Fact or Fiction?

Disclaimer: This site is provided for general information only and does not apply to each specific individual animal. The information on this site is not veterinary advice. Republican Valley Veterinary Clinic and its personnel assume no responsibility for the information on this site or the information obtained through this site or for your use or reliance upon the information. You must verify for yourself through official sources and your further independent research or consultation with a licensed veterinarian whether the information is accurate and current before you rely on it. No veterinarian-client relationship is created by your use of this site or by your sending e-mail to Republican Valley Veterinary Clinic. Judy Mallett Baxter, DVM and Nathan Boyer, DVM are licensed only in the states of Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska. Ron Maifeld, DVM is licensed only in the states of Kansas and Colorado

THE ACTUAL FACTS AND THE FICTION

  • Cats and dogs naturally have bad breath – is not normal. Most of the time a dental appointment will eliminate the problem, but sometimes it can be caused by disease so it is important to visit with your veterinarian.
  • Cats and dogs can heal themselves by licking their injuries – initial licking can clean a wound, but continued licking can actually make it worse. There are remedies to prevent pets from licking.
  • Dental disease can be prevented by feeding dry food and treats – some do help, but this alone is usually not enough to prevent disease. More effective is cleaning by the owner and the veterinarian.
  • Spaying and neutering don’t provide any health benefits – actually these surgeries can prevent or lower the risk of certain diseases like prostate disease and cancer of the breast, ovaries, testicles and uterus.
  • Cats always walk away from a fall – though they have an amazing ability to land on their feet, they can be injured.
  • A cat’s nose is unique – a cat’s nose has a unique ridged pattern similar to a fingerprint.
  • Cats use their whiskers to judge whether they can fit through narrow places – wrong – a cat that is overweight could get stuck.
  • A dog’s cold, wet nose isn’t always a sign of good health nor is a warm, dry nose a sign of illness.
  • Some dominant female dogs raise their leg to urinate – but they don’t raise their leg as high.
  • An old dog can be taught new tricks – of course! It may depend on how complex the trick and some learn faster than others no matter what their age

TRIVIAL FACTS

  • The first domesticated animal is believed to be a dog.
  • Dogs and cats can see color but not all the variations that humans can see and not as vividly.
  • Cats can produce around 100 different sounds; dogs only have about 10 different sounds.
  • Dogs and cats have sweat glands in the pads of their feet.

Traveling with Pets

PLANNING AHEAD

  • Have a pre-trip checkup with your veterinarian
  • Your veterinarian can help you determine if you need additional vaccinations for your trip
  • Be sure to have your veterinarian’s card and phone number in case you have non-emergency questions
  • Be sure to take enough food in case you have problems finding the food your pet is used to
  • Be sure to take enough of any medication your pet requires
  • If your pet is anxious or nervous about about traveling, discuss it with your veterinarian. There are various methods of helping your pet with this problem
  • Be sure your pet has a collar and tags
  • You might consider having a microchip inserted in a very simple procedure and lasts a lifetime

Senior Pets

It is critical, as with humans, to have regular testing and wellness exams so that if there is any “silent” disease, it will be detected early. Many of the most common conditions that affect aging pets are often more treatable if detected early.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

  • Diet – nutritional needs change as pets age.
  • Vaccinations – it is important to vaccinate your pets on the schedule advised by your veterinarian.
  • Dental Care – regular dental checkups are important for your pet’s health.
  • Parasite Control – regular worming for broad-spectrum control should be a high priority for all pets.

IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THESE REPORT, IT TO YOUR VETERINARIAN

  • If your pet is having difficulty going up or down stairs
  • If your pet seems to lose interest in their favorite activities
  • If your pet has any changes in behavior
  • If your pet’s eating habits have changed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When should my dog receive vaccinations?

  • 6 weeks of age – *DHPPC
  • 10 weeks of age – *DHPPC
  • 4 months of age – Rabies
  • 16 months of age – *DHPPC and Rabies booster
  • every year – *DHPPC booster
  • every three years – Rabies booster

* DHPPC – is our abbreviation for a combination shot that covers canine distemper, adenovirus type 2 (hepatitis), parainfluenza, corona and parvovirus.

When should my cat receive vaccinations?

  • 6 weeks of age – * FVP
  • 10 weeks of age – * FVP booster
  • 4 months of age – Rabies and Feline Leukemia
  • 16 months of age – * FVP booster and Rabies booster
  • every year – * FVP booster and Leukemia booster
  • every three years – Rabies booster

* This is our abbreviation for a combination vaccine covering feline rhinotrachetis, calici and panieukopenia.

When is my dog or cat old enough to be spayed or neutered?

As a general rule, a healthy puppy or kitten can be spayed or neutered at 4 months of age or older.

How often should my dog or cat be wormed?

A healthy dog or cat that lives in the country should be wormed every 4 months.

A healthy dog or cat that lives in town should be wormed every 6 months.

Can my dog or cat have allergies and can they be treated?

Yes, your dog or cat can have allergies and they can be treated. Your pet should be examined to verify that the scratching and itchy skin are caused by allergies and not by another condition.