Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cat give you ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin that is contagious to people. It can be contracted from animals, other people, or the soil. It usually is evident by a circular or ring-type sore that is itchy.
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Why can't dogs have chocolate?
Chocolate can be very toxic or poisonous to dogs. There is a chemical in chocolate that can affect the heart and lungs of a dog. Typically the signs of poisoning include panting, weakness, a very rapid heart rate, and even shock. Dark chocolate and baker's chocolate are the most likely to cause problems, but any chocolate is a potential hazard depending on the dog.
When does a dog come into heat?
A dog will begin her heat or estrus cycle at different times depending on the breed but typically it begins between 6 and 8 months of age.
If my dog is an "inside" dog, do I still need to use flea medicine/heartworm medicine?
Depending on where you live, heartworms and fleas can be a year round problem. Heartworms are spread from one dog to another through mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are a year round problem in your area, then heartworm infection must be continued. Fleas are also a year round problem in some areas. Even though your dog may be an "inside" dog, insects can be almost anywhere. Mosquitoes can fly almost anywhere, and fleas can easily be carried into the house and can quickly get out of control.
What is feline leukemia/feline AIDS? Can people catch these illnesses?
Leukemia and Feline AIDS (Immunodeficiency Virus) are viral infections spread from cat to cat through close contact, especially fighting. These viruses affect the immune system, red blood cells, and can lead to some types of cancer. Newly acquired cats, and sick cats should be tested. These viruses have not been shown to infect people, but caution is important. These diseases, and the risks associated, should be discussed with your veterinarian.
When do I start shots on a new puppy?
Puppies' shots are started at 6-8 weeks of age, and are boostered every 3 weeks until the puppy is 4-5 months old.
When do I start shots on a new kitten?
Kittens' shots are started at 6-8 weeks of age, and are boostered every 3 weeks until the kitten is 3-4 months old. The vaccinations your puppy or kitten requires depend on many factors and should be discussed with your veterinarian.
When/why should I spay or neuter my pet?
Usually at 6 months of age. Spaying and neutering helps prevent unplanned litters and overpopulation. It also helps to reduce the chances of some types of cancer (e.g. mammary, prostate). And it also helps to make the dog or cat less driven by hormones, i.e., a better pet.
Can a cat give you ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin that is contagious to people. It can be contracted from animals, other people, or the soil. It usually is evident by a circular or ring-type sore that is itchy.
pet image
Why can't dogs have chocolate?
Chocolate can be very toxic or poisonous to dogs. There is a chemical in chocolate that can affect the heart and lungs of a dog. Typically the signs of poisoning include panting, weakness, a very rapid heart rate, and even shock. Dark chocolate and baker's chocolate are the most likely to cause problems, but any chocolate is a potential hazard depending on the dog.
When does a dog come into heat?
A dog will begin her heat or estrus cycle at different times depending on the breed but typically it begins between 6 and 8 months of age.
If my dog is an "inside" dog, do I still need to use flea medicine/heartworm medicine?
Depending on where you live, heartworms and fleas can be a year round problem. Heartworms are spread from one dog to another through mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are a year round problem in your area, then heartworm infection must be continued. Fleas are also a year round problem in some areas. Even though your dog may be an "inside" dog, insects can be almost anywhere. Mosquitoes can fly almost anywhere, and fleas can easily be carried into the house and can quickly get out of control.
What is feline leukemia/feline AIDS? Can people catch these illnesses?
Leukemia and Feline AIDS (Immunodeficiency Virus) are viral infections spread from cat to cat through close contact, especially fighting. These viruses affect the immune system, red blood cells, and can lead to some types of cancer. Newly acquired cats, and sick cats should be tested. These viruses have not been shown to infect people, but caution is important. These diseases, and the risks associated, should be discussed with your veterinarian.
When do I start shots on a new puppy?
Puppies' shots are started at 6-8 weeks of age, and are boostered every 3 weeks until the puppy is 4-5 months old.
When do I start shots on a new kitten?
Kittens' shots are started at 6-8 weeks of age, and are boostered every 3 weeks until the kitten is 3-4 months old. The vaccinations your puppy or kitten requires depend on many factors and should be discussed with your veterinarian.
When/why should I spay or neuter my pet?
Usually at 6 months of age. Spaying and neutering helps prevent unplanned litters and overpopulation. It also helps to reduce the chances of some types of cancer (e.g. mammary, prostate). And it also helps to make the dog or cat less driven by hormones, i.e., a better pet.