FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: At what age do I begin professional training?

A: Dogs begin professional training at about 6 months.

Q: At what age should my pet be spayed?

A: Pets can be spayed at 6 months of age. They must be current on all of their vaccinations.

Q: From the smell of things, it appears that my pet is experiencing a great deal of gas and bloating. What can I do to help both of us?

A: He should be checked for worms. If that proves negative, try changing his diet. Cut back on the amount of food as it may be contributing to the gas problem. You can substitute either canned food or bland home-cooked food to make up the difference.

Q: How can I safely remove a tick from my pet?

A: If you treat your pet with flea and tick medicine, don't worry if you see a tick on his coat. It will die and fall off. If you must remove it, place a tissue between your thumb and forefinger and grab the tick as close as possible. Pull the tick out straight and slowly. Never use a match or gasoline to remove ticks. This is very dangerous!

Q: How do I know if my pet has an ear infection?

A: Ear infections can cause your pet a great deal of pain. Look for signs of head shaking, smelly discharge or dark colored earwax. These are all possible symptoms of an ear problem. If you suspect a problem, bring your pet in for the proper medical care.

Q: How often does my puppy or kitten need to be fed?

A: Between 6-12 weeks feed 3 times a day. Between 12 weeks and 6 months feed twice a day. From 6 months on feed once a day. You can also try a self-feeding program by keeping his bowl full all the time.

Q: How will I know if the pet I select is really healthy?

A: Look for these signs when selecting a healthy pet. The eyes and nose should be free of any discharge; ears should be clean and free of odor. Check for dehydration of the skin by pinching a small piece and then releasing it. If the skin is healthy it should return to its original condition.

Q: How would I know if my animal is going into shock and what should I do?

A: Look for signs of weakness, unconsciousness, cool skin and extremities,rapid heart rate, weak pulse. If your pet exhibits any of these signs, try to maintain his breathing, control any bleeding, keep him warm, position his head lower than the rest of his body, monitor his pulse, and give CPR if necessary.

Q: Is it safe to feed my pet raw meat?

A: Feeding your pet raw meat can cause Trichinosis. All meat should be cooked or boiled.

Q: Is it safe to give my pet bones from the table?

A: Do not give your pet bones from the table. A hard rubber ball or leather-like chew toy is a much better bet than risking injury from bones that may splinter.

Q: My dog was sprayed by a skunk. How do I get rid of that awful smell?

A: Soak dog with water. Use a mixture of 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1tsp mild dish detergent and 1tsp human shampoo. Lather well and leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse well. Repeat. Do not put on the face.

If the spray got into your dogs eyes/mouth rinse well with fresh cool water or an eyewash. If you are still concerned about your pet or think they have been injured by the skunk please call us and bring your pet in AFTER you have followed the instructions above.

Alternatively we sell Skunk Remover Shampoo and Eye Wash for you to use at home.

Please also see our Pet Health Library section of the website for more information.

Q: My pet drinks a lot of water then seems to urinate a lot. Is something wrong with him?

A: Some pets drink a great deal of water then urinate excessively. The condition that may cause this kind of behavior is fairly complicated. It is best to bring your pet in for an examination.

Q: My pet has a bad odor. His skin is flaky and he has sores on his back. What is wrong with him?

A: He may be suffering from one of many skin diseases. Bring the pet to the veterinarian for an exam so that exact diagnosis can be made and properly treated.

Q: My pet seems to have diarrhea a lot. What's causing this problem?

A: Chronic diarrhea may have many different causes. The best thing is to bring him in for an examination along with a fresh stool sample for testing.

Q: Should pets be fed milk?

A: People wonder if pets in general need milk. The answer is "no". Many pets have an intolerance to milk, which can cause diarrhea.

Q: What does it mean if my pet has blood in its stool?

A: Blood in the stool may indicate several things. It may be a minor irritation in the large intestine that could clear up in a day or Canine parvovirus or poisoning. It is a good idea to bring in a stool sample to see if a diagnosis can be made. If not, the veterinarian will have to see your pet.

Q: What should I do if I trim my pet's nails too close and they start to bleed?

A: Have a cold, wet compress available. Hold the cloth against the cut for several minutes with moderate pressure to stop the bleeding. You can also use cornstarch to stop the bleeding. If it continues to bleed call your veterinarian.

Q: What should I do if my pet gets burnt?

A: Burns can be life threatening. Watch for signs of reddened skin and blistering. Keep the pet quiet, irrigate if it's a chemical burn, apply cold compress and monitor vital signs. Take the pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Q: What should I do if my pet has an open cut?

A: If it is an abrasion, the surface will be scraped off. An incision will look like a clean cut. A laceration will have skin and tissue tears and a puncture wound will have a small, sometimes deep opening at the surface. Control the bleeding, treat for shock if necessary and seek medical attention from your veterinarian. Also, avoid having your pet lick his wounds as it may increase inflammation.

Q: What's the best way to housebreak a new pet?

A: In order to housebreak your pet there are some standard rules to follow. When he has finished his meal, immediately take him out to his toilet area. Stand still and let him sniff around for a preferred spot. When the "duty" is performed, crouch down, point at the urine or stool and praise him by name. Look directly at the matter, not at the animal. This should be done after each meal, waking up, extreme excitement, drinking water, prolonged chewing on a toy or if he seems to be sniffing and looking for a spot to eliminate. Your puppy should learn where to go in about 4 days.