Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dogs and cats, whether female or male should be spayed or neutered by the age of six months. The procedure can be done as early as four months for some animals, but it will depend on your specific pet. There may be some orthopedic (bone and joint) benefit to delaying spaying or neutering in large breeds until they are 12-18 months old. Spaying early in life can prevent objectionable behavior in males and the onset of heat cycles (estrous) in females. Rabbits are generally spayed or neutered at a similar age.

However, the procedure can be done at any age as long as the animal is healthy. So, even if your pet is approaching their first birthday, it’s not too late to spay or neuter them!

Yes, especially if your pet is elderly or has blood in their vomit or stool, or if you believe your pet may have ingested something inedible or toxic.

While young, healthy pets may be able to wait 24 hours before receiving veterinary care for vomiting or diarrhea, we generally recommend they be seen as soon as you suspect there’s a problem. Time is often a crucial factor in successful treatment.

There are many signs your pet may need medical attention. The below signs should alert you to a problem, especially if the signs are severe and/or persistent.

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Excessive thirst
• Changes in appetite or behavior
• Discharge from the nose or eyes
• Labored breathing or coughing
• Lethargy or trouble moving, acting painful
• Refusing food
• Unusual lumps or growths
• Vomiting
• Whining or yelping when moving

In addition, any obvious signs of trauma, such as a deep cut, broken limb, or open wound, should be examined by your vet.

You may leave your pet at our hospital for treatment as a “drop-off” if you need to, however, it is preferred that you stay with your pet during the office visit if possible so that we may discuss any medical issues with you in person.

Vaccinations are essential for stimulating your new puppy or kitten’s immune system and protecting them from serious preventable diseases such as distemper, parvovirus and rabies. Young pets need multiple vaccinations because the response of the immune system is inconsistent when they are immature. Repeating the vaccines frequently ensures that the immune system will be adequately stimulated to produce the proper antibodies in the shortest possible time. Puppies and kittens will need vaccinations every few weeks to start, and periodic booster vaccines as adults to keep them healthy.

Dogs will need vaccines for rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and parainfluenza. Some of these vaccines can be given in a combination shot. Your puppy will need additional doses given every 3 weeks until adulthood (usually 16-18 weeks of age). Boosters are then given at one year of age and every 2-3 years after that for the rest of their life. Rabies vaccination is regulated by state law and the vaccination may be good for 1 year or 3 years depending on your pet’s previous rabies vaccination history.

There are also optional vaccines for your dog, including Bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and influenza vaccines. We can discuss these vaccines with you and whether they would benefit your dog during your appointment.

Cats will need vaccines for rabies, feline calicivirus, feline distemper, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and, depending on the circumstances, feline leukemia virus. Feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia, and feline viral rhinotracheitis can be given as a combination shot called FVRCP.

Vaccines for small animals, such as rabbits and ferrets, will vary. Ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies according to North Carolina law. Rabbits do not require vaccines, but rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) vaccine and Myxomatosis vaccine are available for bunnies.

Animals need to be healthy before they can get vaccinated. If your pet has a heart condition, irregular breathing, or another health issue, it must be addressed before vaccination can occur. An examination allows us to determine if a pet is healthy enough for a vaccine to reduce the chances of side effects and keep your pet safe.

There are many benefits of spaying or neutering your pet!

Spaying or neutering your pet can dramatically reduce or eliminate the risk of certain types of cancers. Neutering your animal can also prevent or reduce aggressive or territorial behavior.

Many people don’t realize that spaying and neutering can also help them have a cleaner house. Female dogs that aren’t spayed will bleed for a week or longer bi-annually, which can cause blood stains on carpets, floors, and bedding. Unneutered male dogs, cats, and rabbits will also pee or spray urine to mark their territory.

Licensure of your pet in Mecklenburg County is also less expensive if your pet is spayed/neutered.

And, of course, spaying or neutering means you’ll just have the animal you brought home—not an unexpected litter of puppies, kittens, or rabbits!

Although veterinarians are familiar with symptoms that could signal potential health problems, we cannot diagnose animals over the phone. A physical exam allows us to take your pet’s heart and respiratory rate, body temperature, and palpate specific areas for signs of pain, discomfort, or irregularities. Observing an animal can also tell us a lot about how they’re feeling, such as the animal’s body language and whether they have visible swelling or lesions. These are things we cannot see and assess over the phone.

Like babies, animals can’t always tell us what’s wrong. Some dogs will whine or yelp if they’re in pain, but some won’t. Cats and small animals such as rabbits can be even more inconspicuous when uncomfortable or in pain.

Even if your pet doesn’t appear ill, an annual exam allows a professional to look them over and ensure they are healthy. It also gives you a chance to talk with us about any questions or concerns you may have about your pet or their behavior.

Boarding can be stressful for dogs, as it involves a change in their routine and environment, and they may experience separation anxiety from being away from their owners. The level of stress varies depending on the dog’s temperament, past experiences, and the boarding facility’s environment.

Some dogs may adjust quickly and enjoy the socialization, while others might find the experience more challenging. Factors like the quality of care, the amount of daily interaction and exercise, and the presence of familiar items (like their bed or toys) can influence their comfort level.

To reduce stress, owners can:
1. Choose a reputable boarding facility that matches their dog’s needs.
2. Visit the facility with their dog beforehand to familiarize them with the environment.
3. Bring items from home to comfort their dog.
4. Ensure their dog is well-socialized and accustomed to being away from them.
5. Consider a trial boarding stay to see how their dog adjusts.

Remember, each dog is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. It’s important to understand your dog’s specific needs and behaviors.

The terms “boarding” and “kennels” are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to slightly different types of accommodations for dogs when their owners are away. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Kennels:
– Kennels typically refer to facilities that provide basic care for pets, including housing, feeding, and exercise.
– They often have multiple dogs housed in individual or shared runs or cages.
– Kennels may offer limited additional services and focus more on the practical aspects of pet care.
– They are generally a more traditional and cost-effective option for pet owners.

Boarding Facilities:
– Boarding facilities can range from basic care similar to kennels to more luxurious “pet hotels.”
– They often provide additional services such as one-on-one playtime, grooming, training, and even webcam access for owners to check in on their pets.
– The environment in boarding facilities can be more home-like, with individual rooms or suites, comfortable bedding, and more personal attention.
– Boarding facilities might cater to specific needs such as anxiety relief, medical care, or special diets.