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About Veterinary Health Care
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Please note that the Frequently Asked Questions below are general discussion only. Please contact our office at (715) 693-4560 and speak with a staff member for more specific recommendations. Thank you!
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Questions
When does my puppy need vaccinations?
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The following vaccinations protocols may vary to suit your individual pets needs, but in general our veterinarians recommend:
Puppies should receive DHPP (distemper/hepatitis/parainfluenza/parvovirus) vaccinations at 8 to 9 weeks of age and receive booster vaccinations every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Sometimes, large breed puppies need an extra booster at 20 weeks of age. In other words, puppies receive DHPP vaccinations at about 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and sometimes 20 weeks of age.
Puppies (and dogs) are required by law to have rabies vaccinations starting at 16 weeks of age.
Other vaccines we offer:
*Lyme vaccinations which can be started at 12 weeks of age and in order to be effective, need to have a followup booster 2 to 3 weeks after the first.
*Leptospirosis vaccine is available for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors where exposure or contact with wildlife is possible. This vaccine requires a followup booster 2-3 weeks after the first to be effective.
*Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccinations are now recommended or required by many boarding and training facilities.
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When does my kitten need vaccinations?
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The following vaccinations protocols may vary to suit your individual pets needs, but in general our veterinarians recommend:
Kittens should receive FVRCP (feline distemper/rhinotracheitis/calicivirus/panleukopenia) vaccinations at 8 to 9 weeks of age and receive booster vaccinations every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. In other words, kittens receive FVRCP vaccinations at about 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks of age.
Kitten (and cats) are required by law to have rabies vaccinations starting at 16 weeks of age.
We also offer Feline Leukemia testing and vaccinations. Feline Leukemia testing requires drawing a small blood sample and can be done at 7 to 8 weeks of age. Feline Leukemia vaccinations can be started at 9 weeks of age and in order to be effective, need to have a followup booster 3 weeks after the first.
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When can I spay or neuter my pet?
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Puppies and kittens can be spayed or neutered at 5 to 6 months of age and up. Recent research has suggested that in some cases, spaying or neutering at six to 12 months of age may be beneficial. Since each case is unique, be sure to discuss these options with your veterinarian.
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Will you remove my dog’s dewclaws?
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Puppy dewclaws can be safely removed at 1 to 4 days of age without using sedation or anesthesia. After that, removal of front or rear dewclaws requires surgery. Front dewclaws are most often attached tightly to bone and are difficult and painful to remove. Frequent nail trimming will prevent split or broken nails. In most cases, rear dewclaws are not tightly attached and can be removed more easily and with less pain to the dog.
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When can I have my cat declawed?
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Kittens can be declawed starting at 5 to 6 months of age and up and can usually be done at the same time as spay or neuter surgery. We perform all declaw surgeries using a laser, which greatly minimizes pain. We also administer pain medication before and after surgery to help minimize discomfort.
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When and why should I have my pet’s stool sample checked?
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Fecal flotation tests are used to detect any microscopic parasite eggs in your pets' stool. Click here to view fecal flotation article in our pet health library. Puppies and kittens should have a stool sample checked on their first visit to the veterinarian's office. Intestinal parasites can cause a variety of problems, such as diarrhea, weight loss, bleeding and lethargy. Young animals are particularly susceptible to these parasites and need to be diagnosed and treated early.
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If my puppy/kitten was dewormed by the breeder, why do I need to bring in a stool sample?
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There are many different general deworming medications available over the counter, but many only treat some types of worms. Checking a stool sample may detect specific parasites your puppy or kitten requires additional treatment for. Also, is you have multiple pets in your household, parasites that your puppy or kitten may have could be passed to your other pets.
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Can my dog or cat’s worms be transferred to my children?
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Certain parasites can be zoonotic, or contagious from pets to humans. Make sure anyone who handles your pet thoroughly washes their hands afterwards. Contact your physician's office for more information.
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My dog has frequent ear infections, why can’t I get medication refilled if the symptoms are the same as before?
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Ear infections are a common and often frustrating problem to diagnose and treat. In some cases, medicated ointments can be helpful, but if there is another underlying cause for your dog's frequent ear infections they may not clear things up completely. Sometimes a different course of treatment may be necessary and your veterinarian can provide a better recommendation after examining your dogs ears.
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What can I do about my dog or cat’s bad breath?
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Bad breath can be an indication of gingivitis, tartar buildup or infection in your pets mouth. An inspection of your pets mouth and teeth by one of our veterinarians or technicians can help determine if a dental cleaning is needed. Frequent brushing of your pets teeth can be helpful in preventing buildup and reducing bad breath. Click here to view tips and video clips on how to brush your dog's teeth.
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