Why Does it Cost so Much?
When you get a new puppy or kitten one of your biggest expenses is usually the spay or neuter surgery. (See our post on Spay/Neuter for more detail on what is involved.) Your pet will be evaluated by a vet the morning of the surgery, weighed and sedated with an appropriate pain medication and anesthesia for his age, weight, general health and type of procedure. We will monitor your pet while she is sedated, maintain her body temperature with our warming system, we use a laser for the incision and a technician will remain with your pet until she is awake and breathing on her own. We will then monitor her for the rest of the day and send her home with pain meds for the next morning.
Discount Options
There are spay/neuter clinics in our area that are an option. Many times you will need to bring your pet to a drop off location where he will be picked up and driven to the clinic where the surgery will be performed. These clinics generally do not require the same vaccines that we do, which makes it cheaper to use them, but it also means your pet will be traveling with and spending a day and night around unvaccinated pets. In just the past few weeks we have had to treat several dogs who caught contagious diseases while at the spay/neuter clinic. The owners are responsible for these vet bills, unfortunately. We have also had to treat several pets who have had complications from surgery. These do happen, even when the pet does not have to travel for several hours and spend the night in a strange place, but we treat our surgery patients at no charge. This is not the case for surgeries done elsewhere.
The Big Picture
Before you schedule your pet's surgery, find out what is covered and what your real costs are. Compare the real differences in price, based on what you are actually getting. For the cost of a nice dinner out your pet can have what will hopefully be his only surgery at a local hospital. Here the doctors and technicians know your pet and she will get one-on-one care, backed up by service after the surgery if needed. The high volume clinics are generally subsidized and non-profit. They were started so that low income people could keep their pets from producing more pets and now they are open to everyone. Getting the best care for your pet is probably more affordable than you realize.
Reliable information about caring for your dog or cat.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Flea Control
How can my pet have fleas?
Here in North Carolina we are blessed with mild winters. This also means fleas can generally survive also. In fact, spring and fall can be the worst times because fleas will thrive in that middle ground of temperature and humidity. Strictly indoor pets can also be targets because the crafty flea will hitchhike on an unsuspecting human's pants or shoes and make its way inside for a tasty meal. Long story short, any pet you don't want infested with fleas needs to be on a reliable flea control product year round.
What about the stuff I can get cheap?
There are lots of options in flea control. We sell several brands here in the hospital, more on our website. We have had lots of customers try the cheap versions and they call us asking why their dog still has fleas. (See our blog on Generics) Some of the other products have a spotty safety record. We have seen seizures and vomiting from these products. That's why we don't sell them. We stand behind the products we sell. They are safe and they work. Our staff is well informed and can help you find the right product for your pet and your lifestyle.
How to use flea control correctly
Consistency is the key to controlling fleas. Applying the product every month keeps the flea population from reproducing. Any new fleas that make it into the area are killed and can't make new fleas. If you only use the product when you see fleas you are always behind the curve. If you are seeing fleas, wash all of the pet's bedding in hot water. Vacuum everywhere you can and remove the bag (or empty the canister) immediately and take it to an outdoor trash can. For a bad infestation, you can apply the product every three weeks instead of every month.
Scratch, Scratch
Some dogs have an allergy to flea bites. If they are bitten by even one flea they will scratch themselves raw. If you have a cat in your house, she will be a flea's meal of choice. If you have a dog that goes in and out and a cat that stays in, you should be treating both of them for fleas.
Here in North Carolina we are blessed with mild winters. This also means fleas can generally survive also. In fact, spring and fall can be the worst times because fleas will thrive in that middle ground of temperature and humidity. Strictly indoor pets can also be targets because the crafty flea will hitchhike on an unsuspecting human's pants or shoes and make its way inside for a tasty meal. Long story short, any pet you don't want infested with fleas needs to be on a reliable flea control product year round.
What about the stuff I can get cheap?
There are lots of options in flea control. We sell several brands here in the hospital, more on our website. We have had lots of customers try the cheap versions and they call us asking why their dog still has fleas. (See our blog on Generics) Some of the other products have a spotty safety record. We have seen seizures and vomiting from these products. That's why we don't sell them. We stand behind the products we sell. They are safe and they work. Our staff is well informed and can help you find the right product for your pet and your lifestyle.
How to use flea control correctly
Consistency is the key to controlling fleas. Applying the product every month keeps the flea population from reproducing. Any new fleas that make it into the area are killed and can't make new fleas. If you only use the product when you see fleas you are always behind the curve. If you are seeing fleas, wash all of the pet's bedding in hot water. Vacuum everywhere you can and remove the bag (or empty the canister) immediately and take it to an outdoor trash can. For a bad infestation, you can apply the product every three weeks instead of every month.
Scratch, Scratch
Some dogs have an allergy to flea bites. If they are bitten by even one flea they will scratch themselves raw. If you have a cat in your house, she will be a flea's meal of choice. If you have a dog that goes in and out and a cat that stays in, you should be treating both of them for fleas.
Puppy Vaccines
Why Vaccinate?
Many diseases that can seriously harm your dog or even kill it are preventable with the use of vaccines. Rabies, a neurological disease that can be transmitted to humans, is required by law. All dogs and cats over the age of 4 months must be vaccinated against rabies. Parvo is a virus that can also be vaccinated against. The disease begins with vomiting and diarrhea and can cause death within days if untreated.
When to Start
Puppies get antibodies from their mother to protect them from diseases, assuming the mother has been vaccinated, and they do not start to lose this protection until about six weeks of age. If you vaccinate before this time, you are fighting the maternal antibodies. If you wait much longer, your puppy will be unprotected. Vaccines work by stimulating you puppy's immune system to produce antibodies to the disease, without actually giving him the illness. The distemper/parvo vaccine is given in a series of 3 or 4 vaccines, starting at 6 weeks, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart with the last one when the puppy is at least 16 weeks of age. This sounds very complicated, but don't worry, we'll keep track and let you know when your puppy needs to come in.
Why have your Veterinarian Vaccinate
Rabies vaccines must be given by a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary technician working under the authority of a vet.
Many diseases that can seriously harm your dog or even kill it are preventable with the use of vaccines. Rabies, a neurological disease that can be transmitted to humans, is required by law. All dogs and cats over the age of 4 months must be vaccinated against rabies. Parvo is a virus that can also be vaccinated against. The disease begins with vomiting and diarrhea and can cause death within days if untreated.
When to Start
Puppies get antibodies from their mother to protect them from diseases, assuming the mother has been vaccinated, and they do not start to lose this protection until about six weeks of age. If you vaccinate before this time, you are fighting the maternal antibodies. If you wait much longer, your puppy will be unprotected. Vaccines work by stimulating you puppy's immune system to produce antibodies to the disease, without actually giving him the illness. The distemper/parvo vaccine is given in a series of 3 or 4 vaccines, starting at 6 weeks, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart with the last one when the puppy is at least 16 weeks of age. This sounds very complicated, but don't worry, we'll keep track and let you know when your puppy needs to come in.
Why have your Veterinarian Vaccinate
Rabies vaccines must be given by a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary technician working under the authority of a vet.
When it's Time to Say Goodbye
Euthanasia for Pets
When our pets get old or sick we have the option of deciding to end their lives. It can be heart-wrenching and is never an easy decision. It can also save animals from days or weeks or needless suffering. For each pet owner it is an extremely personal decision based on previous experience, input from the veterinarian and philosophical beliefs. Most pet owners will be offered this option at some point and we want to give you information to make an informed decision. All of us wish that when Fluffy or Spot gets sick, he will just fall asleep one night and not wake the next morning. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
When is the Right Time?
Many factors go into timing. Does the pet have more good days than bad? Is he still eating? Is she able to walk and use the bathroom? Is pain manageable with medication? Are the owners willing and financially able to care for the pet's medical needs? Your vet can give you input into the medical aspects. Each situation is unique. Only you can decide how much care you are able to give and what is right for your family.
Other Decisions
Once you decide it's time to say goodbye, there are a few decisions to be made. Do you want to be present for the euthanasia? It is a very quick procedure and we generally give the pet some medication beforehand so they are sleepy. Once again, a very personal decision. Do you want someone to be with you for the drive back and forth to the office? We are now licensed to do house calls and with a few days notice we can come to you. Do you want to care for the body or do want us to do that? We use a crematory service, and you have the option of getting your pet's ashes back as a memorial.
Final Thoughts
Love your pet. We get dogs and cats knowing that with their shorter life spans we will be saying goodbye to them. The death of a pet is often a child's first experience with grief. The pain will be sharp and raw at first, but like all loss, it will get easier to bear.
When our pets get old or sick we have the option of deciding to end their lives. It can be heart-wrenching and is never an easy decision. It can also save animals from days or weeks or needless suffering. For each pet owner it is an extremely personal decision based on previous experience, input from the veterinarian and philosophical beliefs. Most pet owners will be offered this option at some point and we want to give you information to make an informed decision. All of us wish that when Fluffy or Spot gets sick, he will just fall asleep one night and not wake the next morning. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
When is the Right Time?
Many factors go into timing. Does the pet have more good days than bad? Is he still eating? Is she able to walk and use the bathroom? Is pain manageable with medication? Are the owners willing and financially able to care for the pet's medical needs? Your vet can give you input into the medical aspects. Each situation is unique. Only you can decide how much care you are able to give and what is right for your family.
Other Decisions
Once you decide it's time to say goodbye, there are a few decisions to be made. Do you want to be present for the euthanasia? It is a very quick procedure and we generally give the pet some medication beforehand so they are sleepy. Once again, a very personal decision. Do you want someone to be with you for the drive back and forth to the office? We are now licensed to do house calls and with a few days notice we can come to you. Do you want to care for the body or do want us to do that? We use a crematory service, and you have the option of getting your pet's ashes back as a memorial.
Final Thoughts
Love your pet. We get dogs and cats knowing that with their shorter life spans we will be saying goodbye to them. The death of a pet is often a child's first experience with grief. The pain will be sharp and raw at first, but like all loss, it will get easier to bear.
Warm Winter Means more Pests for Pets
Warm Winter
Our unusually warm winter meant no snow days and also we are expecting a huge increase in fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Without a hard frost to kill off some of the population we are probably in for a bad summer, parasite-wise.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks can be seen by the naked eye and are an obvious parasite. They can be controlled with either a topical preventative or a combination of an oral medication for fleas and a tick collar. We have a variety of products that are safe and effective. A word of caution: Never use a product labeled for dogs on a cat. This can be very dangerous. Also, beware of products that are advertised as "just as good as" something else, but half the price. They have to cut corners somewhere and even if they are using the same active ingredient, the delivery mechanism is probably where they do it. This means that the ingredients in the product that keep the flea killing medication where it is supposed to stay put are not the same. It may kill fleas for a week or two, but then be less effective than you had hoped. See our posts on Flea Control and Generics.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are annoying to humans but they also carry heartworm disease and can be deadly to dogs. A mosquito bites a dog infected with heartworms, picks up the parasite and then spreads it to every other dog it bites. The cycle then continues with every mosquito bite. Heartworm disease has no symptoms in its early stages and is frighteningly expensive to treat. Fortunately we have a preventative. A pill, given once a month. Prevention pills are like birth control pills, not 100% effective, so we do test your dog once a year. The effectiveness is greatly increased if you are vigilant about giving every single pill, on time. If you purchase your heartworm prevention from a veterinarian, or through our website and your dog tests positive the manufacturer will pay for the treatment if you haven't missed any doses. They can't offer this same guarantee if you purchase from other online pharmacies because this is diverted product and they don't know where it came from.
Our unusually warm winter meant no snow days and also we are expecting a huge increase in fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Without a hard frost to kill off some of the population we are probably in for a bad summer, parasite-wise.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks can be seen by the naked eye and are an obvious parasite. They can be controlled with either a topical preventative or a combination of an oral medication for fleas and a tick collar. We have a variety of products that are safe and effective. A word of caution: Never use a product labeled for dogs on a cat. This can be very dangerous. Also, beware of products that are advertised as "just as good as" something else, but half the price. They have to cut corners somewhere and even if they are using the same active ingredient, the delivery mechanism is probably where they do it. This means that the ingredients in the product that keep the flea killing medication where it is supposed to stay put are not the same. It may kill fleas for a week or two, but then be less effective than you had hoped. See our posts on Flea Control and Generics.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are annoying to humans but they also carry heartworm disease and can be deadly to dogs. A mosquito bites a dog infected with heartworms, picks up the parasite and then spreads it to every other dog it bites. The cycle then continues with every mosquito bite. Heartworm disease has no symptoms in its early stages and is frighteningly expensive to treat. Fortunately we have a preventative. A pill, given once a month. Prevention pills are like birth control pills, not 100% effective, so we do test your dog once a year. The effectiveness is greatly increased if you are vigilant about giving every single pill, on time. If you purchase your heartworm prevention from a veterinarian, or through our website and your dog tests positive the manufacturer will pay for the treatment if you haven't missed any doses. They can't offer this same guarantee if you purchase from other online pharmacies because this is diverted product and they don't know where it came from.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Adopting a Pet
Where to Go
There are many options if you are looking for a new pet. Almost every county or city has a pound, there are rescue groups devoted to specific breeds, and local rescues. There are breeders, local, across the country and on the internet. Your first step is to decide what type of pet you are looking for. Do you have it narrowed down to dog or cat? Dogs are generally more social, cats require less work. If you want a dog, think about your lifestyle. Do you go for a jog every day or are you more sedate? Does someone in your home have allergy issues? Are you willing to brush a long haired dog or cat, or would you prefer the easy care of a short hair? Some dogs need to be groomed every few weeks. That is an expense to be considered against the benefit of a dog that sheds less.( No dog doesn't shed at all except a stuffed one.)
I want a puppy!
Puppies are adorable. No question. They are also a huge amount of work. If you are willing and able to devote a large amount of time and effort into house training and basic obedience you will have a dog that you know is trained and socialized. For many households, an older dogs makes more sense. You will know what you are getting, size and temperament wise. Especially these days, many wonderful family pets are being surrendered for economic reasons. There are also dogs with behavior and health issues. Sorting out which is which can be the tricky part. Adopting from a rescue group can take some of the surprise out of the process.
It's easier to adopt a child
Reputable rescue groups generally keep their dogs in foster homes or other closely observed facilities so that they can evaluate the dogs temperament and health before they adopt it out. Bringing a healthy dog up to date on shots and spaying or neutering can easily cost several hundred dollars. If the dog has even a minor sickness, that will increase greatly. Rescue groups do not know you. Their application is the way they try to decide not only if you will take good care of the pet they have loved and cared for but if you are a good fit for this particular dog or cat. Some groups only require that your current pets be up to date on rabies vaccines. Other groups want to see that you have given distemper vaccines and heartworm prevention. Some will want to see the area where your pet will be housed. We have even heard of groups asking for a criminal background check for adopters wanting breeds like Pit Bulls. Decide how much information and effort you are willing to put out for a life-long companion. There are plenty of pets available. Find a group you can work with and keep looking. Your life-long best friend is out there waiting for you.
High or Low Energy
The dog's energy level is probably the single biggest factor in determining whether he will fit in well with a family. Breed plays a part but individual dogs can vary widely, especially mixed breeds. A high energy dog without focused exercise is a timebomb waiting to go off. He will leave a path of destruction behind him and confused owners asking "what happened?" Digging, barking, chewing and aggression are all possible. The same dog, in a family of joggers, will thrive. The owner has a running buddy that never complains and everyone is happy.
Health concerns
Parasites are a major concern with rescue dogs. Intestinal parasites can usually be taken care of with a simple dewormer. Heartworms are another story. You cannot look at a dog and see any sign of heartworms. A blood test is the only way to know if your dog is infected. Treatment can easily cost $600-$800. If you adopt an adult dog that has not been heartworm tested, know that you are taking a very big chance. Puppies should be started on prevention at 8 weeks of age and we recommend testing at 6 months if they have not been on prevention.
Many shelters offer a free vet visit so your new pet can be checked over for any other problems. Even if it's not free, this is a really good idea. Even if you are not willing to return the pet, you should at least know what you are getting into. As usual, you get what you pay for. Shelters are usually the least expensive place to get a dog, and there are lots of great dogs in pounds, but you will know the least about them. Rescue groups have higher adoption fees, but usually you will have the peace of mind of some vet care.
There are many options if you are looking for a new pet. Almost every county or city has a pound, there are rescue groups devoted to specific breeds, and local rescues. There are breeders, local, across the country and on the internet. Your first step is to decide what type of pet you are looking for. Do you have it narrowed down to dog or cat? Dogs are generally more social, cats require less work. If you want a dog, think about your lifestyle. Do you go for a jog every day or are you more sedate? Does someone in your home have allergy issues? Are you willing to brush a long haired dog or cat, or would you prefer the easy care of a short hair? Some dogs need to be groomed every few weeks. That is an expense to be considered against the benefit of a dog that sheds less.( No dog doesn't shed at all except a stuffed one.)
I want a puppy!
Puppies are adorable. No question. They are also a huge amount of work. If you are willing and able to devote a large amount of time and effort into house training and basic obedience you will have a dog that you know is trained and socialized. For many households, an older dogs makes more sense. You will know what you are getting, size and temperament wise. Especially these days, many wonderful family pets are being surrendered for economic reasons. There are also dogs with behavior and health issues. Sorting out which is which can be the tricky part. Adopting from a rescue group can take some of the surprise out of the process.
It's easier to adopt a child
Reputable rescue groups generally keep their dogs in foster homes or other closely observed facilities so that they can evaluate the dogs temperament and health before they adopt it out. Bringing a healthy dog up to date on shots and spaying or neutering can easily cost several hundred dollars. If the dog has even a minor sickness, that will increase greatly. Rescue groups do not know you. Their application is the way they try to decide not only if you will take good care of the pet they have loved and cared for but if you are a good fit for this particular dog or cat. Some groups only require that your current pets be up to date on rabies vaccines. Other groups want to see that you have given distemper vaccines and heartworm prevention. Some will want to see the area where your pet will be housed. We have even heard of groups asking for a criminal background check for adopters wanting breeds like Pit Bulls. Decide how much information and effort you are willing to put out for a life-long companion. There are plenty of pets available. Find a group you can work with and keep looking. Your life-long best friend is out there waiting for you.
High or Low Energy
The dog's energy level is probably the single biggest factor in determining whether he will fit in well with a family. Breed plays a part but individual dogs can vary widely, especially mixed breeds. A high energy dog without focused exercise is a timebomb waiting to go off. He will leave a path of destruction behind him and confused owners asking "what happened?" Digging, barking, chewing and aggression are all possible. The same dog, in a family of joggers, will thrive. The owner has a running buddy that never complains and everyone is happy.
Health concerns
Parasites are a major concern with rescue dogs. Intestinal parasites can usually be taken care of with a simple dewormer. Heartworms are another story. You cannot look at a dog and see any sign of heartworms. A blood test is the only way to know if your dog is infected. Treatment can easily cost $600-$800. If you adopt an adult dog that has not been heartworm tested, know that you are taking a very big chance. Puppies should be started on prevention at 8 weeks of age and we recommend testing at 6 months if they have not been on prevention.
Many shelters offer a free vet visit so your new pet can be checked over for any other problems. Even if it's not free, this is a really good idea. Even if you are not willing to return the pet, you should at least know what you are getting into. As usual, you get what you pay for. Shelters are usually the least expensive place to get a dog, and there are lots of great dogs in pounds, but you will know the least about them. Rescue groups have higher adoption fees, but usually you will have the peace of mind of some vet care.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Spay and Neuter Your Pets
Why Spay and Neuter?
Cards on the table, we believe spayed and neutered dogs and cats are better pets. They have fewer health problems and less behavior issues. Anesthesia is much safer than it used to be and with bloodwork beforehand, there is very little chance of a problem with the surgery. Marking, roaming and the dangers associated are reduced. Twice a year heat cycles, cancers of the reproductive organs, pyometra and not to mention, unwanted puppies and kittens are all avoided.
When to spay or neuter?
Generally between 4 and 6 months is a good time. Your pet will have had all of its puppy vaccines and the liver and kidneys are mature enough to handle the anesthesia. Sexual maturity is very close, so it's a good idea to spay before those behaviors begin. If females are spayed before their first heat, many studies show a reduction in mammary cancer later in life.
What do I do?
Your pet needs to go into surgery on an empty stomach so we will ask you to take up all food and water the night before. If you need to separate the pet having surgery so he can't get into other animals food or water, plan ahead for this. Close the lid on the toilet bowl and make sure all family members know about the instructions.
You'll typically bring your dog or cat to the hospital early in the morning the day of surgery. Technicians will check his weight and temperature and if needed, draw blood to test. The doctor will check his heart and lungs before anesthetizing your pet. He will be completely asleep during the surgery and just like humans, different pets wake up differently from anesthesia. Your pet will be monitored until he is awake and able to maintain a stable body temperature. He will spend the remainder of the day resting in a cage, where he will be safe.
When you take your dog or cat home after surgery, expect them to be sleepy. Make sure they are kept in an area where they can't hurt themselves, a crate or a small room. Don't leave them on a sofa or near a staircase where they can fall.
They generally will not have much of an appetite. You can offer a small amount of water. If that stays down and he seems interested, you can offer a small amount of food. It is completely normal for the pet to not eat at all that night. Some pets eat a little the next day, others are back to normal. Both are perfectly fine.
It will be a stressful day for both of you, but there's a good chance this will be his only major surgery. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and following your veterinarian's instructions will give your pet the best chance of an uneventful day that will improve significantly improve the rest of his life.
Cards on the table, we believe spayed and neutered dogs and cats are better pets. They have fewer health problems and less behavior issues. Anesthesia is much safer than it used to be and with bloodwork beforehand, there is very little chance of a problem with the surgery. Marking, roaming and the dangers associated are reduced. Twice a year heat cycles, cancers of the reproductive organs, pyometra and not to mention, unwanted puppies and kittens are all avoided.
When to spay or neuter?
Generally between 4 and 6 months is a good time. Your pet will have had all of its puppy vaccines and the liver and kidneys are mature enough to handle the anesthesia. Sexual maturity is very close, so it's a good idea to spay before those behaviors begin. If females are spayed before their first heat, many studies show a reduction in mammary cancer later in life.
What do I do?
Your pet needs to go into surgery on an empty stomach so we will ask you to take up all food and water the night before. If you need to separate the pet having surgery so he can't get into other animals food or water, plan ahead for this. Close the lid on the toilet bowl and make sure all family members know about the instructions.
You'll typically bring your dog or cat to the hospital early in the morning the day of surgery. Technicians will check his weight and temperature and if needed, draw blood to test. The doctor will check his heart and lungs before anesthetizing your pet. He will be completely asleep during the surgery and just like humans, different pets wake up differently from anesthesia. Your pet will be monitored until he is awake and able to maintain a stable body temperature. He will spend the remainder of the day resting in a cage, where he will be safe.
When you take your dog or cat home after surgery, expect them to be sleepy. Make sure they are kept in an area where they can't hurt themselves, a crate or a small room. Don't leave them on a sofa or near a staircase where they can fall.
They generally will not have much of an appetite. You can offer a small amount of water. If that stays down and he seems interested, you can offer a small amount of food. It is completely normal for the pet to not eat at all that night. Some pets eat a little the next day, others are back to normal. Both are perfectly fine.
It will be a stressful day for both of you, but there's a good chance this will be his only major surgery. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and following your veterinarian's instructions will give your pet the best chance of an uneventful day that will improve significantly improve the rest of his life.
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