FAQ
How do I know if my pet needs to see a doctor?
Why does my pet have to come in annually if she got the 3-year rabies vaccine?
Why can't I just pick up the same medicine that worked last time?
What is a microchip and how does it work?
Why does the hospital require blood testing before procedures requiring anesthesia?
Why do I have to keep my pet's bandage dry and what would happen if it got wet?
Why does a dental prophy (teeth cleaning) cost more for my pet than for myself at my dentist?
Why won't my cat use the litter box?
Why does my dog still have Giardia?
When will my pet have her first heat?
I'm moving-how do I find a new vet?
What about parasites? (Companion Animal Parasite Guidelines)
How do I know if my pet needs to see a doctor?
If your pet has experienced a significant decrease in appetite or activity level, is vomiting, having diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, limping, itching or losing hair, or his eyes look abnormal, he probably should be seen at our Littleton Animal Hospital. Trouble breathing, trauma, bleeding, stumbling, seizing, difficulty delivering puppies or kittens, and many eye problems are emergencies. Sometimes it's hard to tell at home, but don't hesitate to call and talk to one of our nurses or doctors if you aren't sure.
Why does my pet have to come in annually if she got the 3-year rabies vaccine?
Because she still needs an annual examination for the early detection of disease, and other vaccines need to be administered. Only the rabies vaccine is currently documented to protect for three years.
Why can't I just pick up the same medicine that worked last time? It seems like my pet has the same problem he had before.
In many cases, problems that seem the same may not be caused by the same disease. For example, Rover might have an ear infection again, but last time it was caused by bacteria, and this time by yeast, and different medications are indicated. Also, it is illegal for a veterinarian to prescribe medication without seeing the patient to formulate a working diagnosis, and the old medication might be outdated.
What is a microchip and how does it work?
How do those microchips work? The ID microchips are about the size of a rice grain. Implanted painlessly under the pet's skin, they show your pet's personal ID number when he is scanned. This number is linked to your information in a computer database, so that the data can be kept current. All the shelters in the Denver area and many Denver veterinarian clinics have scanners. They would be able to identify your pet and contact you immediately when the pet arrived at the shelter or clinic. This can be especially important if your pet is injured.
Why does the hospital require blood testing before procedures requiring anesthesia?
Pre-anesthetic blood testing allows us to evaluate your pet's basic physiologic condition and will let us know if we need to take extra precautions with your pet. It may indicate that we should avoid a procedure altogether until a discovered problem can be corrected.
Why do I have to keep my pet's bandage dry and what would happen if it got wet?
Bandages serve to keep a wound clean and dry. Moist or dirty wounds are more susceptible to infection, and heal more slowly. If the bandage gets wet, it actually holds moisture against the wound, providing an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria. If a bandage gets wet, you should call us immediately to schedule a bandage change. Remember that the bag we send home to cover the bandage when the patient goes outdoors is for temporary use only-it actually holds paw sweat (pets' feet do sweat) inside the bandage, making it wet.
Why does a dental prophy (teeth cleaning) cost more for my pet than for myself at my dentist?
Dogs and cats require anesthesia in order for your veterinarian to perform dental procedures, which adds to the cost of the overall procedure. Our Denver veterinarian clinic uses the same type of equipment your dentist uses on your teeth for scaling and polishing.
Why won't my cat use the litter box?
There are many different reasons for a cat to stop using the box. A bladder infection should always be ruled out. Other causes include painful crystals or stones in the bladder, and behavioral problems.
What do I do if I think my pet has eaten something poisonous?
Call us right away-many poisons do not show signs immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by us or another poison authority. Other helpful resources include: Poison Control Illinois National Pet Hotline.
Why does my dog still have Giardia?
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that lives deep in folds in your dog's digestive tract. It is thought to be impossible to entirely rid an infected patient of all the organisms (this is true in human medicine as well). When we treat Giardia, we are hoping to lower the number of parasites and decrease the patient's clinical signs. However, flare-ups of the clinical signs (soft stool or diarrhea) will often occur again, especially if the dog is stressed (e.g. boarding).
When will my pet have her first heat?
Most cats and dogs have a first heat period between 6 and 12 months of age. This heat cycle has the most profound influence on increasing her risk of breast cancer. This is why, unless you are planning to breed her, we recommend spaying at six months of age. If she has had a heat period, we recommend waiting 6-8 weeks before scheduling a spay. This allows her reproductive tract to return to it's quiescent condition, making the surgery easier on her.
I'm moving-how do I find a new vet?
Look for an animal hospital accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. This organization has very strict criteria to assure high quality. Also ask to tour the facility, and schedule a wellness check with the veterinarian so you can meet him or her. Be sure to find a new vet you are comfortable with as soon as possible, in case you have an emergency! Request our Littleton animal hospital at no charge to send copies of your record to the new vet, so that your pet's healthcare can be as seamless as possible.
COMPANION ANIMAL PARASITE COUNCIL GUIDELINES
Controlling Internal and External Parasites in U.S. Dogs and Cats Protocol Recommendations
- Administer year-round treatment with broad-spectrum heartworm anthelmintics that have activity against parasites with zoonotic potential.
- Conduct annual physical examination with complete history.
- Conduct periodic (annual is ideal) heartworm infection testing in dogs and periodic testing in cats.
- Conduct fecal examinations two to four times during the first year of life and one to two times per year in adults, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors.
The CAPC is an independent council of U.S. veterinary, governmental and association thought leaders brought together to create guidelines for optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people. These guidelines have been endorsed by the American Animal Hospital Association.
