Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a veterinarian?
A: Doctors of Veterinary Medicine are medical professionals, whose primary responsibility is protecting the health and welfare of animals and people. Veterinarians diagnose and control animal diseases, treat sick and injured animals, prevent the transmission of animal diseases ("zoonoses") to people, and advise owners on proper care of pets and livestock. They ensure a safe food supply by maintaining the health of food animals. Veterinarians are also involved in wildlife preservation and conservation and public health of the human population.

Q: Why should I neuter or spay my pet?
A: There are many medical and behavioral benefits to having your male cat or dog neutered:

• Convenience to Owner
• Usually stops tomcats from spraying foul-smelling urine in the house
• Reduces the annoying and embarrassing urge of male dogs to "mount" children and adult's legs
• Reduces aggression against other animals
• Better Health for Your Pet
• Eliminates your pet's desire to seek out a female and reduces the risks involved with a free-roaming animal (car accidents, etc.)
• Reduces the risk of prostate problems and testicular tumors later in life.
• Helps Decrease the Overpopulation Problem
• One male running loose for just a few hours can impregnate many females adding to the serious problem of unwanted puppies and kittens. (See Cat Overpopulation Basics and Dog Overpopulation Basics.)
• Eliminates Sexual Frustration - A male sensing a female in heat is nearby can break down doors and jump fences in his desire to mate
• Let's your pet relax and enjoy being a part of the family

Myths

• Neutering will make my pet fat
• Neutering does not make your pet fat or lazy. Too much food and not enough exercise are the main causes of obesity
• Neutering will take away the "guard dog" instincts
• Neutering a dog does not reduce his ability as either a guard or watch dog. He will still be as protective of his territory as he was before the surgery
• Neutering will hurt him
• Neutering is a safe and relatively painless operation done by a licensed veterinarian. Your pet will appreciate the freedom from sexual frustration
  

Q: How many cats will come from two cats left unspayed/unneutered over time?
A: An unspayed female cat, her mate and all of their offspring, producing 2 litters per year, with 2.8 surviving kittens per litter(the average) can total:

1 Year: 12
2 Years: 67
3 Years: 376
4 Years: 2,107
5 Years: 11,801
6 Years: 66,088
7 Years: 370,092
8 Years: 2,072,514
9 Years: 11,606,077

Q: How many dogs will come from two dogs left unspayed/unneutered over time?
A: An unspayed female dog, her mate and all of their offspring, if none are ever spayed or neutered, can total:

1 Year: 16
2 Years: 128
3 Years: 512
4 Years: 2048
5 Years: 12,288
6 Years: 67,000

Q: My cat is a strictly indoor cat and every once in a while she will urinate on the furniture. She is about 11-years old but she has done this since she was young. How can I break her of this habit?
A: Unacceptable behavior, not disease, is the number one killer of pets. Up to seven million dogs and eight million cats are euthanized each year as a result of behavior problems. In our practice and probably many practices in North America, approximately 20% of a veterinarians time is devoted to behavior concerns. As you can see, these types of problems whether it concerns inappropriate house soiling, fears, phobias, aggression, compulsive behaviors, etc. are very prevalent in our pet world just as they are in the human world. A problem with your cat urinating in the wrong areas can be fairly complex to try and address in a few paragraphs. Most of these behavioral problems are best discussed with your veterinarian during a consultation. A good history and extensive detective work is necessary to pinpoint a cause. The first step is to find out if your cat is spraying or urinating on horizontal surfaces. Inappropriate urination has generally been defined as the act of squatting to urinate on horizontal surfaces outside the litter box and the problem is usually not territorial or anxiety based. There are many causes of this and could include a urinary tract infection, unacceptable litter, dirty litter, the box can be in an area that the cat doesn't like, diabetes, etc.

Spraying occurs when a cat backs up to an upright surface and directs a stream of urine toward it. This is a marking behavior and is usually related to territorial display or stress induced. Well, I am running out of space and as you can see I've barely touched on this complex problem. You should start by booking an appointment with your veterinarian so that your cat can be properly examined and a detailed history taken. This type of problem can usually be cured but we warn that it will also take some effort on your part under the direction of your veterinarian.

Q: What vaccinations does my pet need, and how often do they need to be done?
A: Dogs should receive vaccinations against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus. Normally puppies receive a series of vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age followed by revaccination at regular intervals (usually yearly). In some cases, additional vaccinations against diseases such as Leptospirosis, Lyme disease or Kennel Cough (Bordetella) may be recommended. Cats should receive vaccinations against Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Rabies. As with puppies, kittens normally receive a series of vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age followed by revaccination at regular intervals (usually yearly). In certain situations, such as with outdoor cats or multi-cat households, additional vaccinations against Feline Leukemia virus, Feline Infectious Peritonitis virus and Feline Immunodeficiency virus may be recommended.

Q: What is Heartworm disease?
A: Heartworm disease is a parasitic infection of dogs and sometimes cats, in which worms live within the heart. It is spread by mosquitoes which transfer the microscopic larval form of the worm (microfilaria) from one animal to another when they bite. Once the worms are in the heart, they can damage the heart and cause heart failure.

Q: How important is Heartworm testing and prevention?
A: Regular, annual testing of dogs for Heartworm disease is very important as it allows us to detect early infections which can then be successfully eliminated before they have a chance to cause permanent damage and chronic illness or death. Prevention during the entire mosquito season, and all year round, is also very important as it gives your dog the best chance of avoiding this serious parasitic infection. There are several very safe and effective preventive products available. Since no preventive is 100% effective, even dogs who receive Heartworm preventives should be tested annually for heartworm disease.

Q: Do older pets need special examinations or tests?
A: Over the age of 7 years, it is recommended that pets be given a complete physical exam at least twice a year and that they have a 'Wellness Screen" including blood and urine tests at least once a year. This provides for the early detection of potentially serious age related problems such as kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease and many other conditions. Early detection can provide opportunities for early, preventive intervention and management, which can help to ensure that your pet maintains a high quality of life for as long as possible.

Q: Why do dogs lick?
A: Dogs lick for a lot of reasons. Licking is a submissive social signal, first of all, allowing dogs to show deference to dominant "pack members." Puppies lick to solicit solid food from their mothers when they're weaned, so a young dog may lick to request its dinner. Some dogs lick as a substitute for puppy mouthing behavior. They've been trained not to put their teeth on people, so they lick to occupy their mouths. Licking may be a sign of affection, your dog's way of showing you that he's enjoying spending time cuddled on the couch with you. Or, he may just like the taste of your soap! Though it's usually harmless, licking can be a problem if carried to an extreme. Sometimes dogs can lick compulsively or as a response to stress or boredom. Obsessive dogs that lick themselves non-stop can lick their fur off and even injure their skin. This is a behavioral problem that may require veterinary intervention. If you're worried that your dog's licking is unusual, consult your veterinarian.

Q: Why do cats knead their claws into me?
A: Kneading is a cute behavior to watch—cats flex and extend their paws against a bedspread, the carpet, or a person, usually while stretching and purring. It's a very common behavior for cats, but no one has determined exactly why they do it. All sorts of theories exist. Some say that "kneading" cats were weaned from their mothers too early; some say they were weaned too late. Most likely it's just a habit some cats develop, like people that bite their nails or crack their knuckles. What theorists do know is that it's a sign that cats are comfortable, happy, and relaxed. So you can take it as a compliment: it's your cat's way of saying that he's happy you're around!

Q: Can dogs and cats see colors?
A: Dogs and cats have rods and cones in their retinas but in a different proportion than in the human retina. Although they can differentiate colors, what they see is likely a more muted version of what we see. Dogs, especially, probably see more shades of gray than they do all of the individual colors. Cats, by the way, can concentrate small amounts of light in their eyes, which allows them to see at night when the rest of us have difficulty. This special talent gives them their extraordinary night hunting vision.

Q: Do dogs eat grass because they need to vomit, or do they vomit simply because they eat grass?
A: The cause and effect relationship in animals of eating grass and then vomiting is often questioned. No one has ever proven that dogs are intelligent enough to use grass as a medicinal herb, so those in the medical profession generally believe that dogs eat grass simply because they like the taste of it and that the vomiting just follows. Therefore, it's unlikely that a dog will eat grass or other plants in the hopes that they will settle its stomach. Be aware, however, that some plants, or grass that has been treated with fertilizer or herbicide, can cause stomach upset or other problems, some of which may be severe.

Q: Is it okay to feed my cat milk?
A: Veterinarians generally do not recommend feeding milk to our feline friends. A cat's digestive system does not digest milk well. Feeding milk to your cat can cause diarrhea, which can lead to further nutritional problems (your cat won't be able to absorb nutrients from his food).

Q: Why is veterinary care for my pet(s) so expensive these days?
A: Relatively speaking, veterinary care is a great deal. The cost of veterinary care has actually risen very little during the last 20 to 30 years. When compared to the rising cost of human health care, pet care is not at all unreasonable. Bear in mind that your veterinarian is not only your pet's general physician, but also its surgeon, radiologist, dentist, dermatologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, psychiatrist, ears/nose/throat doctor, and pharmacist. Your veterinary bill is a reflection of the costs of maintaining suitable facilities, equipment, and support personnel to provide the level of care that is expected in animal medicine today. Remember too that the original cost of the animal has no bearing on the cost of services rendered. Although it may feel as if you are paying more for your pet's health care than your own, chances are that you probably have adequate health care insurance for your own needs. Consequently, you may never see the total bottom-line figure for your own doctor bills. When human health care costs are added up-including insurance, deductibles, and pharmaceutical costs-there is no comparison to the much lower veterinary care costs.