298 US Route 4, Rutland, Vermont 05701
Telephone: 802.773.7711 Fax: 802.775.1411
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:00am-8:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am-8:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
How old does my pet have to be for a rabies shot?
A: The
doctor normally gives the rabies shot at 4 months of age. We recommend
vaccinating against canine distemper and parvovirus (feline distemper
and feline leukemia).
Q: When does a puppy or kitten start its vaccinations?
A: We recommend starting vaccinations at 6-7 weeks of age. We give
them in a series 3 weeks apart so that your pet will have good immunity. We give Rabies vaccinations at
4 months. Vaccination boosters are done yearly with Rabies being every 3 years
after the initial year booster.
Q:
My cat
stays inside all the time. Why does it need vaccinations?
A: If you ever have a personal emergency where you have to board
your cat or a medical emergency where your cat must be hospitalized, the
unvaccinated cat will be vulnerable to any of the feline diseases. It
may be even more susceptible than other cats since it has never been
exposed to any type of disease. You can also unknowingly bring some
viruses home on your clothing from a stray or other sick cat. It is also
required by state law that all animals be vaccinated against rabies.
Q:
How can I tell if my dog or cat has worms?
A: Certain parasites, such as tapeworms, are visible to the naked
eye, but others must be detected under the microscope. If you will bring
in a stool sample we will be glad to examine it microscopically to see
if your pet has worms.***
Q:
How do I control fleas on my pet? ************
A: With the advancement of flea control like Advantage and
Frontline, fleas are no longer the nuisance they once were for you and
your pet. These are both once per month preventative treatments.
Q:
Are flea collars very effective?
A: No. Since they are placed around the neck of the pet,
they usually cannot kill any fleas which are around the tail of your
pet. The insecticide from flea collars is designed to be absorbed into
the pets blood stream and can be toxic. There are much better forms of
flea control such as Advantage and Frontline. Call us for more
information.
Q:
What are Heartworms and how can I prevent my dog from getting them?
A: Heartworms are parasites transmitted by mosquitoes that live
in the dog's heart. There is a blood test that can test for heartworm.
There is a once a month preventative tablet that can be obtained from
us, called Heartguard, Heartguard plus, Sentinel, or Interceptor.
Q:
How long is a dog or cat in season?
A: A dog is in season (or heat) for about 21 days. The first 10
days include bleeding from the vagina, then your dog is ready to accept
the male. A cat is completely different from a dog. They go in and out
of season all year round until they are either bred or spayed. It always
best to spay your pet if you do not intend to breed her so that she does
not develop breast or uterine cancer.
Q:
Can my female pet be spayed while she is in heat or while she is
pregnant?
A: It is best to wait until a female is out of heat before she is
spayed. During the heat cycle all the blood vessels that lead to the
ovaries and uterus are inflamed and this makes surgery more of a risk to
the dog. Both dogs and cats can be spayed if she is early in pregnancy.
Q:
I've heard that letting my female have a litter makes her a better pet.
Is this true?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. In fact, more heat cycles and pregnancies
increase the chances of mammary tumors later in life. Some pets also
have behavioral changes after having a litter.
Q:
If I neuter my cat, will he stop spraying my furniture?
A: When a cat sprays, he is exhibiting the male tendency to mark
his territory with urine. Neutering decreases his male hormones and
makes him much less likely to exhibit this undesirable trait.
Q:
My dog was accidentally hit by a car but appears fine. Is it okay to
watch him for a while?
A: NO! Many times dogs hide a concussion which can be life
threatening if not treated immediately. Also, dogs and cats can suffer
from a condition called "traumatic lung syndrome" , a condition in which
the lungs can become full of fluid after a sudden blow.
Q:
My cat is going to his litter box a lot and seems uncomfortable. What
does that mean?
A: Cats are very prone to a condition called "feline lower
urinary syndrome". Basically, it is a urinary bladder infection which
can lead to urinary tract obstruction in male cats.
Q:
My dog licks his feet all the time. Why?
A: A dog that licks his feet, rubs his face, or scratches behind
his elbows may be showing signs of an allergy. Dogs can be allergic to
all sorts of things such as house dust, dog food, grass or weeds.
Q:
What is a dog's or cat's normal temperature?
A: Cats and dogs have a higher body temperature than ours, which
is why they sometimes feel "hot" to the touch. Their normal body
temperature is 100 - 102.8 Fahrenheit or 38.5 + or - 1 degree Celsius.
The best way to see if your pet is running a fever is to take his
temperature with a rectal thermometer.
Q:
My dog is "scooting" his behind on the carpet - Does he have worms?
A: He may have worms but that is not why he is "scooting". It is
usually an indication that his anal glands are full and need attention
by a veterinarian. Anal glands are small glands on either side of the
rectum. They contain a fishy smelling substance and before domestication
dogs and cats used them to mark their territory. Pets no longer have
active control of these glands and therefore they can become full and
need emptying. Cats will generally lick their rectal area excessively if
their anal sacs are full.
Q:
What is the best food to feed my dog or cat?
A: We offer high quality dog food at Catamount Pet Supply located
next door to Eastwood Animal Clinic.
Q:
My dog
has been coughing for several days. What should I do?
A: A cough can be caused by a number of things. The doctor should check your dog so we
can determine the cause of the problem and then treat it.
Q:
My pet has licked up some antifreeze. Will this hurt him?
A: Antifreeze is extremely poisonous to dogs and cats. Please
bring him to the clinic immediately for treatment.