Frequently Asked Questions About Pets

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I SPAY OR NEUTER MY PET?
It is recommended that a dog or cat be spayed and neutered between the ages of 5-6 months old. We recommend altering your pet between 5-6 months old because they are old enough to undergo anesthesia, and it is usually before they have their first heat cycle for females. It is the best time for them all around.

IS IT BAD TO FEED MY DOG OR CAT PEOPLE FOOD, EVEN IF IT'S JUST A LITTLE BIT?
It is not recommended that you give your dog or cat any people food. Most of the foods humans eat are too rich for your pets to digest. It can cause them to have diarrhea, vomiting, gas, intestinal problems, kidney and liver problems, pancreatitis, along with choking (if a bone or piece of food isn't chewed well or cut right). The pet food companies have made sure that the food they put out is complete with all of the nutrients your pet needs. If you have questions on the type of pet food your pet should be eating, please call us.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY PETS TEETH CLEANED?
It is important to start routine dental preventative care at home with your dog and cat. This includes brushing their teeth, using mouth rinses or using special dental mouth washes that you add to their water for preventative care. Have your veterinarian check your pet's teeth every 6-12 months. If your vet recommends a dental, he will scale up under the gums, polish and give a fluoride treatment to your pet's teeth while they are anesthetized. It is important to take care of your pet's teeth because gingivitis and periodontal disease can develop if the teeth are left untreated. It is possible for an infection to travel through the bloodstream to the liver, kidneys and heart.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASER DECLAWING AND TRADITIONAL DECLAWING OF CATS?
Traditional declawing of cat nails is a procedure in which the cat is completely anesthetized, and the doctor uses a surgical blade and cuts the end of the nail. There can be a lot of blood, the possibility of infection and lots of pain associated with declawing this way. There is also a longer period of recovery for the cat, where it may take weeks or months for a full recovery. Laser declawing is much safer and better for the cat. At Valley Lyons Pet Hospital, we recommend trying Soft Paws first, before declawing. Soft Paws are an alternative to declawing. They are plastic nails that fit over the cat's nail and are glued to the nail. They usually last up to two months and can be reapplied. If your cat doesn't respond well to the Soft Paws or you choose not to use them, we can do a laser declaw for your cat. The laser still cuts at the end of the nail, but it cauterizes as it cuts which means no bleeding, no infections and less pain. The cat also recovers within days and is guaranteed to be nail free for life.  

IS IT IMPORTANT FOR MY PET TO HAVE AN ANNUAL EXAM?
It is important for your pet to be seen on a regular basis. A yearly visit with the vet can help prevent any health issues from going unnoticed. When the vet examines your pet, he is looking at the health of their teeth, ears, skin, eyes, heart, lungs, hearing and sight. He is checking for any lumps and can answer any questions you might have. All pets benefit from preventative health care.

MY PET DRINKS MORE WATER THAN NORMAL - SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
If your pet is drinking more water than normal, he needs to see a vet. This is a common symptom of diabetes, kidney disease, cushings and urinary tract infections. These common ailments can be detected with diagnostic tests such as blood work and urine tests. It can be treated.

WHAT IS LYME DISEASE AND SHOULD I VACCINATE MY DOG FOR IT?
Lyme disease is an illness that affects the joints and muscles of the dog. It can be transmitted to dogs and people. The ticks in this area have been found to carry Lyme disease. It is highly recommended that your pet be vaccinated for this if they go outside. You can also apply Frontline as a preventative for ticks and fleas. Talk to your vet if you have more questions.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF MY DOG EATS CHOCOLATE?
Dogs love chocolate just like people do. But it's not good for them to eat chocolate because there is a component in chocolate called methylxanthine which can be very toxic to your pet. Different types of chocolate have different degrees of cocoa bean in them, which can affect your dog differently. For instance, milk chocolate:
     15 lb. dog can have approximately 1/4 lb. of chocolate.
     30 lb. dog can have approximately 1/2 lb. of chocolate.
     60 lb. dog can have approximately 1 lb. of chocolate. 
Baker chocolate and bitter or dark chocolate is more concentrated and takes very little to poison your pet. If your pet eats any chocolate, call your veterinarian right away. Let them know what type of chocolate it is and how much was eaten. You can also call Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435.

IS IT NORMAL FOR MY DOG OR CAT TO EAT GRASS?
Dogs often eat grass if they have an upset stomach. A little grass eating is okay, but extensive grass eating is not healthy. If your dog or cat is eating excessive amounts of grass, call your vet.

CAN I GIVE MY DOG ASPIRIN?
It is important to have your pet seen for any abnormal behavior they may be displaying, such as limping, not getting up and slow to move. If you are trying to treat arthritis or pain, it is important to consult your vet first. Aspirin can be safely given if your vet recommends it. Do not give pain relievers such as Tylenol and Advil. For answers to further questions, please feel free to call us.

WHY DOES MY PET SCOOT ACROSS THE CARPET?
If your pet is scooting across the floor, this could be due to allergies, external parasites (fleas or ticks), or internal parasites. This behavior could also be a sign of full anal gland sacs. The anal glands are little sacs that are located on the inside of each side of the rectum. The pet secretes a liquid from its anal glands while it defecates. Some pets' anal glands don't secrete completely or at all. That's when they become itchy and painful. Your vet can express the anal glands to relieve your pet of any discomfort. It is important to have the anal glands expressed regularly to prevent an infection. See your vet if your pet is displaying any signs of scooting their bottom across the floor, constant chewing at the base of the tail, or licking their rectum constantly.