarian. The doctor must have a doctor-client-patient relationship in order to fill or write a prescription, and the dog must have had a negative heartworm test within the past year. Adult heartworms produce millions of microscopic “baby” heartworms (called “microfilaria”) into the bloodstream. When you give a monthly heartworm preventative to a dog with heartworms (circulating microfilaria), this can cause the sudden death of the microfilaria, triggering a shock-type reaction that can be harmful to the infected dog.
Q: What is the Bordetella vaccination, and does my dog need it?
A: The Bordetella vaccination is administered to dogs to prevent “kennel cough” transmitted by highly contagious airborne droplets from infected dogs. Kennel cough is an infection that causes harsh, dry coughing that can be treated with strong antibiotics. Boarding facilities, dog parks, and most groomers require this vaccination for dogs staying with them. The vaccination is highly recommended for all dogs that come in contact with any other dogs.
