FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to care for a pet with diabetes?
http://www.bddiabetes.com/ca/english/main.aspx?cat=1001&id=1358

24 Pet watch login screen.
http://www.24petwatch.com/Login.aspx

Why is my dog eating feces and what can I do about it?

Typically there is no medical reason as to why dogs eat feces, it is just a bad habit.  If the habit persists you should see your veterinarian. 
To stop the habit you can make sure that there are no feces laying around the yard where your dog can have access to it.  You can also try giving your dog a medication called Forbid which makes the feces taste bitter.  Also, feeding your dog a high quality premium food may satisfy it and he will be less likely to eat other things.

My dog has been vomiting and /or has had diarrhea for the last few days.  What can I do?

If it has been going on for several days you dog is at a risk of suffering dehydration which can be a serious problem, especially for the very young or very old.  It is best to see a veterinarian. 

I have found a baby bird or other wild animal.  What do I do with it? 

Please refer to the Wildlife Rescue link for their recommendations.

My dog is scooting across the floor on his bum.  Why is he doing this?

If your pet has a very full coat of hair check to see that there is no matt of hair and feces under the tail.  If there is, clip the hair away and wash and dry the area. 

If there is no matting or build up of feces then your pet may have another problem.  Dogs and cats have glands called anal glands located just inside the opening to the rectum.  These glands are usually emptied each time the animal has a bowel movement.  Sometimes a gland becomes plugged and, thus, is unable to empty, causing your pet discomfort.  Scooting the bum is an attempt to relieve the pressure. Your pet should be seen by the veterinarian to empty the glands.

My pet has been carrying his leg or limping for several days. 

Without seeing your pet we can only guess at the reason for this problem.  Since this problem has gone on for some time it would be wise to have the problem assessed by a veterinarian.

I have a new puppy or kitten.  What vaccinations does it require and how soon should they be given?

Puppies should get their first vaccination between 6 and 8 weeks of age.  The vaccinations should be boosted at 4 weeks and 8 weeks following the initial vaccination.  The vaccinations given are for Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus.  With the second or third set, Bordetella can be given for a virus called Kennel cough.  With the last set of vaccinations your pet will also receive its Rabies vaccination.  A year from the last set of vaccinations your pet will need to have all the vaccinations boosted.  After these boosters your pet will only require vaccinations every 3 years.  The only exception will be the Bordetella vaccination which will need to be boosted annually as long as your dog is going to be in social situations with other dogs.

If your kitten has left its mother before 9 weeks of age it will require 3 sets of shots 4 weeks apart.  The vaccinations include Feline Rhinotrachetis and Calici-Panleukopenia.  With the last set your kitty will also receive a Rabies vaccination. 

If the kitten does not leave its mother until after 9 weeks of age then only 2 sets of shots are required.  One year after the last set of shots your cat will need to have all the vaccinations boosted.

How old does my cat or dog have to be before it can be spayed or neutered?

Both dogs and cats can be fixed after 5 to 6 months of age.  We do not do surgery on female dogs if they are already in heat but cats can still be done.  Any pet coming for spaying or neutering must be vaccinated.  It is preferred that the vaccination be done prior to surgery but if need be can be done at the same time.  It is wise to plan ahead.
Females will have to stay overnight and go home the next day while males can go home the same day.