What are the benefits of fixing my dog or cat?

It is generally best to have your pet spayed/neutered before the end of their first year. Not only does this eliminate the possibility of a surprise pregnancy, fixing your animal will also reduce the risk of breast, prostrate and testicular cancer. Furthermore, neutering male cat and dogs may lessen aggressive behavior and marking.

How do I give medication to an uncooperative cat or dog?

Many medications can be prescribed as a liquid that might make the process easier. If a pill form of the drug is your only option try this. Place one hand on the upper jaw and with your other hand pull the lower jaw down while holding the pill. Put that pill on the base of the tongue as far back as possible and then close your pet’s mouth. Keep their mouth closed until they have swallowed the pill. Should this method not work, we carry “pet pillers” and other products that may be of use.

Why should I vaccinate my animal?

By vaccinating your animals you are protecting both your pet and your family. Young puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable to various infectious diseases. Vaccinations protect them from these threats, as well as protect you from any second-hand exposure (such as rabies).

How do I get my dog licensed?

Most cities require that all dogs are licensed and up to date on their rabies vaccination. Contact your local animal shelter or city office to find more information. For those living in the Dana Point-San Clemente area, our clinic has licensing forms for your connivance.

Why can fleas be such a pain?

No one likes fleas. They, however, can be “persistent” with a single flea laying up to fifty eggs a day. These eggs can be found in pet bedding, carpets, and other areas of your home. This partly explains why it can be extremely difficult to rid a home of these unwanted guests.

What internal parasites is my pet at risk for?

Internal parasites come in many different flavors: heartworm, roundworm, whipworm and tapeworm are the most common. Some parasites are ingested by eating fleas/parasitic eggs (tapeworm, roundworms, whipworm) or passed from mother to pup (roundworm). Heartworms develop when fleas carrying microscopic larvae bite and infect their host. Heartworm especially is important to prevent, because the worms can grow up to ten inches in the heart leading to heart failure, and is very painful to treat. Accordingly, there are many preventative medications on the market to protect pets from these threats.

What household items and plants are dangerous for my pet?

Many innoculous items in the home and garden can actually be dangerous to your pet’s health. Keeping our animals away from cleaners, rodent bait and human medication is an obvious step. Common toxic foods found around the house can be chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and candy. Don’t forget that plants like azalea, daffodils, oleander and sago palms outside can be toxic to dogs and cats as well.

How much should my dog weigh?

Common sense tells us there is no exact number for every animal, but there are consistent guidelines that may help you determine an ideal weight. If you can feel your pets ribs, see a defined waist, and see no sagging stomach or abdomen you are in good shape. If not, this may be a sign that more exercise or a lower calorie plan may be needed.

What is giardia?

Giardia is a parasite that can infect both people and animals. The parasite commonly thrives in sitting pools of water, or in another infected animals stool. Nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps can be signs of this infection.

Why does my pet need his or her teeth cleaned?

Periodontal disease in pets is a common health issue that is often overlooked. No different then ourselves, pets develop tartar and plaque over time that can cause bad breath, inflammation, pockets/cavities, and general pain. In extreme cases, bad bacteria in the mouth can be pushed into the blood stream and detrimentally spread through the organ system. By recommending teeth cleaning, veterinarians seek to promote the entire well-being of your pet.

My dog has pancreatitis. What is that?

The pancreas normally produces enzymes for digestion, and insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the organ that is extremely painful. Vomiting is one of the clearest signs of pancreatitis. While some breeds may be predisposed, ingesting large amounts of fat or an infection may trigger this reaction.