FAQ’s

Q:  Why should I bring my pet in for an annual visit?
A:   Examining your pet annually allows the doctor to track any changes in your pet’s health status.  Each year, the doctor will check such things as the eyes, ears, teeth, skin,  hair coat and weight.  They also check heart and lungs, palpate the abdomen and feel for any abnormal lumps or masses.  Any required vaccinations can also be given at this time.  Based on your pet’s health status and age, the doctor may recommend that certain tests be run such as blood work and/or x-rays.

Q:  We just got a new puppy / kitten.  What do I need to do now?
A:   We recommend that you have your new puppy or kitten examined as soon as possible in order for us to make sure that they are in good health.  At Elkhorn Animal Hospital, we offer free exams to all pets adopted through the Humane Society if they are brought in within 3 days of adoption. 

Kittens and puppies require special care during their early developmental stage, resulting in multiple exams.  Bringing your new pet in regularly will allow us to formulate care for your pet’s specific breed, size and lifestyle.  This includes setting up a schedule for vaccinations, reviewing feeding recommendations, reviewing house training and  discussion regarding heartworm prevention and flea control.  We also talk about spaying or neutering your pet and will try to answer any other questions that you as a new pet owner may have.

Q:  When can my pet be spayed or neutered?
A:  Your pet may be spayed or neutered at about 5 – 6 months of age – after all vaccinations have been given.  Simply call for a pre-operative appointment.

Q:  At what age can my kitten be declawed?
A:  Kittens may be declawed as early as 12 weeks of age.  However, when possible, we suggest waiting and combining this procedure with the spay or neuter at 5 – 6 months of age.

Q:  Why does my pet need to be vaccinated?
A:  There are many serious and fatal diseases of dogs and cats.  Fortunately, we have the ability to prevent several of these through routine vaccination.  Vaccinations are a simple and inexpensive way to protect your pet.  Even indoor pets have the potential to be exposed and need to be kept current on their vaccinations. 

Q:  Why should I have my female dog/cat spayed?
A:  Spaying offers several advantages.  The female’s heat periods result in about two to three weeks of vaginal bleeding.  This can be quite messy if your pet is kept indoors.  Male dogs/cats are attracted from blocks away and seem to come out of the woodwork to find a female in heat.  Your dog will have a heat period about every six months.  A cat’s heat cycle can vary, but may occur several times a year.

Spaying is the removal of the uterus and the ovaries.  Therefore, heat periods no longer occur.  In many cases, despite your best efforts, without spaying your female will become pregnant.  Spaying prevents unplanned pregnancies.

It has been proven that as the female dog gets older, there is a significant incidence of breast cancer and uterine infections if she has not been spayed.  Spaying before she has any heat periods will virtually eliminate the chance of either.  If you do not plan to breed your dog, we strongly recommend that she be spayed before her first heat period.  This can be done between 5 and 6 months of age.

Q:  Why should I have my male dog/cat neutered?
A:   Neutering offers several advantages.  Male dogs and cats are attracted to females in heat and will go to many lengths including climbing over or going through fences to find them.  Male dogs and cats are more aggressive and more likely to fight, especially with other males.  As dogs age, the prostate gland frequently enlarges and causes difficulty urinating and defecating.  Neutering will solve or greatly prevent all of these problems.

Q:  If I choose to breed my female, how old should she be?
A:  If you plan to breed your dog or cat, she should have at least one or two heat periods first.  She will then be more physically mature allowing her to be a better mother.  We do not recommend breeding after five years of age unless she has been bred prior to that.  Having her first litter after five years of age increases the risk of complications during the pregnancy or delivery.  Once your dog/cat has had her last litter, she should be spayed to prevent the reproductive problems older animals have.

Q:  Can you recommend something for pet identification?
A:  At Elkhorn Animal Hospital, we recommend the HomeAgain microchip implant.  This permanent identification is something your pet can never lose, alter or damage.  With a special scanner used by veterinary hospitals, humane societies and animal shelters across the country, your pet’s information is available to a host of support systems that will help them get home again if they are ever lost or stolen.