A. Little Practice Information

Good Quality Diets for your Canine and Feline companions

What Will Be Discussed During Your Puppy’s First Visit?

* If you have an appointment scheduled to bring in your new puppy or kitten we recommend bringing a fresh stool sample (about a spoonful) at the time of your visit.

Heartworm Prevention

We recommend year round heartworm prevention.  Keeping your pet on heartworm prevention every month can control intestinal parasite infections as well as keep your pet from developing heartworm disease carried by mosquitoes.  It is important before starting your pet on any type of heartworm prevention that they been screened for exposure to the disease. Please contact our office for more information. 

Vaccine Reactions

It is possible that any feline or canine may have a vaccine reaction.  Things to look for are swelling of the face, lethargy or vomiting.  Be sure to monitor your pets after receiving any vaccine.  If we have recently vaccinated your pet and you have concerns of a potential vaccine reaction please call our office.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal worms are among the common parasites that affect pets.  Many puppies or kittens are born with parasites or become infected soon after birth.  A regular de-worming schedule can help rid your pets of these parasites. Keeping your pets on heartworm prevention like Interceptor or Heartgard Plus along with yearly intestinal de-worming can help keep your pet parasite free. 

Flea Prevention

In our area fleas are a very prevalent pest.  We recommend year round prevention of fleas and ticks using prescription flea prevention. We do not recommended any over the counter flea products. To discuss  the best preventative for your pet please contact our office for more information. 

Pet’s Need Dental Care too

Pets need routine dental exams and cleanings just like you.  Our staff is available to teach you how to identify and treat dental disease as well as how to perform home dental care for your pets.  Please contact our office if your pet shows any of the following symptoms:

- Bad Breath
- Painful bleeding gum
- Changes in chewing habits
- Tooth loss
- Discomfort around the mouth
- Abnormal drooling
- Subdued behavior
- Problems swallowing
- Dropping food out of the mouth
- Going to the food bowl and not eating

" We recommend year round prevention of fleas and ticks using prescription flea prevention. We do not recommended any over the counter flea products ."

Top 5 Reasons to have your pet Spayed or Neutered

1.   Spaying a female reduces the possibility of developing uterine or ovarian cancer.         Neutering a male reduces the incidence of prostate-enlargement or prostate cancer.

2.   Spaying a female greatly reduces the chances of breast cancer.

3.   Your pet will be less likely to roam, fight, or become lost.

4.   Problem pregnancies or reproductive disease can cost you money.

5.   Each year over 6 million healthy cats and dogs are euthanized because of        overpopulation!

Here are a few topics for keeping your pets out of danger during the cold weather seasons:

- Antifreeze- small amounts can be lethal. Thoroughly clean up any spills, store in tightly closed    containers in secured cabinets.
- Liquid Potpourris-can result in oral, dermal, and ocular damage.
- Ice Melting products- can be irritating to skin and mouth.
- Rat & Mouse killers- place in areas that are inaccessible to pets.
- Christmas tree water- may contain fertilizers, if ingested can cause stomach upset.  Stagnant water can be breeding bacteria, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, nausea if ingested.
- Electric cords - if chewed, your pet can be electrocuted.
- Ribbons or tinsel- can get caught in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.
- Batteries- if ingested can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.

Summer Safety Tips for You & Your Pet(s):

-   Keep your pet’s kennel well ventilated and shaded
-   Avoid excessive exercise during hot weather
-   Always keep plenty of fresh drinking water available
-   Make sure your pet is vaccinated against infectious diseases such as Rabies and Distemper
-   Keep your pets out of the yard while spraying herbicides and pesticides
-   Keep your pet well groomed
-   Keep your pet on Heartworm Prevention year round and prescription Flea/Tick Products
-   Never leave a pet in a car with the windows up or even cracked