Frequently Asked Questions

The youngest we recommend a dog can be spayed or neutered at is 6 months old.  Cats can be spayed or neutered as young as 8 weeks old.

Vaccines for canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies are considered core vaccines. Non-core vaccines are given depending on the dog's exposure risk. These include vaccines against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria. 

 The four core vaccines for cats are Rabies, FVRCP: Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus/Herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1) Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

 Most veterinary dentists recommend professional teeth cleanings once a year for most breeds, but a few individuals, especially smaller breeds, may need 2 visits per year due to prevent loss of teeth. After a cleaning, your veterinarian can recommend the appropriate cleaning interval for your pet. 

Based on your pet's health, your vet may recommend cat or dog teeth cleanings anywhere from every six months to every two years. 

In general, all dogs should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. Think of it as routine maintenance for your dog. These “wellness exams” give you a chance to track your dog's growth and development, and discuss any concerns with your vet. 

We always recommend giving flea and tick protection year round as the weather is unpredictable. Fleas can live outdoors and can survive in temperatures as low as 33 degrees for up to 5 days (long enough to jump on to your dog/cat or you during your short walk outside and make their way in to your home!). Fleas can infest your home and may take weeks to get rid of. Fleas can also pass intestinal parasites to your pets if ingested. Ticks can pass along tick borne diseases that can lead to many issues and could be life long. 

Dogs or cats fed an appropriate commercial diet should not require vitamin supplements unless recommended otherwise by a veterinarian. Dogs or cats fed a homemade diet, on the other hand, may require supplements to ensure that they are getting enough vitamins with their meals.