What are recommended vaccine schedules?
- All puppies & kittens should receive vaccines once every 3-4 weeks starting at 6-8 weeks of age and continuing until they are 16 weeks of age. These boosters are necessary to ensure that these young animals develop proper immunity against preventable diseases.
- We recommend that adult booster vaccinations of Distemper/Parvo.
What over the counter medications can I NOT give my pet?
- We do use some over the counter medications and other human medications for pets, but it is strongly recommended that you consult with your vet prior to giving your pet any over the counter medications as some medications can interact with other medications your pet is on, or conditions your pet may have.
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A few steadfast rules are:
- NEVER give ADVIL or Ibuprofen to your pet.
- NEVER give cats Tylenol or Acetominophen.
How often should my pet be seen by a vet?
- In general we recommend that healthy pets be examined by their veterinarian once yearly. Pets over 7 years old and pets with chronic medical conditions may need to be seen more often. You veterinarian can discuss your individual pets recommended examination schedule. Also, be sure to regularly check your pets mouth, teeth & gums, ears, feet, coat and rectal areas for any problems. If you notice something wrong prior to their regularly scheduled appointment, please call us to schedule a physical exam to assess your concerns. You may save your pets life!
What are some common toxic substances for my pet?
- Chocolate: dark chocolate & bakers chocolate cause the most problem, but milk chocolate can cause problems if enough of it is ingested. Problems from chocolate ingestion include: heart problems or gastrointestinal upset.
- Onions: these can cause problems with the bloods ability to carry oxygen.
- Tylenol: CATS should never be given Tylenol or acetaminophen. This can cause difficulty breathing, changes in the red blood cells and DEATH!!!
- Rat poison: We recommend that you NEVER put rat poison out. Even if your pet cannot directly access the area that the poison is located a poisoned mouse or rat may stumble into an area that your pet can access the poisoned vermin and ingest some of the poison! Most rat poisons cause clotting problems that result in bleeding.
- Pyrethrin flea & tick products: some over the counter flea products have pyrethrins that can cause neurological problems and possible death in cats.
- Bufo Toad Poisoning: dogs are mostly affected after they contact the toad directly or its mucous. Affected animals can salivate excessively, rub their face, have bright red gums and progress to seizures that can lead to death! If you suspect Toad poisoning you should rinse your pets mouth with water from the back of the mouth to the front and take them immediately to the closest open vet!
What parasites can my pet get and are they contagious to humans?
- Hookworms: these are intestinal parasites that cats & dogs get from contact with infected feces, soil or foliage. These can also be passed to puppies & kittens from their mother. Monthly heartworm prevention contains a monthly dewormer to help prevent these parasites from infecting your pet. Humans can get hookworms as a larva that migrates under the skin.
- Roundworms: these are also intestinal parasites that cats & dogs get from contact with infected feces, soil or foliage. These can also be passed to puppies & kittens from their mother. Monthly heartworm prevention contains a monthly dewormer to help prevent these parasites from infecting your pet. Roundworms can infect humans causing migrating larvae in internal organs and eyes that can cause organ problems and blindness.
- Ringworm: this is actually a fungal infection that can be transmitted between pets or humans via direct contact or contact with infected materials such as bedding or clothing.
- Fleas: These biting parasites are very prevalent in south Florida. Many pets are allergic to flea saliva and will chew at themselves until they pull out their hair and cause secondary skin infections. Fleas can transmit blood borne parasites and tapeworms. Humans can also get bitten by fleas.
- Heartworms: Both cats & dogs can be infected with heartworms. These are transmitted by mosquitoes that bite your pet and infect them. Heartworms are easily prevented with a monthly pill or topical heartworm prevention applied monthly.
- Ticks: These biting insects attach to your pet and suck their blood. They can transmit multiple blood borne diseases, some of which can be contagious to people.
- Giardia.
- Coccidia.
- Whipworms: These worms are parasites that live in the colon and cause diarrhea. Some heartworm preventions will deworm against this parasite once monthly.
